Depression

About 1 in 10 people in the United States reports having depression, which can become devastating when not addressed. At JEKS Healthcare Clinic in Abilene, Texas, experienced family nurse practitioner Erik Hargett, FNP, and his team provide compassionate mental health services for depression, anxiety, and other common concerns. Schedule an in-office, telehealth, or home-based visit with JEKS Healthcare Clinic by phone or online today.

What is depression?

Depression is a medical condition that affects your mood, causing constant or extreme sadness and hopelessness. 

It’s common in certain situations, such as losing a loved one, but is dangerous in some cases and can diminish your grades at school, workplace performance, or personal life. Seek help at the first sign of depression to rediscover joy and restore your quality of life.

Which symptoms can depression cause?

The symptoms of depression may include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain or loss
• Ongoing sadness
• Extreme sad feelings
• Anxiety
• Feeling lost, helpless, hopeless, or worthless
• Loss of interest in your favorite things
• Social isolation 
• Thoughts of suicide
• Substance misuse
• Difficulty sleeping

Simple treatments can restore your mood; don't hesitate to seek help if simply getting out of bed every day feels daunting. 

What may increase my risk of depression?

The cause isn't always known, but things that may increase your risk of depression include:

• Loss of a loved one
• Stress
• Family history of mental health disorders
• Job loss
• Divorce or breakup
• Having few social interactions
• Being lonely
• Anxiety or other mental health challenges
• History of abuse or other traumatic life events
• Certain personality traits
• Carrying excess weight
• Having a chronic disease
• Financial struggles
• Substance misuse

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and having a strong social support network may decrease the chance of depression. 

How does my provider diagnose and treat depression?

Diagnosing depression at JEKS Healthcare Clinic in Abilene, Texas, involves a psychiatric evaluation. 

Your specialist assesses your emotions, mood, behaviors, medical history, medications, and more. They determine if you have depression, anxiety, or a combination of mental health concerns.

Treating depression may be as simple as making healthy lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing therapy. 

The JEKS Healthcare Clinic team can refer you to a mental health provider for therapy if you’re a candidate. They may prescribe medications that improve your mood and get your life back on track. 

JEKS Healthcare Clinic can also help you manage diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or other chronic conditions. 

Follow up with the JEKS Healthcare Clinic team periodically to ensure your treatment plan is effective and call the office any time with concerns.

Schedule an in-office, telemedicine, or home-based depression evaluation at JEKS Healthcare Clinic by phone or online today.