Depression

If you’re constantly feeling down, you’re not alone, as nearly 20% of adults in the United States struggle with depression, a common mental health condition. At Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts, board-certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Broderick Logan, FNP, diagnoses and treats depression to optimize your mood and quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health concern that affects your mood. It’s characterized by ongoing or severe sadness that negatively impacts your daily life. While common, depression is something you don’t have to live with and can be dangerous in some cases. Seek treatment at Broderick Healthcare at the first sign of a problem.

Which symptoms can depression cause?

Depression can lead to:

• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Loss of interest in once-favored activities
• Anxiousness
• Feeling very sad
• Irritability or frustration
• Appetite and weight changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Physical aches and pains
• Thoughts of suicide

Symptoms of depression and their severity vary from person to person, but seeking help can restore your mood and quality of life.

What are the risk factors for depression?

Depression risk factors include:

• Chronic diseases
• Ongoing pain
• Brain chemistry changes
• Family history of depression or anxiety
• Ongoing stress
• Traumatic life experiences
• Loss of a loved one/grief
• Job loss and financial challenges
• Divorce or breakup
• Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions
• Some medications

Kathleen helps pinpoint potential causes of depression to create an effective treatment plan.

How is depression diagnosed?

At Broderick Healthcare, Kathleen diagnoses depression by completing a psychiatric mental health evaluation. She asks questions about your lifestyle, thoughts, moods, emotions, and behaviors to determine if you have depression, anxiety, or a similar mental health concern.

How is depression treated?

Kathleen may suggest you make lifestyle changes, such as improvements in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management (consider acupuncture, meditation, yoga, massage, biofeedback, etc.). Avoid alcohol and smoking and spend time with family and friends.

You might be a candidate for medications, vitamin injections, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or other forms of psychotherapy to learn ways to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors.

Follow up with Kathleen for ongoing medication management and ensure your treatment plan is effective. Up to 90% of people diagnosed with depression respond well to treatment. Kathleen can make changes to your treatment plan whenever needed to maximize its outcome.

Schedule a depression evaluation at Broderick Healthcare by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.