Depression 101
Clinical depression: Also known as major depression, this serious mood disorder is characterized by symptoms of depression lasting two or more weeks.
Perinatal depression: This group consists of two pregnancy-related depressive disorders that can occur during pregnancy (prenatal depression) or after giving birth (postpartum depression).
Persistent depressive disorder: This form of depression is characterized by symptoms that are less severe than clinical depression but last for two years or longer.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): This form of depression occurs in accordance with the seasons. For many people, symptoms start in late fall and last until spring. However, some people experience SAD in seasons other than winter.
Signs of Depression
Depression is a dangerous mental illness with symptoms that can creep up on you. It can interfere with your work life, increase your risk of physical conditions like high blood pressure, and damage your relationships with others. Left untreated, depression can also increase your risk of alcohol use, engaging in dangerous behaviors, and suicide.
Knowing what to look for can help you recognize when it’s time to seek professional help. Depression is much more than fleeting sadness. It’s marked by troubling, persistent symptoms that last for two weeks or longer, such as:
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Increased restlessness and irritability
Loss of interest in activities
Feelings of guilt, helplessness, or uselessness (low self-worth)
Fatigue and loss of energy
Trouble concentrating and making decisions
Interrupted sleep patterns and changes in appetite
Physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, and muscle aches with no known cause
Thoughts of dying, death, or harming yourself
Finding Hope: Depression Treatment in Saratoga Springs, NY
No two people experience depression in exactly the same way. That’s why it’s so essential to turn to experienced professionals for mental health assessments and a prompt diagnosis. The faster you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you will see a glimmer of hope. Treatment options are as varied as people are unique.
We will perform a thorough assessment and educate you on all your options after a depression diagnosis. Our team walks alongside our patients every step of the way to find what works best. If medication and conventional treatments fail, we can offer alternatives. Dr. Manuel Astruc will work with you to find the treatment that best meets your unique needs.
For example, we are the only transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) provider in Saratoga Springs, NY. This innovative, noninvasive treatment uses magnetic pulses to target and stimulate key areas of the brain for a drug-free option. TMS is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, a type of depression that fails to respond to two or more antidepressants.
Rediscover Your Joy and Find Your Way Back to You
Depression is a national crisis and can have a significant effect on your life, but you don’t have to suffer and struggle on your own. We’re here to help. Contact Manuel Astruc, M.D. and Associates today at (518) 241-5864.