What is Depression?
Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It’s more than just feeling down or having a bad day; depression is a persistent mental health condition that can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. It can interfere with your ability to function at work, school, or in social settings and can significantly reduce your quality of life.

What are the signs of Depression?
The symptoms of depression vary widely and can affect different areas of a person’s life. To be diagnosed with depression, these symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

• Emotional Symptoms:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies and social interactions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Irritability or frustration, even over small matters
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts of self-harm

• Physical Symptoms:

  • Fatigue or a significant lack of energy
  • Changes in sleep patterns—sleeping too much or insomnia
  • Significant changes in appetite or weight (unintentional gain or loss)
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, or unexplained pain
  • Moving or talking more slowly, or feeling restless and unable to sit still

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some people only experiencing occasional episodes and others dealing with chronic depression.

How is Depression diagnosed?
Depression is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. At Angels Mental Health, we use a multi-step approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan:

1. Clinical Interview:
   We conduct an in-depth conversation with you to understand your symptoms, their duration, and how they impact your life. We also consider any family history of depression or other mood disorders.

2. Questionnaires and Assessments:
   We may use standardized questionnaires, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), to assess the severity of your depression and identify any co-occurring conditions like anxiety.

3. Physical Examination:
   In some cases, a physical exam or lab tests may be necessary to rule out medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.

4. Psychosocial Factors:
   We take into account any stressors in your life, including financial difficulties, relationship problems, or traumatic events, as these can contribute to the onset or worsening of depression.

How is Depression treated?
Depression is treatable, and at Angels Mental Health, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies designed to help individuals manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the depression and your individual needs, but may include a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

1. Medication:

   • Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and other classes of antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help regulate mood by balancing chemicals in the brain.
   • Adjustments in Medication: It may take several weeks for the effects of antidepressants to become apparent. Finding the right medication and dosage is essential, and our team works closely with you to monitor any side effects and make necessary adjustments.

2. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their depression. By challenging these thought patterns, CBT helps patients develop healthier, more constructive ways of thinking.
   • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): This type of therapy focuses on improving relationships and resolving interpersonal problems that may be contributing to depression.
   • Behavioral Activation Therapy: This approach encourages individuals to engage in activities they enjoy and find meaningful, which can help improve mood and reduce the sense of isolation often associated with depression.

3. Lifestyle Changes:

   • Regular Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to boost mood and improve symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins and reducing stress.
   • Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can support overall mental health.
   • Sleep Hygiene: Ensuring a consistent sleep schedule and addressing sleep disturbances can be critical in managing depression.
   • Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce the impact of stress on your mental health.

4. Supportive Care and Telehealth Services:

   • Continuous Monitoring: Regular check-ins and assessments ensure that your treatment plan is effective and adapted as needed.
   • Telehealth Services: Our telehealth services offer convenient and flexible care, allowing you to receive treatment from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are located.

At Angels Mental Health, we provide compassionate and expert care tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether you’re experiencing mild, moderate, or severe depression, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate your journey to recovery with the tools and support you need to reclaim your life.