Browse Depression

Depression is a common and serious medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch; it is a persistent condition that requires understanding and treatment. Depression can occur at any age, but it often begins in adulthood. It is now recognized as occurring in children and adolescents, although it sometimes presents with more prominent irritability than low mood. Many chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in children.

Causes of Depression

Depression can result from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. It can be triggered by stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one, unemployment, or trauma. However, depression can also occur without any obvious external causes.

Biological Factors

• Genetics: Depression can run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, no single gene has been identified as the cause.
• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that affect mood, can play a significant role in depression.
• Hormonal Changes: Changes in the body’s balance of hormones may be involved in triggering or causing depression.

Psychological and Environmental Factors

• Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
• Environmental Factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Increase in purposeless physical activity or slowed movements and speech
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment of Depression

Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

Medications

Medications can help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress. Several types of antidepressants are available, including:

• Bupropion SR
• Bupropion XL
• Wellbutrin XL

These medications are available for purchase through our pharmacy, providing a convenient option for those seeking treatment.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is sometimes used alone for treatment of mild depression; for moderate to severe depression, psychotherapy is often used in along with antidepressant medications.

Other Treatments

For individuals who do not respond to medication or psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies may be options to explore.

Prevention of Depression

While depression may not be entirely preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Take steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and boost your self-esteem.
• Reach out to family and friends, especially in times of crisis, to help you weather rough spells.
• Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening.
• Consider getting long-term maintenance treatment to help prevent a relapse of symptoms.

Understanding depression is the first step towards managing it effectively. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek professional help. Our pharmacy offers a range of medications that can aid in the treatment of depression, providing a pathway to recovery and improved quality of life.