When to Seek Medical Help for Depression

Emotions like sadness and anxiety are part of being human. They help us better understand ourselves, facilitate communication, and guide our decision-making. But when negative feelings last for weeks or even months, it may point to an underlying mental health condition like depression.

At Rofé Medical in Boca Raton, Florida, family medicine specialist Sasson Moulavi, MD, and our expert team specialize in mental health care. Let’s take a closer look at depression and when it may warrant professional help.

What is depression?

Depression is a chronic mood disorder characterized by long-term feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities you enjoy. Without treatment, it can also affect your appetite, sleep, memory, and ability to focus.

Depression is different from just “feeling sad or blue.” Everyone feels down occasionally, but depression remains with you through no fault of your own. Thankfully, various treatments can prevent the condition from worsening and improve your mood and outlook.

Signs it’s time to seek help for depression

Emotions are complex. So much so that it can be challenging to know whether how you feel is due to external factors or an underlying medical condition. The following signs indicate that it’s time to seek professional help for depression:

Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness

Traumatic life events, like a loved one’s death or the loss of a job, can make you feel hopeless and alone. But the negative emotions associated with these happenings often resolve with time. Sure, you might feel sad or experience longing for the person who has passed, but it’s also possible to overcome these challenges as the weeks and months go on.

Depression is different in that nothing makes it feel better. Your sadness might be easier to manage some days, but over time, it interferes with normal functioning. Don’t wait to explore treatment if your low mood or other symptoms affect your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or spend time with friends.

Changes in appetite or weight

When you feel sad or hopeless, the last thing you want to do is go grocery shopping or prepare a meal. Depression makes it challenging to perform basic tasks, like brushing your teeth, so food often becomes an afterthought. Not only that, but people with depression often experience anxiety, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal problems like nausea and diarrhea.

Missing a meal here and there won’t kill you, but if the pattern becomes a habit, you won’t get adequate vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Further, eating too much or too little can affect your thinking and ability to concentrate. If you find yourself eating very little — or relying solely on junk food for sustenance — it’s time to call a doctor.

Thinking about self-harm or suicide

Nearly 20% of adults with depression have an increased risk of suicide or self-harm. What you might not know is that most people who have these thoughts desperately want to live, but in the moment, just can’t see a life beyond their problems or feelings. 

Unfortunately, the strong stigma around suicide prevents many depressed people from discussing their emotions with others, exacerbating the issue. If you feel like you want to harm yourself or commit suicide at any time, seek treatment immediately. Help is available. 

The bottom line on depression treatment

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a serious mental health condition with complex, underlying causes. The good news is that effective treatment solutions are available. 

Studies show that between 70-90% of depressed people eventually respond well to treatment. Often, this includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, talk therapy (i.e., counseling, psychotherapy), and prescription medication.

If you’re suffering from depression, our team at Rofé Medical can help. Call 561-849-3000 to reach our office in Boca Raton, Florida, today, or click online to schedule an appointment with our wellness team at your convenience.