Depression is a serious mental illness that affects millions of Americans each year.  Naperville Integrated Wellness the best depression functional medicine doctor.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 16 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2019. This means that approximately 6.7% of all U.S. adults had depression during the past year. Depression can have a severe impact on many aspects of life, including work, relationships, and physical health. It’s important for those affected by depression to seek treatment as soon as possible to help reduce the severity of their condition. Treatment may include counseling, medication, or a combination of both. By recognizing symptoms and seeking help, those affected by depression can get the support they need to live a healthy and fulfilling.  

Functional Medicine and Depression

Functional medicine treats depression by looking at the underlying causes and contributing factors. It takes into account the whole person, including their lifestyle, diet, environment, and mental and emotional health. Functional medicine practitioners may use a range of treatments including dietary and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, mind-body techniques, and more, to address the underlying imbalances that can lead to depression.

For example, they may recommend a nutrient-dense diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins to help support healthy neurotransmitter production. They may also suggest lifestyle modifications such as getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and engaging in stress-reducing activities.

Types Of Depression

There are a variety of types of depression that exist and are recognized by the medical community. Major depression, also known as clinical depression, is the most common type and is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Persistent depressive disorder is a longer-term form of depression, lasting two years or more. Postpartum depression is a form of depression experienced by some women after giving birth.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows the changing of the seasons and is often associated with decreased daylight hours. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings from mania to depression. Lastly, psychotic depression is a type of depression that is accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and more.

Effects Of Depression On The Brain

Depression can affect many parts of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making, problem solving, and self-control, all of which can be impaired by depression. The hippocampus is responsible for learning and memory. Depression can cause disruption in this area, leading to difficulty in forming new memories. The amygdala is responsible for emotion and fear processing.  Depression can cause disruptions here as well, leading to a decreased ability to regulate emotions. All of these areas of the brain can be negatively impacted by depression.  This leads to a range of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes.

Common Symptoms Of Depression

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms of depression can include persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. They can also include difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, irritability, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. People with depression may also lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, have trouble with self-esteem, and be unable to make decisions.

Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, joint pain, and digestive issues can also accompany depression. It is important to note that everyone experiences depression differently, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms of depression, it is important to seek help from a depression functional medicine doctor.

Depression and Gut Health

Depression and gut health are closely intertwined. Studies have shown that a healthy gut microbiome can help reduce symptoms of depression. While an unhealthy microbiome can increase the risk of developing depression. For example, people with depression have been found to have higher levels of inflammation in their gut. Which is linked to alterations in the gut microbiome. Additionally, an unhealthy gut microbiome has been linked to a decrease in the production of neurotransmitters.  Such as serotonin, which can lead to depression.

The connection between depression and gut health is so strong that some mental health professionals are now prescribing probiotics and dietary changes to help address symptoms of depression. By balancing the gut microbiome and reducing inflammation, it can help people manage their symptoms and improve their overall mental health.

Physical Health and Depression

Depression can have a detrimental effect on physical health. It can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off illnesses and infections. It can also lead to physical pain such as headaches, stomachaches, and body aches. Depression can cause fatigue, which can make it difficult to stay active and complete everyday tasks. It can decrease sexual desire and interfere with sexual performance, leading to further distress. It can also cause changes in appetite and weight, and can increase the risk of certain chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Lastly, it can increase the likelihood of self-harm and suicide. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of depression and look for ways to treat it, as it can have a major impact on daily life.

How A Treatment Center Can Help

A depression treatment center can be a great resource for those suffering from depression. It offers a safe and supportive environment where individuals can get the help they need. Many there are no options for depression treatment Naperville, not true.  There are many places which provide access to counselors, medical professionals, and other experts who specialize in treating depression. They can help individuals identify the root cause of their depression, create an individualized treatment plan, and provide medications and other therapies to help manage the symptoms.

The treatment center also provides social activities, support groups, and educational materials.  This is  to help individuals learn how to cope with their depression. By utilizing the helpful services provided by a depression treatment center, individuals can learn how to effectively manage their depression and make positive changes in their life.

Schedule  A Depression Consultation Today

This is a functional medicine approach to mental illness and it is highly effective. At Naperville Integrated Wellness, we have helped countless people overcome depression and anxiety without the use of medication.  If you are looking for a depression functional medicine doctor in Chicago, Aurora, Frankfort, Wheaton or Geneva, Plainfield, Warrenville or Lisle please contact us today!  For more information on functional medicine and how we treat chronic illness go to napervilleintegratedwellness.com.