What Is Depression?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of despair, sadness, and irritability. It can lead individuals to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression can affect people of all ages, with studies indicating that 20% of Americans experience a severe depressive episode annually. Seeking help for depression can be overwhelming, but at Serenity Mental Health Centers, our team is dedicated to empowering patients to understand their diagnosis, find suitable treatments, and receive ongoing support. For more information, reach out to our Provo, UT practice.
How Is Depression Treated?
Depression encompasses various types, including postpartum depression, clinical depression, and treatment-resistant depression. Identifying the specific type of depression is crucial for effective treatment. While talk therapy and medication are commonly used and effective for many, our team acknowledges the individuality of each patient's experience. In addition to conventional treatments, we provide innovative alternatives like TMS therapy and ketamine IV therapy. By attentively listening to our patient's feelings and concerns, we tailor depression treatment plans to meet their unique needs and wellness objectives.
What are the signs and contributing causes of depression?
Depression is a multifaceted mental health disorder that impacts emotional well-being, thought patterns, and everyday life. It often stems from a combination of hereditary, biological, emotional, and environmental factors, each playing a role in how the condition develops and progresses.
Those experiencing depression may notice a variety of persistent and disruptive symptoms, including:
- Feeling consistently sad or emotionally numb
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Significant changes in eating habits or weight
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Ongoing tiredness or lack of motivation
- Trouble with concentration or memory
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or low self-worth
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Depression doesn’t usually have a single cause—it’s often influenced by several overlapping risk factors, such as:
- Genetics
- Chemical imbalances
- Hormonal shifts
- Ongoing stress or emotional trauma
- Chronic health issues
What Are the Risk Factors for Depression?
Depression arises from a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological elements. Risk factors for depression include:
- Genetic background A family history of depression or mental health issues
- Neurological imbalances Variations in neurotransmitter levels that influence mood
- Hormonal fluctuations Changes associated with stages such as pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or thyroid disorders
- Emotional life stressors Events like the death of a loved one, marital separation, unemployment, or financial hardship
- Trauma history Experiences of physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment
- Chronic health conditions Illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or persistent pain conditions
- Substance misuse Consumption of alcohol or drugs that negatively affect cognitive function
- Social isolation Lack of supportive relationships or enduring stressful interpersonal interactions
- Sleep problems Poor or erratic sleep habits
- Physical inactivity Minimal engagement in physical activities, detrimentally affecting emotional health
Depression Reviews
I highly recommend Tanner as a psychiatrist and honestly the serenity staff as a whole. Tanner helped me find the right medications that worked well together and helped me out tremendously with my depression and anxiety. He’s very knowledgeable and listened to me and my needs. I highly recommend him.
I’ve had a great experience with Serenity health! They’re a very caring team that makes sure you feel cared for. I did TMS with them and they’ve been very flexible and understanding with my treatment. I haven’t felt pressured at all or had issues with payment.
I love Jenn! She genuinely cares and connected with me right away. She takes the time to explain mental health options and decide on an individualized treatment plan. I'm not sure what the other reviews are complaining about. The front desk always answers quickly and has a professional warm staff, I haven't been pressured into TMS, meds have been sent to the pharmacy same day, and the no show policy is comparable to other offices. Serenity has been great for me!
I've never been to a psychiatrist who cares so much. The first time I called to schedule an appointment, they expressed empathy for my mental health struggles. I've never experienced that at any other psychiatric clinic.
Going to Serenity Mental Health has changed my life. After the ketamine treatments, and adjustments to my medication. As my wife said welcome back it's been about 10 years. I think all the staff were excellent. Thanks to Jenn my Provider and McKenzie, I think her name was, she was the nurse that did my ketamine. I now have my life back. I can't remember the last time I was this happy.
5
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between depression and sadness?
Feeling sad occasionally is a normal part of life. However, depression extends beyond occasional sadness. It involves persistent or severe sadness accompanied by various other symptoms, such as a decreased interest in activities once enjoyed, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, excessive guilt, reduced energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, disrupted sleep patterns, physical pains like headaches and body aches, and potentially, suicidal thoughts.
Can children get depression?
Yes, children can experience depression. While it is often viewed as a condition that primarily affects adults, depression does not discriminate by age and can impact children as well. In children, the signs of depression might differ 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 decreased energy. It is important for parents, caregivers, and educators to recognize these symptoms and seek appropriate medical guidance to address them.
What are the risks of untreated depression?
Untreated depression can lead to serious complications, including deteriorating physical health, reduced ability to function at work or in social settings, substance abuse, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These effects emphasize the importance of recognizing and treating depression early to prevent long-term psychosocial and health issues.
Find the Joy of Living Again
If you're struggling with depression or experiencing symptoms of depression, know that you're not alone. The emotions brought on by depression can feel overwhelming and frightening, but there is hope. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey toward healing and recovery. We aim to empower our patients with knowledge about their condition so that we can find the right treatment that works for their unique needs. Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow by contacting our Provo, UT office today.