Depression and How it Affects You

Sept. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- At Charlotte’s Premiere Health (http://www.premiere-health.com) we treat a wide range of illnesses and disorders for patients in the Charlotte, Mecklenburg area. One of the most troubling disorders, which affects the lives of almost 90% of the U.S. population, is depression.

What is Depression?
   
   Sadness is a natural feeling that everyone experiences, but how do you know if the sadness you’re feeling is normal or a sign of something more chronic? Depressive disorders are common yet sometimes debilitating illnesses; patients suffering from depression often require medical treatment to help them cope with the symptoms. Dr. Carol Rupe, a leading authority on treating depression in the Charlotte, Mecklenburg area, and Charlotte’s Premiere Health (http://www.premiere-health.com) want you to know these important facts about clinical depression.

How do I Know if I’m Experiencing Chronic Depression?

   Although depression symptoms vary in regularity, length and severity, the failure of the symptoms to pass within a couple of days indicates a depressive disorder.  Common signs of depression include disinterest in once enjoyable activities, sleeplessness, appetite loss, persistent aches or pains, fatigue, insomnia and restlessness, feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless, irritability, persistent sadness or anxiety, and overeating. Many illnesses also coincide with depression such as substance abuse, generalized anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsion, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anyone experiencing any of the symptoms and/or conditions listed above for a prolonged period of time should seek out the help of a medical professional.

Why Am I Depressed?

   There is no simple or direct cause of depression. Research indicates that depressive disorders result from psychological, situational, genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors. While some forms of depression run in families, some experience the onset of depression without a family history. Bouts of depression may also occur in response to a stressful or traumatic situation.

   Depression affects people of all ethnicities, and while a common disorder for men it is more prevalent among women. As a specialist in treating women’s health issues, Dr. Rupe, with her extensive knowledge in caring for her female patients and the understanding she brings of the unique obstacles they must overcome, helps manage their depression. This includes examining various treatment options and taking the time to fully explore each of her female patients’ individual circumstances.

We’re Here to Help

   As your personal family physician, Dr. Carol Rupe understands the sensitive situations in which her patients with depression find themselves. Dr. Rupe, along with her caring and experienced staff at Charlotte’s Premiere Health (http://www.premiere-health.com), is available to address any questions or concerns you may have about dealing with depression. Feel free to contact our office at 704-510-4366 or stop by for a visit, we are centrally located in the University area of Charlotte at 3230 Prosperity Church Rd.

       Dr. Carol Rupe, your personal family physician and national speaker, wants you to discover medicine the way you remember... only better. In Charlotte, NC - Charlotte's Première Health provides superior care from pediatrics & whole family to the elderly.

       As your personal family physician, Dr. Carol Rupe at Charlotte’s Première Health is ready to educate, inform and treat a wide range of medical issues for those in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area. When you choose a primary care doctor, having diverse specialties and the ability to care for the whole family is important. Many primary care physicians will only refer for many issues, whereas Dr. Carol Rupe is qualified to treat the whole family – from pediatrics and toddlers, to adolescents, and adults including geriatrics.