Depression

Depression services offered in The Loop, Chicago, IL

Patients living in the fog of depression are often desperate for a way out. Michigan Avenue Primary Care in The Loop of downtown Chicago, Illinois, has a team of compassionate providers who are ready to help. Depression is a very real mental concern that has effective treatments with the support of the right medical team, and that team is at Michigan Avenue Primary Care. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online today. 

What is depression?

Depression is a mental illness that causes changes in mood, thought, and behavior. This goes beyond simply feeling sad or down on occasion. Patients with depression may experience:

  • Intensely negative moods
  • Feeling down for two or more weeks
  • Bad moods or emotions that interfere with the enjoyment of daily life

Patients dealing with these problems should know that depression is treatable, and help is available at Michigan Primary Care.

What causes depression?

Depression is an illness that affects the brain. The simplest explanation is that it occurs due to chemical imbalances in the brain, but that's a bit too simplistic. Some possible causes include:

  • Faulty mood regulation in the brain
  • Genetics
  • Stressful life events that trigger the response
  • Medical problems
  • Medications

When these factors are present, the chemicals in the brain, both inside and outside nerve cells, get out of balance, and depression occurs.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Patients who think they may have depression can find a number of screening tools online or at Michigan Avenue Primary Care. Some of the signs and symptoms to watch for include:

  • Concentration problems
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Lack of libido
  • Overeating
  • Appetite loss
  • Persistent pain or headaches
  • Digestive problems that aren't responding to treatment
  • Persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness
  • Thoughts of suicide

Patients experiencing these symptoms should make an appointment with Michigan Avenue Primary Care. 

How is depression treated?

Depression is a complicated illness, and it affects each patient differently. The millions of chemical reactions necessary to create a mood all impact a patient's depression. To treat the condition, doctors use medications that seek to balance these chemicals, but because of the complex causes, the treatment looks different for each individual. In addition to medication, patients with depression should receive professional counseling. Michigan Avenue Primary Care can provide help through medications and referrals to qualified counselors.

To schedule an appointment with the team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care, call the office or request an appointment online today.