Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges, affecting 8% of adults and causing mild to debilitating sadness, hopelessness, and lethargy. The team at Mental Health and Wellness Associates, based in Santa Monica, California, understands that it’s hard to reach out for help when you’re depressed. They pave the way with appointment options, such as telehealth visits, that make it possible to get the treatment you need from the comforts of home. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use online booking today.

What causes depression?

Depression has many possible causes and sometimes arises for no apparent reason. Life transitions like losing a job, moving, separating from your partner, or the death of a loved one, can throw you into depression.

Everyday stressors and chronic diseases can trigger depression. Your risk is also higher if others in your family struggle with depression because you can inherit a tendency to develop the disorder.

Depression is also directly related to an imbalance in the neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) needed to regulate your mood. When neurotransmitter levels drop, you may end up feeling depressed without an obvious cause. Additionally, neurotransmitter problems can prolong depression that begins due to a life event.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression may be mild or so debilitating you can barely get up in the morning, but it always causes several of the following symptoms:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, and/or worthless
• Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Gaining or losing weight
• Eating more or less than usual
• Having insomnia or sleeping too much
• Feeling fatigued or having no energy
• Being unable to concentrate
• Having restless, aimless, repetitive movements or moving slowly
• Thinking about death or suicide

If your symptoms last two weeks or longer, it’s time to seek help from the caring team at Mental Health and Wellness Associates.

How is depression treated?

Before recommending a treatment plan, your doctor completes a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and learns about your symptoms and concerns. The best treatment for you — whether therapy, medication, or both — depends on the type of depression, the cause (if known), and the severity of your symptoms.

People with moderate to severe depression often need antidepressants. Medications can improve your symptoms before they worsen and make it easier for you to participate in talk therapy.

Therapy improves many issues associated with depression. During therapy, you may learn ways to cope with life challenges, get support for a specific life challenge, learn to change negative thoughts, and gain insight and skills for overcoming and preventing depression.

Mental Health and Wellness Associates also offers or can refer their patients to holistic mental health and wellness care. For example, they may recommend meditation, exercise, and dietary changes to be sure your body has the nutrients it needs to produce neurotransmitters.

You’ll find compassion and understanding at Mental Health and Wellness Associates. Don’t wait to call or book an appointment online today.