Depression
Sadness vs Clinical Depression
Is it depression or clinical depression? How do you know? Everyone at some point in life has experienced sadness or feeling lonely. These are all normal reactions to events in our lives such as loss or hardship. But when these feelings persist for long periods of time, become overwhelming or involve physical symptoms, they can keep you from leading a full and active life. That's when it's time to seek medical help as you may be suffering from Clinical Depression.
Where do you start? Contacting a Psychiatrist is a good way to get started. This type of specially trained medical doctor can perform a thorough evaluation for depression and possibley other co-occurring disorders by considering various treatments methods.
Clinical or major depression symptoms may worsen and last for months or sometimes even years if left untreated. This can lead to suffering and possibly suicide. One of the biggest hurdles to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression is recognizing the symptoms of the illness. Only about half the people who experience clinical or major depression will get diagnosed or treated for their illness.
Clinical or major depression can be a life threatening illness. More than one out of every 10 people battling depression commits suicide.
Common Symptoms of Clinical or Major Depression:
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details
- Irritability, restlessness
- Fatigue, loss of energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feeling hopeless or pessimismistic
- Persistent sadness and anxiety
- Lack of interest in hobbies
- Suicidal thoughts
- Poor sleeping patterns including excessive sleeping
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
Revolutionary new treatment for depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS therapy, also known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation provides proven results in as little as a few weeks of regular treatment for major depressive disorder. With few exceptions, this form of treatment can only be prescribed by a practicing Psychiatrist. This FDA approved, noninvasive, and non-medication approach to treating clinical depression has been successfully administered for many years but has only been recently approved by most major commercial insurance carriers.
FDA approved in 2008, TMS therapy is effective, safe and has virtually no side effects or minimal side-effects. Thousands of patients worldwide have been helped by this innovated treatment. TMS is especially helpful for those who have not found relief from antidepressant medications and offers many therapeutic advantages over traditional treatment plans.