What Is Depression?
Depression, often referred to as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and irritability. It can diminish one's interest in activities once enjoyed, impacting individuals of any age. Research indicates that each year, 20% of Americans undergo a significant depressive episode. Recognizing the challenge of seeking assistance for depression, Serenity Mental Health Centers is committed to guiding patients through understanding their condition, identifying suitable treatments, and offering support throughout their journey. Contact us in San Antonio, TX to find relief.
How Is Depression Treated?
Depression manifests in various forms, including postpartum depression, clinical depression, and treatment-resistant depression. A crucial step in addressing depression involves determining the specific type one is dealing with. While talk therapy and medication stand as prevalent and effective treatments for many, it's understood that individual responses can vary. Recognizing the uniqueness of each patient, our approach goes beyond traditional methods to include advanced options like TMS therapy and ketamine IV therapy. We prioritize understanding each patient's unique experiences and concerns to tailor a depression treatment plan that aligns with their personal wellness objectives.
What are the symptoms and possible triggers of depression?
Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can influence how someone feels, thinks, and functions day to day. It's often the result of a complex mix of biological makeup, emotional experiences, inherited traits, and external stressors.
People living with depression may experience a range of symptoms that impact both mental and physical well-being, including:
- A constant feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or regular activities
- Noticeable shifts in appetite or significant weight changes
- Disrupted sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Feeling drained or physically exhausted most of the time
- Trouble focusing, remembering details, or making decisions
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame
- Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
The development of depression can’t usually be traced to one single cause. Instead, it’s often linked to a combination of the following:
- Genetic vulnerability
- Neurochemical imbalances
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Emotional trauma or chronic stress
- Underlying health problems
What Are the Risk Factors for Depression?
Depression can develop from a blend of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological influences. Key risk factors for depression include:
- Genetic background Having relatives with depression or psychiatric disorders
- Neurological imbalances Shifts in neurotransmitter levels that regulate mood
- Endocrine changes Hormonal adjustments related to pregnancy, the postpartum phase, menopause, or thyroid complications
- Emotional stressors Events such as bereavement, marital dissolution, job loss, or economic difficulties
- Past abuse or trauma Encounters with physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Ongoing health challenges Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic pain issues
- Substance addiction Use of alcohol or narcotics that impair neurological functions
- Limited social interaction Experiencing solitude or problematic relationships
- Sleep disturbances Inconsistent or insufficient sleep
- Physical inactivity A lifestyle with low physical engagement, affecting overall mental state
Depression Reviews
From the moment I entered the office to the moment leaving the office I felt so cared for! The psychiatrist Erik is awesome & very knowledgeable about my mental health! I’m so glad he was able to help me.
I’m so glad to have found Dr. Lundmark! Actually, all the Serenity staff members have always been kind and helpful. Dr. Lundmark is very easy to talk to, and actually respects my input regarding my treatment. That was not the case with multiple doctors I’d seen in the past. I absolutely recommend Dr. Lundmark and Serenity for anyone searching for a mental health practitioner.
He showed a genuine care and concern for my mental health and well-being.
Mental health is never a fun subject to have to come to terms with or understand but with Serenity, Victoria my TMS tech and Dr. Norman I have come to know that life is better when we allow ourselves to heal, and use the resources available to get help. This year I reached my lowest low but with the support of serenity and my TMS treatments with Victoria, I was able to learn healthy coping mechanisms, grounding techniques, how to be nicer to myself and helped every day tasks not feel so heavy. I cannot begin to express the gratitude, appreciation and admiration I have for Victoria and how she pours her heart into everyone she encounters, I truly believe the companionship she offered brought me back everyday, we laughed, cried, complained and reflected on my life a lot together. Even while Victoria was on a much deserved vacation Ash was an absolute ray of sunshine to encounter. I never doubted I was in good hands at Serenity, everyone is so personable, helpful and caring for their patients wellbeing. I do and will continue to recommend Serenity, TMS, Dr. Norman and Victoria to anyone I know who could benefit from their services.
My first meeting with Dr. Lundmark was great, he was thorough and eager to get me started on a treatment plan for my ADHD. The staff is all nice and the whole process is pretty efficient.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of untreated depression?
If left untreated, depression can cause serious complications, such as worsening physical health problems, impaired functioning at work or in social settings, substance abuse, and a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These consequences emphasize the crucial need to recognize and address depression early to avoid long-term psychosocial and health challenges.
What is the difference between depression and sadness?
Feeling sad occasionally is a normal part of life. However, depression is more than just occasional sadness. It involves prolonged or intense feelings of sadness accompanied by various other symptoms, such as a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, excessive guilt, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, disrupted sleep patterns, physical pains like headaches and body aches, and possibly, suicidal thoughts.
Can children get depression?
Children can experience depression. Although it's commonly seen as an adult condition, depression does not discriminate by age and can affect children too. In children, the symptoms might vary from those in adults and can include irritability, changes in eating and sleeping habits, persistent sadness, withdrawal from friends and activities they once enjoyed, and a decrease in energy. It's crucial for parents, caregivers, and educators to recognize these signs and seek appropriate medical guidance to address them.
Find the Joy of Living Again
If you're experiencing depression or its symptoms, remember you're not alone in this struggle. The feelings associated with depression can indeed be intense and daunting. Our objective is to equip our patients with a comprehensive understanding of their condition, enabling us to tailor a treatment plan that resonates with their specific requirements. Embark on the journey to a more hopeful future by reaching out to Serenity Mental Health Centers in San Antonio, TX today.