Depression

At Cornerstone Psychiatry, Rebecca Harvey, DNP, provides comprehensive, compassionate care for individuals with depression. If you struggle with depressive symptoms like overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or increased irritability, expert care can help you feel more like yourself again. To learn more, schedule a consultation at the Lindon, Utah, office by phone or online.

What causes depression?

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a chronic mental health condition typified by hopelessness, sadness, and lethargy. It can make happiness feel far out of reach, leaving you empty.

Depression is extremely complex, with no one underlying reason. Possible causes include genetic vulnerability, chemical imbalances in the brain, or stressful life events — even if the events themselves are overall positive, such as a major job change or giving birth.

Depression cycles come and go, and it’s normal to experience low periods as you go through life. If depression symptoms are making your day-to-day routine a struggle, however, it’s time to seek help.

What symptoms of depression should I look out for?

Consider reaching out to Rebecca at Cornerstone Psychiatry if you experience:

• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Feeling “stuck” in personal relationships or work
• Disordered sleeping or eating habits
• Anxiety or irritability
• Appetite loss
• Fatigue or overall lethargy
• Headaches or migraines
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Lingering feelings of hopelessness or sadness

Depression is a complex condition and can lead to suicidal ideations. If you or a loved one struggles with this, call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) immediately.

How is depression treated?

Rebecca thoroughly evaluates your mental health and discusses your depression symptoms. She may recommend one or a combination of effective therapies, including:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help you form new patterns of behavior, identify potential triggers, and find tools that help you manage depression. Your talk therapy might include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT).

Medications

Medications can make a profound impact on your depression by altering how your brain processes mood-affecting chemicals or stress. Antidepressant medications may include Zoloft®, Lexapro®, Desyrel®, and Oleptro™.

It takes four to six weeks for antidepressants to reach full effectiveness, so be sure to communicate with Rebecca about how your medication is working and work with her to wean off safely if you want to stop taking it. Don’t be discouraged if you need to try a few medications before finding the one that works best for you.

Rebecca can also recommend other ways to support your mental health, such as attending support groups or making lifestyle changes like meditation, exercise, or eating a nutritious diet.

To learn more about the compassionate care for depression at Cornerstone Psychiatry, call the office or reach out online.