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. Despite its prevalence, affecting 20% of Americans annually, seeking help for depression can be daunting. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, our team is dedicated to empowering our Salt Lake City, UT patients to understand their diagnosis, find personalized treatment options, and receive support throughout their journey.
How Is Depression Treated?
Understanding the various types of depression, such as postpartum depression, clinical depression, and treatment-resistant depression, is crucial for tailoring effective treatment plans. While talk therapy and medication are commonly used treatments, their effectiveness can vary from person to person. We recognize the uniqueness of each patient and offer innovative alternatives like TMS therapy and ketamine IV therapy. Our team prioritizes listening to patients' concerns to develop personalized depression treatment plans that align with their wellness goals.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Depression?
Depression is a serious and multifaceted mental health disorder that impacts how a person feels, thinks, and functions on a day-to-day basis. It can develop from a mix of genetic, emotional, biological, and environmental influences, making each individual’s experience unique.
Those living with depression may notice a range of emotional and physical symptoms that interfere with daily life, including:
- Feeling consistently sad, empty, or hopeless
- Losing interest in favorite activities or hobbies
- Noticeable changes in appetite or weight
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling drained or lacking energy
- Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Strong feelings of guilt, helplessness, or low self-worth
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
A number of different factors may contribute to the onset of depression, such as:
- Family history
- Chemical imbalances
- Hormonal shifts
- Long-term stress or traumatic experiences
- Chronic health issues
What Are the Risk Factors of Depression?
Depression can result from a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological influences. Factors that can predispose someone to depression include:
- Genetic factors A family history of depression or other mental health issues
- Neurochemical imbalances Variations in neurotransmitter levels that can alter mood
- Hormonal fluctuations Changes associated with stages such as pregnancy, the postpartum period, menopause, or thyroid imbalances
- Significant life stressors Experiencing events like the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or financial difficulties
- Traumatic experiences Instances of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Chronic medical conditions Diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular illness, or ongoing pain conditions
- Substance use Alcohol or drug consumption that negatively affects neurological function
- Social isolation Lack of supportive relationships or enduring strained interactions
- Sleep disturbances Inadequate or poor-quality sleep
- Inactive lifestyle Minimal physical activity, which can influence overall mental health
Depression Reviews
This Dr. And office staff really care about you. Never have I had a dr. Office care so much that when I went away for treatment worried about me and worried that I did or did not have my medication. They worry about your mental health and when they know ypu are suffering they realy go above and beyond. I can't say enough good about this clinic
Ben Shapiro and his staff are excellent. I am not saying this lightly. If you have an opportunity, go see him as he is an M.D. and is highly experienced. A long story short, I've had a difficult year but he has helped me with rest and methods to help me healthily tackle issues we face on a daily basis. HIGHLY recommended. Your mental health is important. Ben knows this and will help you.
Dr. Ben Shapiro is a psychiatrist who truly cares about his patients' well-being. He combines professionalism with a deep sense of empathy, making him an excellent choice for anyone seeking compassionate mental health care. I highly recommend his services.
Dr. Benjamin Shapiro has been a game changer for my mental health. I feel like I'm making a lot of progress with his help. He is very wise and has excellent judgment when its a tough call. He is really professional and his office is well put together with great staff. He takes your health and safety more seriously than any of the other 6-8 psychiatrists I've seen. He's not perfect but I don't think you could ask for a better psychiatrist!
Great experience so far, I absolutely love everyone who has helped me there. I would recommend to anyone who needs some help with their mental health. Benjamin Shapiro was very kind and helped me get on the right medication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell the difference between sadness and depression?
Feeling sad once in a while is a normal part of being human. But depression is much more than just occasional sadness. It includes prolonged or intense sadness along with various other symptoms. These symptoms may include a loss of 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 possibly suicidal thoughts.
Can children suffer from depression?
Yes, children can suffer from depression. Despite the common belief that depression mainly affects adults, it can also impact children. The symptoms in children may differ from those in adults and can include irritability, changes in eating and sleeping habits, persistent sadness, withdrawal from friends and activities they used to enjoy, and a decrease in energy. It is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators to recognize these signs and seek the necessary medical help to address them.
What are the consequences of untreated depression?
If depression goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including worsening physical health, reduced capacity to function in work or social settings, substance abuse, and a greater risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These outcomes highlight the critical need for early recognition and treatment of depression to prevent long-term health and psychosocial issues.
Find the Joy of Living Again
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or experiencing symptoms know that support is available. Depression can feel isolating, but you're not alone in this journey. Our team at Serenity Mental Health Centers is dedicated to empowering our patients with understanding and compassion. Together, we can find the right treatment tailored to your specific needs. Don't hesitate to reach out to our Salt Lake City, UT office today and take that first step toward a brighter tomorrow.