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Depression Q & A

What is depression?

Depression is a chronic mental health disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that alter the quality of your life.

The underlying cause of depression isn’t well understood, but changes in brain chemicals that control mood can be a contributing factor. Other risk factors for depression may include:

  • Trauma
  • Genetics
  • Personality
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Underlying medical conditions

Depression affects how children and adults feel, think, and act. If not properly managed, the disorder can increase your risk for self-harm or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Phoenix Pointe Psychiatric offers compassionate care for depression, including diagnostic screenings and personalized treatment plans. The providers focus on holistic strategies that improve your mood and can also prescribe medications when necessary.

When should I schedule a depression screening?

If your depression is overwhelming and you think you might hurt yourself, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. 

Schedule a depression screening at Phoenix Pointe Psychiatry if you or your child experiences persistent sadness or hopelessness that disrupts your daily life.

You should also book an appointment if you have other symptoms of depression, such as:

  • Lack of focus
  • Low energy levels
  • Persistent irritability
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Tendency to isolate away from others

Because anxiety and other mental health conditions can co-occur with depression, the providers complete a psychiatric evaluation to assess your overall mental and emotional health.

How is depression treated?

Phoenix Pointe Psychiatric offers patient-focused treatment plans for adults and children with depression.

The providers emphasize holistic strategies that improve your emotional, mental, and physical health, such as:

  • Daily exercise
  • Meditation
  • Breathwork
  • Stress reduction
  • Diet improvements
  • Lifestyle modifications

If these strategies aren’t enough to control depression symptoms, the specialists can prescribe antidepressants. They offer medication management services to ensure the medicines you take provide lasting symptom relief.

Counseling is also available in-office to help you improve negative thought patterns and behaviors. If you need more intense therapy, the providers can refer you to and coordinate your care with a therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other treatments.

Call Phoenix Pointe Psychiatry today to schedule a depression evaluation for yourself or your child. You can also book an appointment online.