Depression Resource Guide

Clinic Locations in Boise & Meridian

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Depression

Table of Contents:

What Are the Physical Effects of Depression to the Body?
How Can Depression Cause Physical Symptoms?
How Do You Know If You Have Depression?
Is Depression Linked to Addiction?
Does Depression Go Away?
What Options Are Available For Depression Treatment?
- Professional Care Methods to Managing Depression
- Self Care Methods to Managing Depression
Contact MidValley Healthcare for Help with Depression

What Are The Common Symptoms of Depression?
What Are The Risk Factors of Depression?
What Are The 9 Common Types of Depression?

What Are the Common Symptoms of Depression?

The symptoms of depression can vary based on a variety of factors including age, gender, and experiences. Typically the symptoms of depression are present daily, for the majority of the day, every day, for a long period. Symptoms of depression can include:

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Depression

Being irritable, anxious and quickly angered
Difficulty in making decisions, concentrating and focusing
Negative feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Feeling extremely sad, empty or hopeless
No longer being interested in things you used to enjoy
Issues falling or staying asleep
Feeling tired throughout the day
Changes in appetite (Either an increase or decrease)
Inability to complete everyday tasks without extreme difficulty

What Are The Risk Factors of Depression?

Depression can have a combination of causes or risk factors. Some common causes of depression can include:

Witnessing a stressful event such as declining health or the death of a loved one
Having a chronic illness such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes
Experiencing a traumatic event such as divorce, war, loss of a job, a severe accident or natural disaster
Exposure to reoccurring abuse in a relationship or environment
Genetic predisposition through blood relatives with depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health issues
Abuse of or addiction to drugs and alcohol
Having low self-esteem
Side effects from taking certain types of medications
Brain chemistry and hormones

What Are The 9 Common Types of Depression?

1. Major Depression

Referred to as Clinical Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, this is one of the most common mental disorders experienced by Americans. It is marked by an ongoing, consistent depressed mood that impacts a person’s life from day today. Symptoms are felt nearly every day for two weeks or longer.

2. Persistent Depression

Dysthymia or Persistent Depressive Disorder is characterized by depression that lasts for years and has a major effect on daily life. It is considered not as severe as major depression but it lasts longer and can lead to Major Depressive Disorder. People with Persistent Depressive Disorder feel sadness even during happy occasions and may be labeled as pessimistic though their behavior is due to their disorder.

3. Bipolar Disorder

Formerly known as Manic-Depressive Illness or Manic Depression, Bipolar Disorder is marked by extreme swings in moods, energy, and sleep. People with Bipolar Disorder can have depressive episodes that include thoughts of suicide and feelings of emptiness. These feelings of depression are interrupted by episodes of mania that can last for days which can include racing thoughts and speech, risky behavior, and hallucinations. Symptoms can appear as little as a few times a year or be experienced weekly.

4. Depressive Psychosis / Psychotic Depression

A person with psychotic depression will experience symptoms including hallucinations, delusional ideas, and believe they are seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

5. Perinatal Depression / Postpartum Depression

Following childbirth, many women experience symptoms of depression. The symptoms are attributed to an extreme change in hormones. While this is typical for many new mothers, a percentage will experience more severe symptoms known as postpartum depression (PPD) or more commonly called “baby blues.” Symptoms can occur right after the baby's birth or be delayed for months. Symptoms can be experienced up to the first year of the baby’s life.

6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Known more simply as PMDD, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder affects about 5% of women and is manifested as a pattern of troublesome symptoms that surface 7-10 days before menstruation and then disappear until the next menstrual cycle. In addition to typical depression symptoms, women with PMDD also experience binging, food cravings, panic attacks, cramps, and bloating.

7. Seasonal Depression

Seasonal Depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is triggered by the changing of the seasons. When symptoms are experienced during summer months, it is often referred to as Summer SAD. It may be related to too much sun affecting melatonin production. Seasonal Affective Disorder can also be present in the wintertime due to the weather becoming cold, a reduction of daylight, and feeling isolated inside. This is sometimes referred to as the winter blues.

8. Situational Depression

Situational Depression is developed after the experience of a stressful or traumatic event. It is short-term and can be triggered, for example, by the death of a loved one, moving, or relationship issues.

9. Atypical Depression

With Atypical Depression the symptoms of depression can come and go. Feelings of happiness can be experienced and can come and go. People with Atypical Depression may experience other symptoms in addition to those typically associated with depression including a heaviness in their arms or legs, eating disorders, and sensitivity to rejection and criticism.

What Are the Physical Effects of Depression on the Body?

The effects of depression do not only impact the brain and a person's mood. It is not uncommon for people to also experience the physical effects of major depression on their bodies as well. The most typical physical symptoms correlated with depression include:

Low energy levels and chronic fatigue
Irregularities with sleep including oversleeping and difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia)
Digestive problems including diarrhea, nausea, and constipation
Increased overall body pain and aches including back pain, stomach pain, and muscle pain
Headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness
Decreased or increased appetite that leads to weight gain or loss
Agitation or restlessness
Inflammation
A decreased interest in sex

How Can Depression Cause Physical Symptoms?

People with depression have a decreased amount of serotonin (which is related to happiness) and an increase of cortisol and adrenaline (which are stress hormones released in fight or flight situations).

As a result, their body is in an alarming state which can trigger irritability and mood swings. Overall the body does not work as normal which can lead to a domino effect of issues. A person with major depression may feel like the cycle is impossible to break.

For instance, a person may have trouble sleeping if they are worried and anxious. That can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and disruption of their circadian rhythm. That can, in turn, affect appetite and lead to an array of other health issues including obesity and diabetes.

How Do You Know if You Have Depression?

The first step to getting help is to find out if you have depression. If you’ve read the depression symptoms and risk factors listed above, and feel that many of these apply to you, try filling out and submitting our Depression Test. Once submitted, your information will be reviewed by our experts at MidValley Healthcare to help determine if you are at risk for depression.

Does Depression Go Away?

Unfortunately, Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment. Depression does not go away on its own. The good news is that there are several treatment options available for Depression.

Is Depression Linked to Addiction?

About 20 % of Americans with a mood disorder, such as depression, also have an addiction disorder, and about 20 % of those with an addiction also have an anxiety or mood disorder, the ADAA(Anxiety and Depression Association of America) reports. Studies show that people with depression have lower pain tolerance since their brain is not functioning as normal. That can lead to a cascade of chronic pain issues in which a person may begin to self medicate. Dopamine levels are also found to be reduced in people with chronic depression, so they often increase doses and decrease the time between doses to relieve pain and feel good. In this instance, depression can lead to addiction through self-medication.

What Options Are Available For Depression Treatment?

group therapy for depression in boise meridian

Professional Care Methods to Managing Depression

By beginning the professional treatment of depression as soon as possible, you can increase the chances of a better outcome. At MidValley Healthcare in the Boise area, we believe that no two patients are affected by depression in the same way. That’s why we work with our patients to find the right path for them. We can treat even the most severe cases of depression by using a combination of treatment modalities including:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also referred to as “talk therapy” or “counseling”, is the treatment of a mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means. At MidValley Healthcare we pair counseling with other types of therapy such as individual counseling, group therapy, or/and TMS therapy when treating depression. Adding psychotherapy to a patient’s treatment plan not only adds to their support network but it also gives patients the ability to problem solve in a safe, neutral, non-judgmental environment. In our counseling sessions, patients develop skills such as Mindfulness and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducational therapies refer to the process of teaching people the skills needed to break the cycles of mental health. Our Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) offer several different types of psychoeducational therapies such as Coping, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). You never have too much support in your journey to recovery.

Medication Management

Depression can be debilitating. Medication therapy with antidepressants is a popular treatment choice for those suffering from depression. Antidepressants may not cure depression, but they can reduce your symptoms. When paired with other types of therapy such as counseling, group therapy, or TMS therapy recovery from depression is possible.

Antidepressants relieve depression by affecting certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are all neurotransmitters associated with depression. The effects of each type (class) of antidepressants vary slightly. Therefore, it may take trying a few different ones before the correct one for you is determined.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Over 350 million people in the world suffer from depression and are not getting the treatment they need to maintain daily life. Many people have tried multiple antidepressant medications that have failed. For these adult individuals, NeuroStar® TMS could be a viable solution. It is the #1 TMS choice prescribed by doctors. NeuroStar® is an FDA-cleared, non-drug, non-invasive method for treating depression with no systemic side effects.

TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses targeted magnetic fields to stimulate areas of your brain that are underactive and provide relief from major depressive disorders. TMS is a proven, safe, and effective treatment. A typical course of TMS treatment consists of daily therapies five days a week for four to six weeks. Sessions can be completed in as little as 19 minutes. No anesthesia or sedation is required, and patients are awake during the treatment.

Self Care Methods to Managing Depression

In addition to getting professional care to treat depression, you can practice healthy self-care by:

Maintaining a healthy diet
Exercising
Incorporating meditation into your daily routine
Speaking with someone you trust

Contact MidValley Healthcare for Help with Depression

The ramifications of depression can be debilitating both physically and mentally. If you are concerned about someone you love or feel that you may have depression, MidValley Healthcare can help. We understand that life can be complicated and strive to assist people with getting the help they need to discover a better quality of life.

MidValley Healthcare offers services for behavioral health and related treatments. We can also provide treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for Major Depressive Disorder. Recovery from depression is possible. To make an appointment or learn more, give us a call today at (208) 888-5848 or submit our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing how we can help you find happiness again.

Testimonials

Brittany Stoker

I have been working with Zana for 3 years, I have never had a mental health professional care so much about my wellbeing and making sure my medications are working. If you are struggling- I highly recommend booking an appt with her.

Ashley Scott

Zana Delic is fantastic. She listens, she asks the right questions, and truly makes the appointment feel comfortable. I’d highly recommend her to anyone.

Aron Lupton

I've been seeing my psychiatrist for 6 months now and I feel like they always want to make sure I am happy and healthy.

victoria juarez

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Love Zana Delic! She is so caring and thoughtful and willing to see me ANY time I need her! She treats me with respect and compassion. She deservs so many more stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Jodi Thorne

I’m sorry for the people that can’t pay for services.... their reviews aren’t fair to Midvalley. There are state related programs that are offered for those who have no or little money. You can’t expect to get a hand out when your in crisis. There are hotlines and other resources available 24/7. With that said..... the counseling and medication management I’ve received has been great. The council given by Cathie has been excellent. She listens and suggests things to work on... but you have to put in the work and want to get better. If your willing and ready for treatment, it’s available and they do an awesome job of taking care of their patients. I’ve had to cancel several appointments and even had to cancel an appointment an hour before hand because I was at another appt and couldn’t get there in time. I explained that and they didn’t charge me for the visit. They understand life happens. Give credit where credit is due and be courteous to others with respect and you will be pleasantly surprised that it will go along ways. I recommend this place to anyone who is looking for some help.

scott ehrlichman

Dr Ashye, Thank you. You saved my life. I would be long gone if it were not for your help. I salute you. Thank you for caring. I salute you.

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Address

MidValley Healthcare - Meridian
2321 E Gala St. Ste 3
Meridian, ID 83642

MidValley Healthcare - Boise
303 N. Allumbaugh St. Ste 335
Boise, ID 83704

Contact

Phone: (208) 888-5848