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Depression is pervasive in the U.S. Some 20% of U.S. adults report currently having or being treated for depression in the first quarter of 2026, in a recent Gallup poll. Still others, suffer in silence. This is unfortunate, because not only is depression common, but it’s also highly treatable.
If you’re unsure whether your sadness is more than a case of the blues, don’t guess. Seek a consultation at First Response Urgent Care, with two offices in Brooklyn, NY.
Our team includes board-certified psychiatrist Mudasar Hassan, MD. Here’s what Dr. Hassan wants you to know about depression.
Feeling depressed or sad is different from a clinical depressive disorder. Sadness is a healthy human emotion and is normal. A depression diagnosis means that you exhibit a depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure, plus at least three more depression-related symptoms, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Among the most common such symptoms are:
The first step is a thorough evaluation with Dr. Hassan.
If you meet the criteria, Dr. Hassan will create a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, psychotherapy, or both.
When depression significantly disrupts your daily life, work, or relationships, antidepressants may be recommended. Antidepressants change the levels of chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, in the brain to help improve mood, emotions, and behavior.
The impact of depression goes beyond your head. Here are some of the ways depression can negatively affect your physical health:
Depression and heart health have a close-knit relationship. In fact, studies have found that about one-fifth of people who have coronary artery disease or heart failure also suffer from depression.
Depression directly impacts your libido, your interest in sex. When your sex drive wanes, it can affect your relationships and worsen your depression symptoms.
When depression keeps you awake at night worrying, it puts you at risk for a lengthy list of physical health issues, including high blood pressure, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancer.
Research shows that the chemical reactions that occur in people with depression directly affect the gastrointestinal system and can lead to nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, you don’t need to manage it alone. Schedule a visit with our team at First Response Urgent Care today to discuss your mental health and start your journey toward healing.
