Angel lopez, psy

Angel Lopez, Psy.D., Inc.
Psychological / Mental Health Services
2250 Satellite Blvd., Suite 175, Duluth, GA, 30097 Office: (770) 232-0555; Fax: (770) 232-0640 Sara Boucchechter, Psy.D. Alexandra Mena Phipps, Ph.D. Alejandro Navarrete-Aguilar, M.A., LPC Licensed Clinical Psychologist Licensed Psychologist Licensed Professional Counselor WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression is an emotional mood state that includes a profound feeling of sadness and lack of interest that may affect every
area of your life. If untreated, depression has the potential to become a debilitating mental illness affecting your thoughts,
behavior, feelings and physical health. Depression is one of the emotional problems that is least understood, therefore, it
goes untreated. Almost every individual, at any point in his/her life, experience feelings of depression.
However, there is a difference between a sad and anxious moment and what mental health processionals call clinical
depression. Too many people with depression are afraid of seeking help. This is probably due to myths about mental
health such as the idea that anyone who seeks psychological or psychiatric help is "crazy." This idea keeps many people,
especially Hispanics from seeking professional help.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?
 Feeling depressed most of the time. Sadness.
 Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed
 Weight loss or weight gain
 Insomnia or hypersomnia
 Desperation
 Restlessness
 Lack of energy or fatigue
 Worthlessness
 Lack of concentration
 Suicidal thoughts
 Lack of appetite
 Homelessness
 Irritability
It is normal to feel sad after losing a love one, a divorce or the loss of a job. Many people feel sad, rage, and anxiety when events like this occur in their lives. Even though people who experience these events may get depressed, most of the symptoms experienced under these circumstances are normal. This situational depression for the most part is related to a specific event and the symptoms will disappear within six to eight months after onset.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF DEPRESSION?
Chronic depression also known as clinical depression is caused by a depletion of certain brain chemicals known as serotonin
and norepinephrine. A depletion of these substances may contribute to disturbances in the person's mood and thinking
process. Certain physical illnesses may also cause or contribute to depression. For example, hypothyroidism, diabetes,
cancer, AIDS, brain injuries, hormonal changes, and cardiovascular problems may also cause depression
TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION
Medications and Psychotherapy:
Antidepressive medications are used to increase the level of these neurotransmitters and reestablish balance to the brain.
Research shows that a combination of talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication is the best treatment for depression
and other mood disorders. Some of the most popular medications use to treat depression include: Prozac, Paxil, Effexor,
Buspar, Celexa, Zoloft, Trazodone, and Wellbutrin among others. Some people with mild depression use vitamins such as
St. John Wort. Always consult with your doctor before using vitamins to treat your depression.
WHERE TO GET HELP?
Depression can be treated. If you or someone that you know suffer from depression, call your local mental heath center or a
mental health professional in your community.

Source: http://www.angellopezclinic.com/Docs/Depression-_reading_for_information.291135047.pdf