Depression

Depression affects more than 8% of adults and nearly three-fourths of them struggle with severe symptoms affecting their ability to get through each day. At Brighter Light Behavioral Health Services, Stanley Okeyemi, PMHNP, guides you to optimal mental health with medication management that lifts depression. Even when a low mood makes it hard to reach out, you can get the care you need through telemedicine. Stanley offers depression treatment through virtual appointments to people in Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, Idaho, Connecticut, Nebraska, Florida, Iowa, and Arizona.

What causes depression?

You can become depressed for many possible reasons. You’re more vulnerable to depression if others in your family struggle with the disorder or you have an imbalance in the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that regulate mood.

Many people find that depression occurs after they experience a life challenge, whether that’s long-term emotional abuse, a major life transition, getting sick, or the death of a loved one. Common daily challenges also cause depression, such as facing a bully at school or working in a negative environment.

No matter the cause, it’s important to know that depression is a serious condition. Once depression takes hold, it persists and seldom improves without treatment.

What depression symptoms might I experience?

You can develop different types of depression, but the most common is major depressive disorder (MDD). Another type, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymic disorder), causes less severe symptoms, but your depression lasts at least two years.  

However, all types share the same symptoms, such as:

• Feeling sad and hopeless (depressed mood)
• Losing interest in your favorite activities
• Losing or gaining weight (or changes in eating habits)
• Oversleeping or struggling to sleep (insomnia)
• Having repetitive, slow movements or restless, aimless movement
• An extreme lack of energy
• Feeling worthless or inappropriately guilty
• Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thinking about death or suicide

If your symptoms last two weeks or longer, you should connect with Brighter Light Behavioral Health Services and get help overcoming depression.

And if you can’t stop thinking about suicide, call the suicide lifeline at 988. Someone always answers and is ready to help.

How is depression treated?

During your first appointment, your provider learns about your medical history and identifies any life events or risk factors that might cause depression. Then they complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

Depression treatment typically includes talk therapy combined with antidepressant medications. Your Brighter Light Behavioral Health Services provider specializes in medication management while providing guidance for other therapies you might need.

Don’t wait to seek help, hoping you’ll feel better. Depression is more likely to get deeper and more severe the longer you go without treatment. 

Call Brighter Light Behavioral Health Services or book a telemedicine appointment online to get the treatment you need to overcome depression and start enjoying life again.