Debunking Depression

02 Nov Debunking Depression

We have all experienced different levels of depression throughout our lifetime, but today we are going to speak about the serious depression and how it should be handled. Depression is a biochemical phenomenon that takes place in the brain, when chemicals deliver messages from nerve cell to nerve cell become depleted. These chemicals are known as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine—and are integrally involved in feeling of emotional wellbeing. During periods of extreme stress, the human brain will experience a drop in one or more of these particularly important neurotransmitting chemicals, causing the individual to feel very depressed. When these phenomena occur, it is not uncommon for the person to be panic stricken and not want to leave the house. Some relate to the inability to eat or sleep, while some others shy away from friends and loved ones. There are also individuals that feel a severe lack of energy, while others say they feel like they are in a fog and cannot think clearly. In some cases, visual changes can occur, and bright lights may seem dim. TRIGGER WARNING: The most serious consequence of severe depression is the contemplation of taking one’s life.

It is imperative that the depressed person seek help from a trained individual to help them understand what is happening to them and how to get the help they need. A trained health care professional will sit and talk with the patient about their life circumstances and possible causes, as well as treatments for their depression. There are several antidepressant medications on the market that will raise the chemical levels in the brain that control our feeling of well-being. There are also nerve-stabilizing medications that can be helpful in stabilizing the brain while the depressed person is in turmoil.

Exercise and diet have been proven effective in the treatment of depression, as are certain vitamins. At Panira Healthcare Clinic, our trained healthcare providers are here to listen, diagnose and treat your depression. The patient will receive ongoing care if necessary and have the appropriate medical testing to rule out other causes of depression such as thyroid disorders or electrolyte imbalances.

Written by Robert J. Kaplan, D.O.