Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent sadness and despair, affecting your daily functioning. The negative emotions that come with depression affect how you think and behave.

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects people of all ages. Many factors may put you at risk of developing depression, including:

• Genetics
• Environment
• Brain chemistry

Significant life changes, stress, or health conditions may trigger the mood disorder. Though depression causes feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, it’s a highly treatable condition. The earlier you get help, the sooner you feel better. 

Best Option Behavioral Health Services provides depression treatment for adults and adolescents.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms vary in type and severity. For a depression diagnosis, you must experience symptoms almost all day for two or more weeks.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Sadness and Despair
• Low energy
• Disinterest in hobbies
• Withdrawal from friends
• Difficulty managing daily routines (bathing, eating, going to work)
• Change in appetite
• Change in weight
• Unexplained physical pain
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems making decisions

You don’t have to experience all these symptoms to have depression. If you have a low mood affecting daily function, the Best Option Behavioral Health Services team can help. 

What happens during a depression evaluation?

The specifics of your depression evaluation at Best Option Behavioral Health Services depend on your health concerns and goals. The team takes a patient-centered and integrative approach to care, listening intently to what you say so they can get all the information they need to change your life.

The team reviews your symptoms and medical and mental health history and may have you complete psychological testing to better understand your thinking and emotions.

What treatments can improve depression?

The adult and adolescent psychiatric providers at Best Option Behavioral Health Services customize treatment plans for depression based on individual strengths and goals. The team wants to put you back in the driver’s seat.

Treatment may include a combination of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as:

• Antidepressant medications
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Individual psychotherapy
• Family therapy
• Wellness plan

Your provider works closely with you, adjusting your plan and providing the support that helps you meet your mental health goals.

Don’t let depression take over your life. Call Best Option Behavioral Health Services or schedule a consultation online today.