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Everyone experiences hard times and periods of sadness, burnout, or low energy. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions, but if you are going through a prolonged period of sadness or low interest in things that used to bring you pleasure, it can be a sign of depression. Twenty-nine percent of adults say they have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, up almost 10 points from 2015. Even mild depression can have significant negative impacts on a person’s life. What is depression? Depression is an illness, and it can affect anyone at any age. According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms include feeling sad or anxious often or always; lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy; feeling irritable, restless, or easily frustrated; sleep problems; eating more or less than usual or lacking appetite; having persistent aches, pains, or stomach problems; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; tiredness even after sleeping well; feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless; or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Why is it important to diagnose and treat depression? Medical providers like me screen people ages 12 and older once a year as part of their annual well check. Regular screenings are important because the symptoms of depression can come on gradually. They are often subtle and sometimes overlap with symptoms of other health issues. Patients may not recognize the signs in themselves, or chalk issues up to stress. Depression is better understood and less stigmatized than it once was, but some people are still hesitant to talk about it, thinking they simply need to toughen up. This impulse is understandable, but it doesn’t work. You can’t use willpower to end depression, and it’s not your fault if you have it. When depression isn’t treated, symptoms often reinforce one another and create bigger issues. Someone with untreated depression, for instance, might not sleep or eat well, which then leads to increased feelings of lethargy or irritability, making it difficult to get through the workday. Depression can also worsen other conditions. During a depression screening, medical providers give patients a short preliminary assessment called Patient Healthcare Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). If the patient’s score indicates they might be depressed, we give them Patient Healthcare Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a longer and more detailed screening. The resulting numerical scores give us an idea of the depression’s severity. There are many treatments available Depression is serious, but it is treatable. If you are diagnosed with depression, your medical provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that includes regular follow-ups. When depression is severe and a patient is showing signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation, their medical provider will involve the crisis team, create a safety plan, and determine whether the patient needs to be hospitalized and stabilized. For less severe cases, therapy with a psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) can be a very effective treatment. Oftentimes, patients benefit from medication. The most potent and successful approach usually combines therapy and medication. Lifestyle modifications like getting adequate sleep, eating well, and regular physical activity can lessen depression symptoms, but it’s challenging for people with depression to make those changes. People with depression often lack motivation or are profoundly fatigued. Medication, particularly in conjunction with therapy, can boost motivation. This allows the patient to implement lifestyle changes, build momentum, and move along the path toward the complete remission of symptoms. Talk with your medical provider if you’re feeling off As we recognize symptoms of depression in ourselves or others, it’s important to keep empathy and compassion at the forefront of our minds. It can be hard to be introspective about our own mental health. If you have a caregiver, friend, or family member who is concerned about you, try to listen to what they have to say. They might point out something you can’t recognize in yourself. If you are feeling off—physically, mentally, or emotionally—schedule an appointment with your medical provider to talk about what you’re experiencing. Your medical provider can recommend next steps. Depression is very common, and there are many treatments available. If you or someone you know are experiencing signs of self-harm or thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Justin Ebert, PA-C is a physician assistant providing family medicine at MCHC Health Center's Hillside center in Ukiah.