Depression

Depression is a severe mood disorder affecting people of all ages, including adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors. At Psychiatric and Wellness Connect LLC, a telehealth-based psychiatric and mental health practice in Lawrenceville, Georgia, psychiatric nurse practitioner Deborah Obinwa, NP, provides compassionate and personalized care for depression through a remote and secure connection. Telehealth platforms can provide patients with the mental health care they need when it’s needed most. Call to schedule a virtual visit or request an appointment online, which is fast and easy.

What should I know about depression? 

It’s not unusual to feel down from time to time. If you feel sad all day every day for two or more weeks, you may be experiencing depression. This mental illness affects feelings and thinking, making it difficult to handle day-to-day activities.

While the cause of depression is unknown, researchers believe the condition develops from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. People can experience depression at any age, but it’s more common in adults.

Are there different types of depression?

Types of depression include:

Major depressive disorder

MDD is a persistently low mood that generally lasts two or more weeks. It can significantly affect a person’s routine and daily activities.

Seasonal affective disorder

SAD is a type of depression that shows up during the times of the year when there’s less sunlight, usually in the fall. This lifts as the sun shines more, as in spring and summer.

Persistent depressive disorder 

PDD is a chronic and often mild depression that lasts two or more years.

Perinatal depression 

Also called postpartum depression, this type affects women during and after pregnancy. 

Psychotic depression 

This type is a severe depression during which the person experiences hallucinations and delusions. 

Manic depression

People with bipolar disorder suffer mood episodes that fluctuate between mania (feeling very happy) and depression.

Other conditions

It’s not unusual for depression to be accompanied by other mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance use disorder (SUD). People may also experience depression with chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

What are some signs of depression?

A persistent low mood is the primary symptom of depression. Additional signs and symptoms include:

• Lack of energy
• General low mood
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Disinterest in activities you usually enjoy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite

Depression can also cause thoughts of death or suicide. If you or someone you know is thinking about harming themselves or someone else or is at risk for suicide, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital*

What are some treatments for depression?

Deborah takes a traditional, evidence-based approach to depression. Your individualized treatment plan may include medication management and lifestyle changes.

Call Psychiatric and Wellness Connect LLC to schedule a virtual visit. Or request an online appointment to receive the high-quality care and treatment you deserve.