Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, but it’s often misconstrued as simply being sad. It’s a complex medical condition affected by multiple factors, including psychological, genetic, biological, and environmental triggers.
Our expert team at ReNew Wellness in Gilbert, Arizona, understands that not everyone knows all there is to know about depression and offers the following five things you may not be aware of.
1. Chronic pain can be a symptom of depression
When your mind is in a bad place, it can seriously affect your physical body. Depression can manifest in chronic pain, including headaches, general body aches and pain, and stomach
problems.
People suffering from depression can also be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, arthritis, chronic inflammation, and diabetes.
2. Depression makes it difficult to think
When you’re suffering from depression, it can be challenging to think, and your brain may even begin to play tricks on you. It may try to make things seem worse and cause lapses in judgment. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call someone immediately.
3. Exercise can help improve depression symptoms
One of the most common recommendations for someone suffering from depression is to exercise outside. It doesn’t have to be intense; even a short walk can significantly help your mental health.
4. Depression often coexists with anxiety
Many different conditions can coexist, and depression and anxiety are two of those. People suffering from depression are at an increased risk of anxiety and often don’t even realize they have it, as the depression drowns out the other condition’s symptoms.
Women are at higher risk of developing anxiety alongside depression, and it’s important to look for symptoms that may be present.
5. Trying more than one antidepressant is common
When seeking aid for depression, it’s common to try more than one antidepressant before finding what works best for you. There are many different reasons an antidepressant may not work, and it’s important not to give up on treatment because of that.
If antidepressants don’t seem to be working for you, ketamine infusions are an option that can help improve your mental health. These infusions are given in small dose IV shots while being monitored by a medical professional. Our team offers ketamine infusions to help with mental illnesses and chronic pain.
To start your journey toward happiness, contact us today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.