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Understanding Depression

Depression is a treatable medical condition caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals. Like other illnesses, it can’t be overcome by simply “snapping out of it.”

Depressive episodes often follow stressful life events, and in some cases, may be part of a recurring condition known as unipolar depression. Unlike bipolar disorder, this involves only low moods.

While depression can run in families, many affected individuals have no family history. Its exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it typically stems from a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

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Recognizing Depression

While depression affects everyone differently, common symptoms include:

  • Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
  • Significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
  • Pessimism, indifference
  • Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
  • Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
  • Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
  • Unexplained aches or pains
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks and they’re interfering with your daily life, we encourage you to reach out for help. Depression is highly treatable, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Our Approach to Depression Treatment

Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on your evaluation, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include one or more of the following approaches:

Medication Management

For many people with depression, medication can be an effective part of treatment. Our psychiatrists and nurse practitioners will find the right medication and dosage to alleviate symptoms while minimizing side effects.
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Individual Therapy

Therapy provides a safe space to work through the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors tied to depression. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns may influence current feelings
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Combines traditional CBT with mindfulness practices to help prevent relapse
  • Interpersonal Therapy: Focuses on improving communication patterns and resolving relationship issues that may contribute to depression
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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

For patients with treatment-resistant depression, we offer Brainsway Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) therapy. This non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment uses magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain to improve depression symptoms.
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Integrated Care Approach

We believe in treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. Our team works with you to coordinate and complement all aspects of care. For patients with co-occurring conditions like anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or substance use disorders, we provide integrated treatment to address every concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with your daily life for more than two weeks, it’s worth reaching out for a professional evaluation. Depression can affect anyone, and it takes a lot of strength and courage to seek help.
Not everyone with depression needs medication. The decision to include medication in your treatment plan depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and your preferences.

The duration of treatment varies from person to person. Some people experience significant improvement in a few months while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment timeline that addresses your specific needs and goals.

**If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, please call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Additional Resources

For more information about depression, please visit the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) website at dbsalliance.org.

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