Depression is a serious mental illness affecting millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 350 million people suffer from depression. While adult women are more likely to experience depression, it can affect anyone at any age. While most people with depression fully recover through effective treatment, as many as 1 in 3 people with depression do not seek treatment from a medical professional.
Here are 3 reasons to seek professional help if you or someone you care about is experiencing the symptoms of depression.
1. There may not be a clear cause and effect. There is not one particular reason that people experience depression. While stressful life events can be a cause, it can also happen on its own. Just because nothing “bad” happened doesn’t mean that a person can’t experience depression. Biology and genetics play a role and can lead to depressed feelings with or without a trigger event. A mental health professional can help identify the origins of depression and develop an effective treatment plan.
2. There are different kinds of depression. Depression can be a short-term or long-term mental illness. It can be linked to other medical conditions and life experiences like pregnancy. Some people experience a general malaise while others feel physical pain because of their depression. Depression should always be taken seriously, and no matter how severe or mild there are treatment options.
3. Depression is more than a feeling. Depression is often mischaracterized as just “feeling sad,” but it can have a much bigger impact. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Depression can affect physical health, and a person’s ability to participate in day-to-day activities like work and family time.
Social stigmas around depression can make it difficult for people to seek the help they need, but proper treatment can improve health, quality of life, and even prevent a tragedy like suicide. The brain can be worked like a muscle, and specialists like the Neurocore Brain Performance Centers can help maximize mental health for resilience in the face of depression.
Neurocore Brain Performance Center uses state of the art brainwave mapping technology to monitor brain activity and give feedback in real-time. Neurocore has 9 locations in Michigan and Florida where treatment is provided using audio and visual feedback that “train your brainwaves” to consistently function it the optimal range. The goal of this innovative treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve overall brain function. Since its founding in 2004, Neurocore has grown to become a national leader in applied neuroscience.