SAYLOR WELLNESS

DEPRESSION

WHAT IS DEPRESSION

Depression is a disorder that involves feelings of sadness lasting for two weeks or longer, often accompanied by a loss of interest in life, hopelessness, and decreased energy. Such distressing feelings can affect one's ability to perform the usual tasks and activities of daily living.

Depression affects the mind, but this doesn't mean "it's all in your head." Depression is a medical illness linked to changes in the biochemistry of the brain.

Depression is not a weakness of character. Being depressed does not mean that a person is inadequate. It means the person has a medical illness that is just as real as diabetes or ulcers. Like other medical disorders, clinical depression should not be ignored or dismissed. A clinically depressed person cannot simply "snap out of it" any more than a person with an ulcer could simply will it away.

Menopause and Depression

It has been reported that declining or fluctuating hormone levels in addition to chronically high levels of stress hormone can all lead to depression. Women are, therefore, especially vulnerable to depression starting during perimenopause and lasting into late menopause.

Frequently hot flashes and depression occurring with estrogen deficiency are treated with Prozac or similar antidepressants. These drugs are used to ease the flushes and depression, but why treat the symptoms when you should be treating the deficiency?

Studies have shown that women developing depression in the first few months of menopause responded by in large to hormone replacement without using antidepressants, so why not give women what they need?

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

  • difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
  • fatigue and decreased energy
  • feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
  • feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
  • insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  • irritability, restlessness
  • loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
  • overeating or appetite loss
  • persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
  • persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
  • thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Are there warning signs of suicide with depression?

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) -- or the deaf hotline at 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).

Warning signs of suicide with depression include:

  • a sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
  • always talking or thinking about death
  • clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
  • having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
  • losing interest in things one used to care about
  • making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
  • putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
  • saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
  • talking about suicide (killing one's self)
  • visiting or calling people one cares about

Remember, if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, either call your local suicide hot line, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Our bio-medical approach can help you alleviate your depression without the need for drugs that are potentially harmful and addictive.  There are many studies that demonstrate that this approach is more effective than antidepressants.  We solve the problem by addressing the underlying hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances.

At Saylor Wellness we use Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) which can help women regain their youthfulness of their 30's.