Depression Treatment
According to the World Health Organization, depression affects more than 264 million people around the world. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and can impair the ability of those inflicted to function in all aspects of life, such as work, education and relationships. Early identification and treatment of depression is important to prevent the long-term and potentially devastating consequences. Therefore, it is important to determine if you or someone you love struggles with depression and receive treatment as soon as possible. The following list outlines some common depressive symptoms:
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Down or depressed mood
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, or helplessness
- Low or no energy or the opposite – agitated or restless energy
- Low motivation
- Inability to enjoy previously enjoyed activities or loss of pleasure in most things
- Problems with sleep – either too much or too little
- Problems with appetite – either too much or too little
- Body aches and pains
- Suicidal ideation
- Poor concentration, distractibility, and inability to make simple decisions
How We Evaluate Depression
Now when someone says, “I am depressed,” that person could mean many different things. Depression can be a major biological illness. It can also be a temporary mood state or a symptom of other stressful life events such as grief, loss of job, move to a new home or failing out of college. A key to understanding and treating depression comes from a thorough evaluation of:
- past and current depressive symptoms
- medical issues
- family history of mental health issues
- substance abuse issues
- personality traits
- life history of major psychosocial stressors.
In addition, dysfunctional sleep, poor diet, lack of physical activity, high levels of stress and social isolation are also factors I consider important contributors to depression. At Lopez-Larson & Associates, we assess for the presence of depressive symptoms in concert with biological, psychological and social factors, in addition to diet, sleep and activity levels. This information helps us to fully understand the whole person -mind, body and soul and aids in assessing what treatments would be most effective based on the root cause and severity of symptoms. We formulate individualized integrative treatment approaches treating depressive symptoms ranging from biological treatments such as medications, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and supplements to more complementary approaches such as meditation, exercise and nutrition.
Our Approach: Treating the Whole Person
Each person struggling with depression is different; therefore their treatment plan should be a reflection of that. Our bodies have a built-in capacity to heal, but we need to show it how. This is why we teach tools for total mind-body wellness: so that individuals are armed with tools to combat depression and build up resiliency to ward off future depressive episodes and improve overall mental health.
When Should You Seek Help For Depression?
If you notice that you, your family member or friend have suicidal thoughts, have 3 or more symptoms or if any of the listed symptoms are impairing your ability to function in life in any way, then consider getting help from a mental health professional or your primary care physician.
Have questions? Please reach out. Depression is serious and if left untreated it can rob you of joy, self-esteem, relationships, employment and your life. Help really IS a phone call away.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Treatment
Everyone has hard days, and sadness after a loss or a big change is normal. Depression is more persistent. Symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and they start to affect work, school, relationships or daily routines. Common signs include low mood, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, trouble concentrating, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. If you’re unsure, an evaluation can help sort it out. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Both can help, and many people benefit from seeing both. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose depression, rule out medical causes, prescribe and adjust medication, and offer treatments such as TMS or Spravato. A therapist provides talk therapy, which helps you build coping skills and work through what’s contributing to your depression. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, haven’t improved with past treatment, or come with other health concerns, starting with a psychiatric evaluation is a good first step. Dr. Melissa can also help coordinate care with a therapist.
It varies from person to person. Antidepressants often take several weeks to show a clear effect, and some can take up to two to three months to reach their full benefit. Talk therapy usually brings gradual change over weeks to months. Longer-lasting or recurring depression may need more time. Your treatment plan will be reviewed regularly and adjusted if it isn’t helping. Don’t stop or change a medication on your own, even if you feel better or feel it isn’t working. Talk with your clinician first.
You still have options. When depression doesn’t improve after trying at least two antidepressants at an adequate dose and length of time, it is often called treatment-resistant depression. A psychiatrist may first look at your diagnosis, dosing or medication choice. Two other treatments are available for adults with treatment-resistant depression:
- TMS therapy, a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses.
- Spravato (esketamine), a nasal spray given under medical supervision.
Both treat depression that hasn’t responded to medication, but they work differently.
- TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood. Sessions are usually daily for about six weeks. You stay awake, and you can drive yourself and return to normal activities afterward.
- Spravato is a clinically-supervised nasal spray. You take it in the office alongside an oral antidepressant, and you are monitored for at least two hours afterward. You’ll need a ride home and can’t drive until the next day.