What is depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that can diminish your quality of life. It affects your mental and physical health and can interfere with your interpersonal relationships, professional development, and overall satisfaction in life.

While medication is often the first course of treatment for depression, it isn’t effective for everyone. Jeanine and her team offer numerous alternative therapies to relieve symptoms of depression and promote your overall well-being.

What are the signs of depression?
Depression affects everybody differently. Common signs of depression typically include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in favorite activities
• Changes in appetite and weight (weight gain or loss)
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Slowed movement
• Thoughts of suicide
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Stomach issues

Many symptoms of depression overlap with anxiety. Whether you have depression, anxiety, or both, Jeanine and her team work with you to create an individualized care plan that addresses your unique needs.

What causes depression?
There is no singular cause of depression. Many factors can contribute to its development, and some people are more vulnerable to depressive episodes than others. Common causes of depression include:

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry
• History of mental health disorders
• Family history of depression
• Certain medications
• Underlying health conditions

These factors can also increase your risk of anxiety. Before seeking treatment, make sure you receive a proper diagnosis.

Are there alternative treatments for depression?
Jeanine and her team offer multiple alternative treatments for depression at North Shore Acupuncture and Wellness, including:

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve symptoms of physical and emotional conditions, including depression. It can help stimulate the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood.

Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture is similar to acupuncture, but it involves a small electric current that passes through pairs of needles to enhance the therapeutic effect. Electroacupuncture can increase blood flow and stimulate nerve activity to improve depression symptoms.

Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction and promote healing. It improves blood circulation, which can help to relieve symptoms of depression.

Call North Shore Acupuncture and Wellness today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about depression.