Depression and it's variations - Denver Mind and Wellness

Depression

Many people have experienced symptoms of depression. Some of the common symptoms are low energy, sadness, crying, poor concentration, and changes in appetite. People suffering from depression often don’t feel like getting out of bed. They typically are not getting ordinary enjoyment out of life anymore.

Various events in life can trigger depression—such as death of a loved one, divorce, and job changes. But depression can also be caused by low levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. In addition there are environmental factors such as altitude, oxygen, and even the seasons that can contribute to depression.

Click on this box to learn more about depression in general.

See below for specific forms of depression that I specialize in.

Altitude Induced Depression

The western mountain states including Colorado are generally viewed as healthy and happy. What is strange is that they also have some of the highest rates of depression and suicide in the country. This is why a growing body of research has been compiled over many years and the current thought is that altitude itself is playing a significant role in both depression and suicide rates.

This phenomenon has been demonstrated worldwide in military populations and various industrial workers stationed at high altitude compared to their sea level counterparts.

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Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) also known as seasonal depression is a type of depression that as the name suggests is related to the changing of seasons. People affected by SAD often experience the onset of symptoms at around the same time every year. Usually this onset occurs during fall or winter and is sometimes referred to as “the winter blues.” It should be noted, though less commonly that SAD can occur at any season and can result in “summer sadness” as well.

While it is to easy to brush off these feelings since they usually improve on their own once the season is over it is important to take steps to keep your emotions and motivation even throughout the entire year.

Click on this box to learn more about seasonal affective disorder.

COVID-19 Related Depression

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical community were primarily
focused on the more obvious symptoms of this disease, such as difficulty in breathing, severe coughing, and high fever. However, as time has gone on, we now know that COVID causes many neurologic and mental health problems as well. Terms such as “brain fog” or “Covid fog” are becoming common.

The virus enters the body through the nose, and it utilizes the nerves used for smelling to gain easy access into the brain. The virus can then directly attack the brain and its neurons. It can also indirectly attack them via the inflammation caused by the body’s own immune system. The COVID virus is also thought to deprive the brain of oxygen, thus worsening the damage already caused.

Click on this box to learn more about Covid-19 related depression.

Depression and it’s variations

Depression

Altitude Induced Depression

Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder

COVID-19 Related Depression