Depression Specialist
One Health Medical Care
Internists & Primary Care Practice located in Reston, VA
Depression is a common problem for many patients today, but it's also common to assume that the feelings of sadness and hopelessness will go away in time. In reality, depression is an illness that won't get better unless you seek help, but fortunately, there's very effective help available today. Dr. Mingliarti Tjahjana at One Health Medical Care in Reston, Virginia, is here to aid you in this challenging time so that you can feel like yourself again. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Tjahjana online, or by calling One Health Medical Care.
Depression Q & A
Why does depression happen?
Depression can have a variety of causes, and it's often the result of several different factors. For some patients, their depression begins after emotionally painful life events. In others, the depression has no clear origin point but has seemingly always been there.
There may be a genetic or familial connection with depression. If your mother, father, or siblings suffer from depression, the odds of you having it may be increased.
Depression is complicated, and there isn't a single quick and easy answer about why it happens. Working with a physician who's very experienced with the treatment of anxiety and depression can help you find the answers and the help that you need. Dr. Tjahjana at One Health Medical Care has extensively studied depression and anxiety and is ready to help you find relief.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The symptoms of depression can vary from one patient to the next. Some of the more common signs include:
- Crying spells
- Lack of interest in doing regular activities
- Avoiding interaction with others
- Change in sleeping patterns: Sleeping much more than usual
- Change in weight: Dramatic weight loss or weight gain
- Self-inflicted non-suicidal injuries: Cutting, etc.
- Poor judgment in making decisions
In severe cases of depression, a patient may have thoughts of suicide.
Who is at risk for depression?
Anyone can have depression. It can start in childhood, or it can start for the first time in a patient's senior years.
Both men and women can suffer from depression, but it's more common in women.
New mothers have an increased risk of a type of depression called postpartum depression.
Patients who are going through hormonal changes, whether in their teens or in menopause, have a higher risk of depression.
What is the treatment for depression?
Depression treatment is personalized for the patient. Dr. Tjahjana will work with you to find the treatment that's most effective in alleviating your depression.
There are a variety of medications that can be very helpful in managing your symptoms of depression.
Medication can often be combined with lifestyle changes for excellent results.