What Is Depression?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, despair, and loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities. It can impact anyone, regardless of age. Research indicates that 20% of Americans face a significant depressive episode each year. Recognizing the challenge of seeking out support for depression, Serenity Mental Health Centers is committed to assisting patients in understanding their condition, finding suitable treatments, and providing continuous support throughout their journey. If you think you need help with depression, contact our office in Phoenix, AZ.
How Is Depression Treated?
Various forms of depression exist, including postpartum depression, clinical depression, and treatment-resistant depression. A critical initial step in managing depression involves identifying its type. Common treatments like talk therapy and medication benefit many; however, effectiveness varies from person to person. Recognizing the uniqueness of each patient, we can combine traditional approaches with innovative options like TMS therapy and ketamine IV therapy. Our approach is patient-centered, focusing on listening to each individual's experiences and concerns to tailor a depression treatment plan that aligns with their wellness objectives.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Depression?
Depression is a multifaceted mental health disorder that impacts emotions, thoughts, and daily life. It can stem from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological influences.
Common Symptoms of Depression:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities
- Changes in appetite or significant weight fluctuations
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Chronic fatigue or low energy levels
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Possible Causes of Depression:
- Genetics: A family history of depression may increase the risk
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters can contribute to symptoms
- Hormonal shifts: Changes due to pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders
- Chronic stress or trauma: Long-term stress or past traumatic experiences
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain illnesses, such as chronic pain or neurological disorders, can be linked to depression
What Are the Risk Factors for Depression?
Depression can arise from a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological influences. Risk factors for depression include:
- Chronic health conditions: Ongoing illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or persistent pain
- Hormonal imbalances: Changes due to pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues, or postpartum shifts
- Stressful life changes: Experiencing significant events such as loss, divorce, job stress, or financial strain
- Substance misuse: Alcohol or drug use that interferes with emotional balance
- Sleep disturbances: Poor sleep quality or inconsistent sleep patterns
- Social isolation: Lack of a strong support system or having strained relationships
- Genetic vulnerability: A family history of depression or other mental health disorders
- Traumatic past experiences: A history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Sedentary habits: Limited physical activity, which negatively impacts mental health
- Neurochemical imbalances: Disruptions in neurotransmitter levels that influence mood regulation
Depression Reviews
I am so fortunate to have come to Serenity and gotten help with my mental health and medication concerns. They have truly helped me take care of myself and put me first. Everyone in the office is kind, helpful, and greets you with a warm smile. I would recommend this place for your mental health needs any day of the week. Definitely 5 stars.
I’m delighted to share my positive experience with Dr. Jerrzy Hubert. His kindness, genuine concern, and unwavering support have been instrumental in my journey toward better mental health. I appreciate Dr. Hubert’s expertise and compassionate approach, making each session a source of comfort and progress. As Dr. Hubert embarks on a new chapter with a move, I want to express my sincere best wishes. I will miss his guidance, but I’m truly grateful for the positive impact he had on my well-being. Thank you and good luck!
Our family has been very fortunate to find such caring, kind, and empathetic individuals. From the moment you call them to the very first time, you attend your initial appointment and intake. The staff is supportive, helpful, patient, knowledgeable and extremely caring. Our family is very happy and feel like it is a safe environment. Everyone there loves what’s they do you can feel it. Kaytlyn and Dr. Elias Ruiloba are amzaing. Dr. Ruiloba was patient and explained treatment process, answered questions without making us feel like we are a burden. We are very thankful we are in the care of Serenity Mental Health. I would highly recommend them to families. Marram Saggaf
Dr Prussing is a gem -- truly. Serenity Mental Health has been lucky to have her services. The entire office is incredibly friendly, professional, personable, and quick, but Dr Prussing has exercised prudent and compassionate care the entire time I have worked with her to manage my medication and mental health. I feel heard and seen when I am in an appointment with Dr Prussing; I feel like I have another human being sitting across from me who truly just wants to help another human being if she can. And she has helped me and my family tremendously with her expertise and judgement.
I recently decided to get on top of my mental health and my attention issues. I booked my initial appointment at the Chandler location but ended up moving over to the Desert Ridge location after some scheduling issues and it's closer to home. I cannot recommend Dr. Kara Prussing enough. I have only had the opportunity to have a few appointments with her but she has already helped me get on the right path for my medication management. She also really listened to the areas that I am struggling and gives great insight and options on tackling it. I have a ways to go but she has definitely helped a lot. The staff at the Desert Ridge location are also very friendly, quick and make the process as easy as possible.
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between depression and sadness?
Feeling sad occasionally is a common part of the human experience. However, depression goes beyond sporadic sadness. It involves persistent or severe sadness that may be accompanied by several other symptoms, such as a diminished interest in activities once enjoyed, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, excessive guilt, reduced energy levels, trouble concentrating, changes in appetite, altered sleep patterns, physical pains like headaches and body aches, and potentially, suicidal thoughts.
Can children get depression?
Although 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 result in serious complications, including worsening physical health, decreased 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 facing depression or its symptoms, remember you're not in this alone. These feelings that depression brings can often seem insurmountable and daunting. Our goal is to help our patients understand their condition and identify a treatment plan tailored to their specific requirements. Begin your journey to a hopeful future by contacting Serenity Mental Health Centers in Phoenix, AZ now.