vanderkooi

Who is at risk for Depression & When should I seek help?

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:00:58 GMT

Who is at risk for Depression?

Just as the reasons for calling your doctor vary, so do the causes. You may have shown signs of depression in early childhood. Now, as a young or middle-aged adult, you’ve come to realize that your low moods and anxiety are drastically affecting your life.

On the other hand, you may develop your first signs of depression as an adult. Risk factors range from environmental and physical concerns to psychological and genetic origins. This may include:

Heredity. If someone in your family has had clinical depression, your odds increase.
Trauma. Depression can be triggered following a major traumatic event.
Physical illness. The onset of severe and chronic diseases can set off depressive symptoms. Conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes commonly generate depression.
Medications. Depression is a common side effect of certain medications.
Stress. Persistent stress may create a need for depression treatment.

When should I seek out treatment for depression?

Treatment-resistant depression that may require long term therapeutic intervention and medicinal management require the assistance of a trained psychiatrist with medical training. While cures are available for depression, it is important to understand that treatment requires action on your part. Some types of short and long term depression disorders include:

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, contact a trained medical professional immediately. Dr. Jeff Vanderkooi in Chesterfield, MO is currently accepting new patients. Call 636-778-9415 now to schedule your appointment.

Depression, what no one wants to talk about.

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:17:50 GMT

What you should know about Depression

Depression is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, which may only be mitigated through a combination of prescription drugs and sessions with a professional psychiatrist.

According to Mental Health America,

In 2019-2020, 20.78% of adults were experiencing a mental illness. That is equivalent to over 50 million Americans.
The vast majority of individuals with a substance use disorder in the U.S. are not receiving treatment. 15.35% of adults had a substance use disorder in the past year. Of them, 93.5% did not receive any form of treatment.
Millions of adults in the U.S. experience serious thoughts of suicide, with the highest rate among multiracial individuals. The percentage of adults reporting serious thoughts of suicide is 4.84%, totaling over 12.1 million individuals. 11% of adults who identified with two or more races reported serious thoughts of suicide in 2020 – 6% higher than the average among all adults.

Depression doesn’t always express itself the way you might assume. Some classic symptoms include feelings of sadness or signs of fatigue. However, 1 in 5 adults in St. Louis County, MO who have been diagnosed with depression, wrote their symptoms off and put off getting care, assuming they were something else entirely.

These symptoms presented themselves in a wide range from anger management issues, increased use of electronics, such as a phone and social media, changes in eating habits that lead to extreme weight fluctuations, along with migraines, change in libido and stomach problems similar to IBS with constipation.

The reality is, while many adults struggle with depression, they may delay immediate care, allowing symptoms to get worse prior to seeking treatment. While some of this is due to fear of financial strain or the stigma of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder, delaying treatment can lead to more severe symptoms.

Depression is more than just feeling sad, overwhelmed with your situation, resorting to self harm or suicidal thoughts. It can be overthinking that leads to changes in daily habits, from activities you once were passionate about to eating habits.

Within the U.S. there is an estimated 350 individuals struggling with mental health disorders for every 1 psychiatrist. You are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with possible symptoms of depression, don't wait.

There is hope. Discover how a psychiatrist can help put you on the path to healing today

by calling 636-778-9427 & 636-778-9415.

Dr. Jeffrey Vanderkooi has over 2 decades of psychiatric care expertise is now accepting new patients.

Dana Vanderkooi, NP is accepting new patients both in person in the Chesterfield, MO area, or virtually.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines for better mental health

missourimarketboss@gmail.com (Valerie Brosseau) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 23:10:42 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Depression and the Holidays

missourimarketboss@gmail.com (Valerie Brosseau) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 23:10:42 GMT

Society tells us that the holiday season is a time for cheerfulness, family togetherness, Christmas dinners, holiday office parties, joyful nights out with friends, gift giving, decorations, and happiness. However, for those individuals with a mental illness, such as depression, these constant reminders that you should feel happy during the holidays, can be stressful triggers that make them feel worse.

Depression is more than just the 'Winter Blues. Depression is a serious disorder that can affect your mood stability as well as your physical health. Over 6% of American adults have been diagnosed with S.A.D. or seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression. The added burden of financial stress and family conflict can make the holiday season a darker and more difficult time for these individuals.

What are the main symptoms of Depression?

Depression isn't a one stop destination for sadness. It shows itself in many forms. Here are a few of the most common, and sometimes, overlooked symptoms that are related to anxiety and depression.

Overwhelming sadness
Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
Anxiety
Loss of interest in activities that used to hold meaning
Physical symptoms, such as migraines, tiredness and lethargy
Changes in appetites and weight fluctuations
Thoughts of self injury and suicide

These symptoms can escalate during the holidays due to lack of sunlight, additional pressures to 'feel happy', financial strain brought on from gift giving and travel, emotional strain from family conflicts, and the internal pressures felt by seeing everyone around you in a good mood, making you feel as though you should feel joyful as well.

Anxiety can also become heightened during the holiday season. There is no doubt that Christmas can feel stressful to anyone. Everything becomes more intense; from the cooking for family and social gatherings, finding that 'right gift', financial strains, music and lights, to the overwhelming crowds, and then cleaning up when it is all over; the holidays can feel daunting to anyone. However, when you are already struggling with anxiety, emotions become harder to regulate, and anxiety symptoms can become intensified.

Key Symptoms and Warning Signs that you may be suffering from Anxiety.

A persistent sense of worry, apprehension, or dread
Feeling fearful, paranoid and tense
Feeling faint, dizzy or light-headed
Increased heartbeat or palpitations

For Missouri adults you suffer from chronic stress, worry and anxiety, this time of year can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Fortunately, there are ways that you can manage Christmas stress and any mental health pressures you may face during the holiday season.

How to reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression during the holidays:

Avoid unhelpful social comparisons. (Keeping up with the Joneses, isn't healthy. Instead, try to find things you have done well and compliment yourself on your own accomplishments. )
Have realistic expectations about family gatherings. (You can't control other people, but you can control how you choose to feel about certain social situations. The holidays can add pressure to already strained family relationships; so setting the correct expectations will help to avoid disappointment.)
Participate in your Local Community (The holiday season can feel like an increase in isolation for some individuals, especially those overcoming grief and loss. Loneliness can add to the already overwhelming sense of anxiety and depression. Participating in the community can offer a sense of purpose and reduce some of the burden that isolation creates.)
Take a break. (If you begin to feel you stress levels rising, take a break. Going for a walk can really help to ease the tensions often accompanied with the holidays.)

While this season may lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression, it's also a great time for growth and healing. If you or someone you know is looking for help with depression, there is hope. Learn more by calling Dr. Jeffrey Vanderkooi at 636-778-9415 or Nurse Practitioner, Dana Vanderkooi at 636-778-9427 .

Now accepting new patients!

S.A.D. Holidays and the link to Alcohol and Substance Abuse

missourimarketboss@gmail.com (Valerie Brosseau) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 23:10:41 GMT

When the stress of the holidays leads to anxiety, depression, and addiction, there is hope. Learn how you can overcome these psychiatric conditions and start your road to recovery now.

What is S.A.D and how to overcome this type of depression before it leads to addiction.

Ah, the holidays! For many Missouri and Illinois families, this is the most wonderful time of the year. It is filled with joy, families gathering around a Christmas tree, turkey and stuffing dinners, and of course gift giving. However, for others, the holidays can signify a time of financial stress, family conflicts, grief, loneliness and an overwhelming feeling of S.A.D. or seasonal affective disorder.

If you find the holidays stressful, you are not alone. One Google search we conducted resulted in more than 2.2 million results. According to the CDC , the correlation to seasonal affective disorder and the uptick in alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and deaths related to both, are at an all time high. The emotional strains of the holidays and the winter weather take it’s toll during the winter months from November, December, January, and February and during this time, nearly 6% are affected by seasonal affective, with another 14% experiencing the ‘winter blues.’

Although most people look forward to the holidays, for others, it can serve as a sad reminder of trauma, painful memories or various problems, such as financial and familial stressors. According to the CDC, these negative emotions can trigger an episode of alcohol abuse, substance use, as well as extreme strain on overall mental health. December and January are considered the most dangerous time of year for drug and alcohol related deaths.

Thanks to reduced travel restrictions, and reduced guidelines on large social gatherings, many Missourian’s will experience their first ‘real’ holiday season in years. This could lead to an ‘overindulgence’ in social drinking.

Here are a few facts that you should consider before heading out for the holidays.

2020 was the deadliest year to date for overdose deaths in the US.
According to the CDC, over 100,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the las 12 months, and this is an almost 30% increase from the previous year.
Nearly every state in the U.S. has reported an uptick or an outbreak of drug or opioid related deaths in the past year.

If you or someone you know has suffered from addiction in the past, it may seem easy to spot the warning signs, and when they are no longer choosing sobriety. It can be difficult to determine if you or a loved one may have a problem, because drinking and smoking are common social behaviors.

General signs that you or a loved one may have an addiction issue are:

Inability to stay away from a substance
Secretive behavior
Change in your mood, attitude, and overall social behavior
Financial instability
Loss of interest in activities unrelated to the substance
Withdrawal symptoms when not consuming the substance

What are the treatment options available?

While there are many ways to overcome addiction, the first step is to admit there is an addiction and seek detoxification. This typically takes place in a hospital setting, with follow up treatments to ensure long lasting sobriety. To achieve this, you will require lifestyle changes, exercise, a healthy diet, and psychiatric treatment. Having a substance abuse disorder may make you feel vulnerable. You are not alone. If someone you love is struggling, reach out and offer support, because together, there is hope .

You can achieve long term sobriety, and we are here to help you on your road to recovery.

Learn more at 636-778-9415 for Dr. Jeffrey Vanderkooi, or 636-778-9427 for Nurse Practitioner, Dana Vanderkooi.