Help for Depression

Feeling sad every now and then is common. In fact, everyone feels sad, as it is one of the 6 basic emotions of humans. But when feelings of sadness create an obvious and sustained physical and emotional change, it might be depression.

Major Depressive Disorder, or simply Depression, is a mental health disorder that’s common and serious. In fact, about 264 million people all over the world suffer from depression. One in every 15 people suffer from this medical condition at any given time, and about 1 in every 6 people will have a depressive episode at one point in their life.

However, there are many misconceptions when it comes to depression. People will often say they feel depressed when they lose their job, when they break up with their romantic partner, or when they lose a loved one through death. While feeling sad is completely normal – and even expected, when negative events occur in our lives, when the feeling of sadness becomes persistent and affects your daily routines, your work, or your relationships, then it becomes a problem worth seeking treatment for.

Depression is a medical illness described by feelings of sadness that last for more than two weeks, and represent changes in your level of functioning. It does not result from one single event, but can be caused by a myriad of issues. Some of these include genetics, environmental factors, staying in an abusive relationship, prolonged exposure to isolation, brain chemistry, and traumatic experiences.

It can be difficult to tell if you or someone you know has depression, since being sad, feeling low, and not having the energy to do things can sometimes afflict anyone at any given time. To help you understand the signs of depression, here are some symptoms to watch out for: persistent feelings of sadness and low self-esteem, loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, changes in appetite, either eating too much or eating less (with physical changes in the body), not sleeping or sleeping too much, feeling exhausted without added physical activity, withdrawing from family and friends, the inability to take care of one’s basic hygiene, missing out on work or school, and thoughts of death or suicide.

While depression can occur at any age, the average onset of depression is from late teens to late 20s. Women are also more prone to depression than men. Some personalities are also more prone to depression, such as those that have low self-esteem or those that have melancholic personalities.

The good news is that depression can be managed and treated. With the right diagnosis, help, and treatment, individuals who are suffering from depression can move forward and enjoy a normal and fulling life. They can get back to their normal selves once again, enjoying long-term relationships, succeeding at their careers, and feeling joy and happiness.

The earlier you seek help, the better. At Empire Psychiatry, we specialize in all kinds of depression, helping you get back your life on track and overcome depression. We are a group of psychiatric professionals with a commitment to help individuals and families manage mental health issues and disorders, so you can finally live the life that you deserve.

We offer comprehensive care, professional services, and we accept all kinds of insurance. We serve clients in Long Island, in the New York City areas, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Call us at 516-900-7646 for an initial consultation, and we will be more than happy to help you or your loved one overcome depression.