Depression Treatment
Depression can feel like a black hole, but with proper treatment, a better quality of life awaits. Wellness Psychiatry offers custom treatment plans that include medicine management and compassionate care so every client can feel more like themselves again.
Our goal is to help you reducing depression symptoms as quickly and effectively as possible. Let us discuss some signs of depression and show you how depression treatment can improve every part of your life.
Signs of Depression
Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people may experience every sign of depression, or only a couple. Many people can hide symptoms of depression for a long time before they are able to reach out for help. These are the most common depression symptoms to look for:
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities you enjoy
- Increased fatigue that can cause excessive sleeping
- Insomnia
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Anxiety Thinking and/or talking about dying
Diagnosing Clinical Depression
There is no single conclusive test to diagnose depression. Your practitioner will use a combination of clinical interviews and assess your health history before making a diagnosis. A diagnosis requires symptoms that last for most of the day for at least two weeks, including a low mood and loss of interest in hobbies and activities. Most providers suggest a physical exam and bloodwork to rule out any medical causes, like thyroid issues. Your practitioner or mental health professional will also have you answer questions relating to depression.
What Sets Wellness Psychiatry Apart for Depression Help
One of the most challenging aspects of depression treatment is the wait time to see a psychiatrist. Dr. Angela Durham, MD, is generally able to see new clients within a week, which is much faster than clinics that accept insurance.
Dr. Durham has flexible hours to accommodate many scheduling needs, and appointment length can be customized for each client. Her focus on lifestyle psychiatry allows her to treat more people with a multi-faceted approach.
Treating Depression with Lifestyle Psychiatry
While medication and therapy are often the first treatments for depression, lifestyle psychiatry is proving to be a helpful part of a full treatment plan. It promotes healthy habits that can enhance the efficacy of traditional treatments. Lifestyle psychiatry encourages clients to focus on key areas to improve their mental and physical health:
Physical Activity
Exercise is excellent for physical health but also works wonders for mental health. Physical activity releases “happy chemicals” like endorphins that improve mood. Regular exercise also improves sleep and reduces stress levels. You can benefit from moving your body even if working out isn’t for you; cleaning the house, gardening, and other hobbies count as physical activity.
Healthy Food Choices
Unhealthy diets increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other physical ailments; the food you eat also impacts your mental state. Processed food with a lot of sugar and refined carbohydrates may be convenient and taste good. Still, it will cause inflammation and rapid blood sugar shifts that contribute to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Nutrient-dense, whole foods help your brain maintain levels of neurotransmitters and protect from oxidative damage.
Mind-Body Practices
Your mind and body are unique, but each needs to be healthy for the other to function correctly. Simultaneously engaging your mind and body allows you to be aware of both and experience the feelings that can stem from that connection. Meditation and mindfulness are two common mind-body exercises. You choose a place and time to cultivate mindfulness and focus when meditating. On the other hand, mindfulness practices can be part of your usual daily activities to help you be present and aware of the current moment.
Restful Sleep
Everyone appreciates how they feel the morning after a great night’s sleep. Your brain does some housekeeping while you’re sleeping, including consolidating memories and removing waste and toxins. It also regulates neurotransmitters and recharges to take on the next day. When you don’t get enough sleep, you have less energy to handle daily life stressors and regulate emotions. Insufficient sleep affects your cognitive functioning, making it more challenging to make decisions, concentrate, and react to new situations. The effects of poor sleep can increase stress levels, which can affect depression.
Social Connection
Everyone enjoys time to themselves, but social connections are essential to your well-being. These connections are especially true for those battling depression. Depression can cause people to self-isolate, which will worsen their symptoms. Emotional support comes in many forms, including social media and other internet forums, support groups, religious leaders, and friends. Interacting with others makes people feel valued and cared about and can improve self-esteem. Supporting someone with depression can also include assistance with things like grocery shopping, household tasks, and scheduling appointments.
Treating Depression with Medication Management & Therapy
While lifestyle change is be an important part of a full depression treatment plan, medication and therapy are foundational treatments for many individuals. These approaches are often used in combination to address the biological, psychological, and social aspects of depression.
Medication Management
Antidepressants can help correct chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to depression. Common types include SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), and other antidepressants.
The effectiveness of each medication varies from person to person, and working closely with a psychiatrist ensures the right dosage and type for you.
It’s important not to stop medication abruptly, as this can lead to other issues or a relapse in one’s mental health.
Therapy Approaches
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, helps individuals understand and manage their depression by addressing thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses.
Therapy provides a safe space to process emotions, develop resilience, and build healthier habits. For some, a combination of medication and therapy yields the best results, while others may benefit more from one approach over the other.
The most effective treatment plans often combine lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy. Depression is a highly individualized disease; we tailor your treatment plans to your needs for a lasting recovery.
Treat Depression with Wellness Psychiatry
Let Wellness Psychiatry guide you on your journey of depression treatment. Our combined approach of traditional therapy, medication management, and lifestyle psychiatry treats your body and mind together.
Our office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call (859) 210-2060. Wellness Psychiatry is located in Lexington, KY, and serves Lexington, Nicholasville, Winchester, and the surrounding areas.