Depression

Depression can affect all ages. If you’re experiencing uncontrollable sadness and struggling to manage day-to-day activities, you’re not alone. Emem Nkanga, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and the team at Mindful Solutions Psychiatry in Garland, Texas, offer compassionate depression care to patients over ten years old. Whether you’re interested in medication, therapy, or support for a family member, call the friendly staff or schedule an appointment online today. 

What is depression?

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a chronic mental health condition that leaves you struggling to find joy.

An injury, car accident, job loss, death in the family, intense breakup, or other traumatic life circumstances can trigger the disorder. Depression can begin at any age and often operates in cycles — improving and then returning. 

Some women experience depression during their pregnancy or after having a child. 

What are the symptoms of depression? 

For both children and adults, mental and physical symptoms of depression include: 

• Constant feelings of sadness or emptiness 
• Anxiety 
• Insomnia 
• Lack of motivation 
• Isolation 
• Less talking or eye contact 
• Feeling worthless or guilty 
• Lack of sex drive 
• Avoiding personal grooming
• Weight loss or gain 
• Trouble concentrating 
• Muscle aches and pains 

If you or your loved one has thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming others, you should seek emergency care as soon as possible. 

What is the treatment for depression?

Depression is among the most treatable mental disorders, with 80-90% of people eventually responding successfully to treatment. 

Your provider may have you or your child undergo blood tests to determine if an underlying condition is contributing to depression symptoms. They then develop a collaborative treatment plan for you. 

Medications 

Most antidepressants work by altering how your brain produces and utilizes the chemicals that affect your mood and stress levels. 

You can try different medications before deciding which works. Certain antidepressants may cause sedation, weight loss or gain, or decreased sex drive. 

Medication management is available at Mindful Solutions Psychiatry. Your provider works with you to monitor symptoms and side effects. Antidepressants can take four to six weeks to show results, so it’s vital to communicate with your provider throughout treatment. 

Psychotherapy 

Also known as talk therapy or counseling, psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) help you or your child develop healthy patterns of behavior and thoughts that alleviate daily depression. 

For adults, brain stimulation therapies are an innovative option if other treatments haven’t worked. They use electricity to trigger or stop brain patterns. Your provider communicates the benefits and risks of these therapies before proceeding. 

Your provider may also recommend self-management tools like local support groups, diet, exercise, or meditation and journaling. 

For compassionate depression care, call Mindful Solutions Psychiatry to book a consultation today or use the online scheduling tool.