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Could You Have Depression and Not Know It?

Jun 02, 2023
Could You Have Depression and Not Know It?
Depression affects millions of adults in the United States every year. Could the problems you’ve been experiencing actually be symptoms of depression? Read to learn more about symptoms of and treatments for depression.

Psychological depression is a more common condition than you might realize. Research shows that an estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020. Could depression be affecting you right now?

In some cases, when depression becomes an issue, you’re aware that you’re depressed, and can seek treatment to re-balance your mental health. However, the symptoms of depression can be complex, confusing you about what’s actually going on with your health and wellness.

For example, if your major depression symptoms are digestive or sleep-related, it could be a challenge to understand the mental health condition that’s the real cause of the problem. At VIP Integrative Health Care, LLC, our holistic approach helps our new and existing patients learn more about the root causes of their disruptive physical and mental health symptoms.

Under the leadership of board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner Martine Senatus, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, our team supports patients with depression from our location in West Palm Beach, Florida.

If you see your experiences reflected in the information below on common, and less common, symptoms of depression, get in touch with the team at VIP Integrative Health Care, LLC for treatment and support.

Common, and less common, symptoms of depression

Depression doesn’t just affect your mental health. That’s why some individuals can be depressed without realizing it. Here are some symptoms of depression that you should know more about. How many symptoms of depression on this list negatively affect you?

  • Mood- and emotion-related symptoms include low mood, feelings of low self-worth, and feelings of shame and self-doubt
  • Appetite-related symptoms can include both loss of appetite and atypical overeating
  • Digestive symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation
  • Sleep-related symptoms include insomnia, chronic fatigue, and over- or under-sleeping
  • Energy-related symptoms include restlessness and irritability
  • Cognition-related symptoms include brain fog, trouble concentrating, and poor memory

Depression can also result in suicidal thoughts or feelings. If you or a loved one need suicide crisis support, contact the 24-hour free 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

As you can see from this list, the symptoms of depression can affect every part of your life, often in confusing ways. If you think depression could be causing your symptoms, reach out for professional psychiatry support.

Addressing your depression

Once you have a diagnosis for depression, you can more effectively find treatments that really work to address your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Talk to the team at VIP Integrative Health Care, LLC about your symptoms and diagnosis, and learn more about the right treatment plan for you. Your treatment for depression could include:

  • Psychotherapy, involving talking with an experienced counselor about your mental health, emotions, concerns, goals, and more in a safe and supportive environment
  • Medication management with drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to change mental activity in your brain
  • Ketamine therapy for patients with treatment-resistant depression

Your provider at VIP Integrative Health Care, LLC can also advise you on handling depression-related health issues like digestive discomfort or sleep irregularity.

For the support you need to reclaim your full quality of life from depression, contact the team at VIP Integrative Health Care, LLC today. Schedule your in-person or telemedicine appointment online or over the phone now.