Depression may be more common than you think, affecting more than 8% of adults in the United States. If persistent sadness negatively affects your day-to-day life, job, and relationships, primary care physician John Paul Cardin Jr., MD, can help. At his self-titled practice in Long Beach, California, Dr. Cardin helps you fight depression and anxiety to boost your mood and quality of life. Call to learn more or book an appointment online today.
Depression is a serious illness that affects your mood, causing persistent sadness. Symptoms associated with depression often interfere with normal day-to-day activities, and include:
Depression is ongoing and is much more serious than just feeling sad. Women have a higher risk of experiencing depression, but depressed men are more likely to die of suicide.
Numerous, often unavoidable, factors that increase your risk of depression include:
In many cases, depression cannot be prevented. Fortunately, Dr. Cardin helps find the root cause of depression and establishes an appropriate treatment to get your life back on track.
Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, though one doesn’t necessarily cause the other. People with anxiety have intense, persistent fears and worries about everyday situations. Anxiety often interferes with normal day-to-day activities and is difficult to control.
Social anxiety, or social phobia, involves feeling anxious or fearful around others – especially in situations with large groups of people. Many people with depression have a history of anxiety or suffer from both disorders at the same time.
Dr. Cardin asks you a series of questions and goes over your medical history to accurately diagnose your depression. He may also complete a physical exam and lab tests to find out if depression is linked with an underlying health problem. Treatment options might include:
Examples of alternative medicine that may help ease depression include massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, meditation, spirituality, and getting regular exercise.
When you’re ready to beat depression once and for all, call Dr. Cardin’s office or book an appointment online.