Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is more than sadness — it is a whole-body condition that affects mood, motivation, energy, sleep, physical health, and how you feel day to day. Depression can make life feel heavy, overwhelming, or flat. Activities you once enjoyed may feel exhausting. Thoughts may feel slower, hope may feel out of reach, and even simple tasks can feel difficult.

 

Depression is not a character flaw, weakness, or lack of willpower. It is a physiological and emotional response involving the brain, nervous system, hormones, stress chemistry, sleep cycles, and inflammation. It can develop gradually or appear suddenly in response to stress, loss, or change.

 

At First Call DPC, we approach depression with compassion, understanding, and clinical precision. Your experience matters. Your story matters. And your brain and body deserve support — not judgment.


Depression is common. It is real. And with the right care, it is treatable.

What Causes Depression?

Depression can result from one cause or be influenced by multiple overlapping factors. Common contributors include:

Biological Factors

Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, or GABA

Hormone changes (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid)

Chronic inflammation in the body or brain

Nutrient deficiencies (Vitamin D, B vitamins, Omega-3s, magnesium)

Stress & Life Circumstances

Long-term stress or burnout

Grief, loss, or major transitions

Emotional or relational strain

Workload overload and exhaustion

Sleep & Lifestyle Factors

Irregular sleep cycles

Sedentary routine

Blood sugar instability

Alcohol or substance use

Genetics

Family history can increase susceptibility — but does not determine your future

Depression does not happen because someone is “weak.”
It happens when the body and mind become overwhelmed — and need care, nourishment, and regulation.

What Symptoms Will I Experience With Depression?

Depression can show up differently from person to person. Common symptoms include:

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms

Low mood or persistent sadness

Feeling numb, flat, or disconnected from things that once mattered

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

Loss of motivation or drive

Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless

Physical Symptoms

Low or inconsistent energy

Sleep changes (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much)

Increased or decreased appetite

Slowed movement or restlessness

Headaches, muscle pain, or digestive discomfort

Behavioral Changes

Withdrawing from social interaction or activities

Reduced desire for intimacy

Difficulty completing daily tasks

Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity

Depression often feels like:

  • “I don’t feel like myself anymore.”
  • “Everything feels harder than it should.”
  • “I want to care — but I can’t seem to.”

Your experience is valid — and you do not have to navigate it alone.

What Should I Try at Home Before Seeing a Provider for Adrenal Depression?

Some gentle steps can help support emotional and physical balance:

Regular Light Exposure

Morning sunlight helps regulate mood and circadian rhythm. Aim for 5–15 minutes daily.

Hydration & Protein Intake

Stable blood sugar supports emotional clarity and reduces mood swings.

Daily Movement

Even slow, gentle walking increases dopamine and serotonin production.

Reduce Alcohol

Alcohol temporarily numbs but worsens depressive patterns and sleep disruption.

Connect With Someone Safe

Talk to a friend, partner, or loved one — isolation intensifies depression.

If these steps feel difficult, that’s a signal — not a failure.
It means your body needs support, not pressure.

Best Treatment Options for Depression

At First Call DPC, we treat depression using a whole-person, root-cause approach, which may include combinations of:

Hormone Optimization

Low testosterone, thyroid disorders, and estrogen/progesterone changes can significantly affect mood and energy.

Nutrient Repletion & Supplementation

We replenish key nutrients that support brain chemistry and emotional resilience.

Peptide Therapy for Nervous System Repair

We replenish key nutrients that support brain chemistry and emotional resilience.

Antidepressant Medication (When Useful & Appropriate)

Medication can support brain chemistry — but we use it thoughtfully and in combination with deeper root-cause care.

Sleep & Circadian Rhythm Support

We rebuild the biological rhythm that stabilizes mood chemistry.

Counseling, Lifestyle, and Stress Recovery Strategies

We help you restore emotional resilience, not just suppress symptoms.

The goal is not just to “feel less depressed” — but to feel like yourself again.

Our Process for Treating Depression

Compassionate Conversation

We start by understanding your experience — without minimizing or rushing your story.

Comprehensive Lab Evaluation

We assess hormones, thyroid function, inflammation markers, nutrient levels, cortisol rhythm, and metabolic patterns.

Clear Explanation of Findings

We help you understand what your body is communicating — and why you feel the way you do.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Your care plan is built for your biology, your lifestyle, and your healing pace.

Direct Access & Ongoing Support

You stay connected to your physician — because healing requires consistency and partnership.

At First Call DPC, you are not alone in this. You are supported, seen, and guided every step of the way. When you’re ready to feel hopeful, grounded, and like yourself again — we’re your first call.