Do you feel like you're trudging through life, weighed down by a constant sense of sadness and worry? Perhaps the joy you once knew has faded, replaced by a persistent feeling of being stuck. You are not alone. Millions of adults struggle with depression, unhappiness, and an overwhelming sense of being trapped in a cycle of negativity.
As a trusted and highly recommended psychiatry practice, Mission Psychiatry understands the profound impact depression can have on your daily life. That's why we offer a personalized approach that goes beyond just managing symptoms. We'll create a supportive space where you can explore the root causes of your struggles and we'll develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying factors contributing to your pain.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Symptoms of depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can appear differently in each person. These symptoms may include:​
​
-
Feeling sad, irritable, empty and/or hopeless
-
Losing interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
-
Significant change in appetite (eating much less or more than usual) and/or weight (notable loss or gain)
-
Sleeping too little or too much
-
Decreased energy or increased tiredness or fatigue
-
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech that are severe enough to be observable by others
-
Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
-
Difficulty thinking or concentrating, forgetfulness, and/or difficulty making minor decisions
-
Thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts
​
It is normal to experience moments of sadness or feeling “down in the dumps” or the blues as part of the human experience. However, a diagnosis of depression requires that the above symptoms occur for most of the day, nearly every day, for more than two weeks, along with a clear change in day-to-day functioning (e.g., in work/school performance, personal relationships, and hobbies). Fortunately, depression is very treatable.
How is Depression Treated?
Depression treatment may include psychotherapy in addition to medication. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms sufficiently, additional alternative options can be used. Choosing the right treatment plan is based on a person’s needs, preferences, and medical situation and in consultation with a mental health professional or a health care provider. Finding the best treatment may take trial and error. Our team will listen to the feelings and concerns each patient expresses to find a treatment for that addresses their specific needs without compromising any of their wellness goals.