Depression
Depression: A Brief Overview
Depression is a serious medical illness of the brain. It is not a feeling of sadness or feeling “blue.” Someone who has depression has symptoms nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks or longer. It’s persistent and interferes with everyday life—from work, home, and school to relationships and daily tasks. For some, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988. This is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is staffed around the clock. Your call or text will never be turned away.
Depression can affect people of all ages and is different for every person. A person who has depression can’t control their feelings. If you or your child, teen, or older relative is depressed, it’s not their fault. Left untreated, depression can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Depression Essential Information
Depression
Find out more about depression including symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment options.
Warning Signs of Mental Illness
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing mental illness, here’s what to look for.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is chronic depression that lasts for an extended period of time.
Depression in Children and Teens
Depression in Children and Teens
Children and teens who are depressed may have different symptoms than adults.
Teen Suicide
Depression is a main cause of suicide. It’s a complex illness that can cloud judgment, especially for young people.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression is a mental health illness that affects women after giving birth.
Postpartum Depression Action Plan
If you are at risk of developing postpartum depression after your baby is born, it’s important to create a postpartum depression action plan.
Depression in Older Adults
Depression in Older Adults
Depression is a common problem in older adults, but it is not part of the aging process.
Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease
Depression is very common among people who have Alzheimer dementia.
Diagnosis
Talking to Your Doctor About Your Mental Health
Deciding to talk to your doctor about your mental health is the first step on your journey to feeling better.
Mental Health Diagnosis: What’s Next?
Receiving a diagnosis of a mental health condition can be overwhelming. It’s important to take the diagnosis seriously and take action.
Depression | Coping With Suicidal Thoughts
Even though it feels like your pain will never end, suicidal thoughts often are caused by a treatable health problem.
Treatment
Different Types of Mental Health Treatment
There are a variety of treatments available for mental health conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
How to Safely Take Antidepressants
If you are prescribed an antidepressant to treat your depression, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid unwanted or dangerous side effects.
Types of Antidepressants
The chemicals in antidepressants affect people in different ways. You may have to try one or more types before finding one that works.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a method of stimulating the brain with electricity to treat some types of severe mental illness.
Therapy and Counseling
Professional therapy and counseling can improve your mental wellness. Therapy can also help people who have a mental health disorder.
Nutrition and Mental Health
New research finds that your food choices may also affect your mood and mental health. This is sometimes called the “food-mood connection.”
Prevention
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Talking about mental illness can be hard. The stigma that surrounds mental health and mental illness can prevent people from getting the support and help they need.
Mental Health: Keeping Your Emotional Health
Being emotionally healthy doesn’t mean you’re happy all the time. It means you’re aware of your emotions.
Doctors’ Notes
When a patient is diagnosed with depression, I’m trained to provide care ranging from prescribing antidepressants to helping find other resources. Read More
