At Northwest Psychiatry, Dr. Arvinder Walia and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Wendy Lowry and Mallori Hernandez have helped many Austin, TX, residents manage their depression. Unfortunately, treatment can’t start unless people are willing to reach out for help. Even more challenging, this concern can have multiple triggers or causes that make it harder to diagnose. Understanding these common factors can ensure that you contact Northwest Psychiatry if you experience any depressive symptoms.
Traumatic Incidents
Have you recently experienced a traumatic incident, such as the death of a loved one? Traumatic events often cause depressive symptoms, such as extreme grief, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, and struggles connecting with others. Often, post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD contributes to these feelings and can worsen your symptom intensity.
Genetic Predisposition
Many mental health conditions can be passed down between family members. For example, if your mother or father were continually depressed, they may pass these feelings down to you. In some cases, depressive behaviors are learned from parents, such as extreme anxiety. Some people may not develop these symptoms until they reach their teen years or adulthood.
Hormonal Changes
As we age, our bodies go through many hormonal changes. For example, teens often develop depression in Austin, TX, when they reach puberty due to mood and behavioral changes. However, even older adults experience hormonal changes that may affect their mood. Women going through menopause or who have just delivered a child may develop extreme symptoms.
Illness and Disease
Conditions such as thyroid disorders, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, vitamin deficiencies, immune system disorders, cancer, erectile dysfunction, and head injuries can all cause depressive symptoms. Some people may experience these symptoms when gaining or losing weight, after severe injuries, and even after a painful and dangerous car crash.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Unfortunately, people who abuse drugs (like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or alcohol) may experience severe depressive symptoms. However, this is a chicken-and-the-egg situation: sometimes, negative emotions trigger substance abuse rather than vice versa.
Seasonal Changes
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs in the fall and winter due to shorter days and less sunlight. Often, it develops in people due to lower vitamin D levels due to decreased UV ray exposure. Thankfully, many people lose their symptoms in the summer and feel better. Those who do not should talk with their mental health provider right away.
Getting Help With This Complex Issue
Are you struggling with depression in Austin, TX, and aren’t sure where to turn? We at Northwest Psychiatry are here to help. Dr. Arvinder Walia and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Wendy Lowry and Mallori Hernandez have many years of experience and the compassion necessary to help you manage your symptoms. Please call us at (512) 342-7979, and for an after-hours emergency, call (512) 467-5338 to set up an appointment to learn more about this complex mental health condition.