Depression services offered in Silver Spring, MD
Everyone has feelings of sadness once in a while, but if you’re constantly in a state of hopelessness and despair, you could be suffering from depression. At E&B Behavioral and Medical Clinic LLC, Beatrice Tekah, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, and Ernest Keyaka, NP, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, are mental health specialists that treat depression using a variety of therapies to help you regain normalcy in your life. Call the office in Silver Spring, Maryland, or use the online tool to book an appointment to get help in managing your or a loved one’s depression.
Depression Q & A
What is depression?
Depression is not something you can just snap out of. It’s a diagnosable mental condition in which you are plagued by feelings of self-loathing, guilt, lethargy, and despair. Most people have times during which sad or depressed feelings arise, like after a bad day or terrible news. But depression means you can’t shake the negative feelings.
Other symptoms that accompany depression include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulties sleeping or sleeping too much
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Chronic aches and pains
When you have depression, activities that usually make you happy and engaged no longer interest you. Depression can cause you to withdraw from loved ones and friends. You might try to find solace in substances like alcohol or drugs.
When you fail to get treatment, depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
What causes depression?
Depression sometimes develops in response to a trigger, like the loss of a job, a failed relationship, or the death of a loved one. Chronic pain, serious health problems, and persistent stress can also contribute to the development of depression.
Some women develop depression after they’ve given birth to a baby (postpartum depression). Depression can also be a symptom of another mental health problem like bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers don’t fully understand why some people develop depression, however. It does seem that people with depression have changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
How do you treat depression?
At E&B Behavioral and Medical Clinic LLC, the experienced team recognizes that each patient is unique and that depression can’t be treated with a one-size-fits-all program. Your provider collaborates with you, your family, and your friends to help understand the root causes of your depression and gives you tools to manage negative thoughts and emotions.
Psychotherapy is an incredibly important tool in helping you deal with the triggers for depression and its effects. Your provider may also use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you adjust your thinking when depressive thoughts strike.
Your treatment plan may also include antidepressants, which act on the neurotransmitters that affect your mood. By increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine, these medications can help you better respond to therapy and heal.
If you’re struggling with depression or have a loved one who is, don’t hesitate to reach out to E&B Behavioral and Medical Clinic LLC. Call today or use this website to book an appointment online.