Understanding Depression
Real Depression Care, Real Hope Forward
Depression Is Heavy. You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone.
Getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain. The things you used to love don’t feel like much of anything anymore. You’re exhausted, but sleep doesn’t seem to help. If you’re experiencing any of these thoughts or symptoms, we want you to know what you’re feeling has a name, and is not your fault.
Depression can happen to anyone, at any time. You don’t have to have it all figured out to reach out when it does. You just have to take the first step, and the team at Advanced Psychiatry will help you with the rest, customizing depression care to your struggles so you can find the relief you deserve.
What Is Depression?
Depression, also known as clinical depression or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. It’s more than temporary sadness or a rough patch; it’s a persistent condition that can affect sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and your ability to find pleasure in things you once enjoyed.
If you’re dealing with depression, it’s important to remember that depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw, and isn’t something you can simply “snap out of.” It’s a real medical condition rooted in a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors – and it’s treatable.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression looks different from person to person. No two experiences are identical, but common depression symptoms include:
-
Persistent sadness or emptiness
-
A lingering feeling of hopelessness
-
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed
-
Changes in appetite or weight (increased or decreased)
-
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
-
Fatigue, lethargy, or low energy, even after rest
-
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
-
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame
-
Irritability or restlessness
-
Physical symptoms without a clear cause, such as headaches or digestive issues
-
Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
-
Thoughts of death or suicide
What Causes Depression?
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or life circumstances. Exact causes of depression can be difficult to determine, but studies have shown that clinical, MDD, and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) may be caused by any number of factors, such as:
-
Existing mental health conditions
-
Physical issues, such as chronic health problems
-
Medication reactions
-
Substance abuse
-
Family genetics
-
Major life changes
How Do I Know If I’m Depressed?
It’s normal to feel sad or “off” from time to time. Depression is different. Clinical depression is more persistent, lasting most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or longer, and interferes with your ability to function at work, school, or in relationships.
Some questions to reflect on:
-
Have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless most days for the past two weeks or more?
-
Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
-
Are these feelings affecting your work, relationships, or daily routine?
-
Have you noticed changes in your sleep, appetite, or energy that you can’t explain?
-
Do you find it hard to concentrate or make decisions?
If you answered yes to several of these questions, it may be worth talking to a mental health professional. Only a licensed clinician can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment for depression, but a conversation is a low-pressure first step. Depression exists on a spectrum, and early evaluation often leads to more effective treatment.
What Depression Treatment Options Are Available?
The good news – depression is highly treatable, and most people improve with the right combination of care. However, depression treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our team works with you to find an approach that fits your symptoms, history, and goals, ensuring a collaborative approach that best suits your overall health.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
Therapy is often the foundation of depression care. Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy help identify unhelpful thought patterns, process difficult emotions, and build coping skills. Psychotherapy can be used on its own for mild to moderate depression or alongside other treatments for more severe cases.
Medication Management
For many, medication is a key part of treating depression, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe. Antidepressants work by targeting brain chemistry involved in mood regulation, though finding the right medication and dose for your unique body chemistry is often a process of trial and adjustment rather than a single first try. Our clinical team will evaluate your symptoms, history, and overall health to determine whether medication is a good fit, then work with you through regular follow-up visits to monitor your response, manage any side effects, and make adjustments along the way. Medication is often most effective when combined with therapy, but your plan is built around what actually works for you.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for depression that uses highly targeted and localized magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation, including the prefrontal cortex. This interventional psychiatric approach is typically considered for people who haven’t responded well to antidepressant medications, therapy, or a combination of both. TMS therapy sessions are done in-office, require no anesthesia or sedation, and are non-invasive so patients can drive themselves home afterward. A typical course involves daily sessions over several weeks. Patients may also be interested in accelerated TMS for a shorter path to depression care.
Spravato (Esketamine)
Spravato also known as esketamine therapy, is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. It’s administered under direct medical supervision in a clinical setting, where you are monitored for a period of time after each dose. Many patients experience improvement in mood more quickly through Spravato therapy than with traditional antidepressants alone.
IV Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine infusion therapy delivers a controlled dose of ketamine directly into the bloodstream in a monitored clinical setting. This innovative treatment for depression has shown promise for individuals with TRD, offering rapid relief for those who haven’t responded to other therapies. Sessions are typically administered in a series, with a member of our clinical team monitoring you throughout.
Advanced Psychiatry Is Here for You
If depression symptoms are keeping you from living your best life, know that you don’t have to feel this way forever. Advanced Psychiatry offers depression treatment personalized to your symptoms and needs, by compassionate therapists dedicated to your well-being.
Let’s take the first step toward hope together. Contact us today for an appointment.