Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting up to 18 million Americans. You can relieve symptoms and improve your outlook and mood with healthy lifestyle changes, counseling, or medication. At CareStop Behavioral Health in Warner Robins, Georgia, Terrill Cooper, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, specializes in diagnosing and treating depression. He uses a patient-centered, culturally sensitive approach that meets each person where they’re at. Call CareStop Behavioral Health to schedule depression treatment, or book your appointment online today. 

What is the difference between depression and sadness?

Many people use the words depression and sadness interchangeably, but they aren’t the same.

Sadness

Sadness is an emotion that is often triggered by grief over a death or another disappointment. It causes you to feel discouraged, downtrodden, or hopeless but typically improves within a few days or weeks.

Depression

Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness or hopelessness. It develops suddenly and may not be triggered by a specific event. Depression isn’t something you can just snap out of. And, without treatment, it increases your risk of more serious health problems. 

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms include:

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Reduced appetite
• Sleep disturbances, like insomnia
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, and making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

As depression worsens, you might experience physical symptoms, like frequent headaches or chronic back pain.

Do I need to see a mental health professional about depression?

Everyone goes through periods of sadness and mourning. It’s part of the human condition. However, if you often feel sad or hopeless and your mood affects your self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life, identifying the cause is essential. Various treatments can help you feel better. 

How is depression diagnosed?

Cooper reviews your medical records and asks about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. Answer his questions honestly and tell him if you drink alcohol, smoke, or use illicit drugs. Dr. Cooper won’t judge you, but your answers provide important insights into your lifestyle and mental health.

Cooper completes a psychiatric exam and may order lab tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and a thyroid panel, to check for underlying medical conditions that can affect your mood and outlook. 

After gathering a complete picture of your symptoms, Cooper compares them to the criteria for depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5). If your symptoms match these criteria, Cooper makes personalized treatment recommendations. 

How is depression treated?

At CareStop Behavioral Health, Cooper treats depression with a holistic and integrative approach. He could suggest:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
• Atypical antidepressants
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medication
• Talk therapy (counseling)
• Stress management activities (for example, meditation and yoga)
• Improved sleep hygiene
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a balanced, healthy diet
• Online depression resources through BetterYOUniversity

At CareStop Behavioral Health, patients drive the treatment process. Cooper encourages you to actively participate in treatment decisions, valuing your voice and opinions at each step of the way.

Cooper treats depression without medication whenever possible. Lifestyle changes, coping strategies, and therapy often make a big difference in symptoms and provide lasting relief. However, if Dr. Cooper determines that medication is necessary, he initiates treatment with the lowest possible dose. Then, he closely monitors your symptoms at regular checkups, watching for potential side effects and adverse reactions.

If you need to take more than one medication for depression, Cooper recommends medication management. Medication management helps you achieve lasting, positive results.

Call CareStop Behavioral Health to schedule a depression consultation, or book your appointment online today.