Depression

If you’ve been struggling with the lingering sadness and low energy that tends to accompany depression, you’re not alone. An estimated 21 million American adults combat depression, and compassionate healthcare providers like Ekop Graham, NP, PMHNP-BC, FNP, and her expert mental health team at Dynmed Primary Care & Wellness in Riverdale, Maryland, work alongside you. They offer personalized treatment to ease your depression and help you find joy again. To get in touch with the team, call the office or reach out online today.

What is depression?

Depression is more than just ongoing sadness; in times of grief, sadness that lasts a while may be a perfectly normal and healthy part of processing loss. If you have depression, you may not be able to pinpoint a specific problem, only a persistent hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed.

Depression is a medical condition that should be taken seriously, but the good news is that the Dynmed Primary Care & Wellness team is here to do just that.

How can I tell if I have depression?

Depression manifests in many ways, and your symptoms may vary from someone else’s. Typical symptoms include:

• Social withdrawal
• Persistent sadness
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite, either undereating or overeating
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling worthless
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Unexplained physical symptoms (e.g., sleep issues, digestive problems, headaches)

You may also be tempted to misuse substances. The team can support you in building healthy habits so you feel better over time.

What causes depression?

There’s no single cause of depression, but it’s generally influenced by one or more of the following:

Environmental factors

Growing up around violence or abuse and lacking social support can increase your risk of depression.

Biological factors

Depression may have a genetic component, so taking good care of your mental health is important if close relatives have depression. This may be due to imbalances in the brain involving neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Medical conditions

If you have a hormonal imbalance or a chronic illness, this can trigger depression or make it worse.

Psychological factors

Going through trauma, chronic stress, and self-esteem issues can increase your risk of depression.

How will my depression be treated?

The Dynmed Primary Care & Wellness team treats you as a whole person, completing a thorough assessment to best understand your needs. Your treatment plan may include a variety of solutions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve your well-being.

If you or someone you love battles depression, reach out to Dynmed Primary Care & Wellness today to get connected with a compassionate provider by phone or online.