Depression

In a given year, major depressive disorder or depression affects the lives of over 7% of adults in the United States. At Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Paula Williams, LCSW, diagnoses and treats depression. She uses evidence-based care plans that include medication and counseling. Call the office to schedule a telehealth appointment or request one online today.

What is depression?

Depression and major depressive disorder are mental illnesses that cause negative thoughts and feelings in many adults, adolescents, and even children. Their main characteristics are sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy. Their effects can be widespread and influence many areas of your life.

Depression symptoms range from mild to severe and can last for months, years, or even decades of your life. Fortunately, evidence-based treatments for depression can improve your outlook on life and restore a sense of well-being.

At Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC, Paula specializes in diagnosing and evaluating depression and other mental health conditions that frequently come with it, like anxiety disorders.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms vary depending on your age and life circumstances. They can also differ from day to day: One day, you might have very intense symptoms, and the next, you could feel more functional. Common symptoms of depression include:

• Sadness
• Trouble getting pleasure out of activities
• Appetite and weight changes
• Fatigue or low energy
• Insomnia
• Oversleeping
• Guilt
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts

For a provider to arrive at a depression diagnosis, these symptoms must last for at least two weeks and significantly affect your functional level. Grief, which many people compare to depression, is not the same because you typically maintain your self-esteem despite your sadness. Furthermore, the pain of depression is more constant.

How is depression treated?

Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC provides evidence-based, patient-centered care for depression and other co-occurring mental disorders. Most cases of depression respond well to a personalized combination of:

Medication

Antidepressants are medications that reduce the symptoms of depression by influencing the neurotransmitters in your brain. You’ll probably need to try more than one kind before you find an antidepressant that gives you the results you need.

Psychotherapy (counseling)

Psychotherapy or counseling helps you talk through your thoughts and feelings with a mental health professional who understands. They can also help you adopt coping mechanisms that improve your outlook.

Lifestyle accommodations

Changing your lifestyle to include a more consistent routine can help you manage the feelings that come with depression. Your provider might also recommend nutrition changes, exercise, and cutting back on alcohol as part of your care plan.

For more information on depression and depression treatments, call Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC or book an appointment online today.