Depression

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Unfortunately, society often stigmatizes and marginalizes depression, so many people don’t get the help they need. At Raelin Bright Wellness, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP, strives to make it easier to get the nonjudgmental and compassionate care you need. The psychiatric-mental health provider provides telepsychiatry services including psychotherapy and medication management, and you never need to leave home to get help. She treats patients in Las Vegas and throughout the states of Nevada, Seattle, Washington, Phoenix/Tuscon, Arizona, and Los Angeles/Sacramento/Bay Area/Oakland/ San Francisco, California, so call the office or book your telepsychiatry appointment using online scheduling now. 

What is depression?

Depression is a collection of disorders that cause persistent feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, often alongside uncomfortable physical issues. 

It’s one of the most common mental disorders, and rates have more than tripled among Americans over the last several years. 

Depression is challenging, and you can’t simply decide to stop. However, a personalized evidence-based treatment approach at Raelin Bright Wellness can improve your mental health and your whole-person wellness.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Some of the most common symptoms of depression are: 

• Overwhelming sadness or hopelessness
• No longer enjoying the things you once liked
• Dramatic appetite changes
• Lack of energy
• Altered sleep patterns
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Poor memory
• Frequent thoughts about death
• Considering or planning suicide

Depression can also cause stomach problems, headaches, sexual dysfunction, and other physical issues. 

Symptoms may vary in terms of when and how they happen based on the type of depression you have. With the most common form of depression, major depressive disorder, symptoms occur daily or near-daily and last most or all day for longer than two weeks. 

Other types of depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and bipolar depression (a facet of one type of bipolar disorder), have severe symptoms that go away for a significant period and return later.  

Depression often occurs with anxiety and other mental disorders, too. Because depression can vary so much by each individual, effective treatment requires a personalized approach.

How is depression treated? 

The psychiatric mental health provider offers customized treatment that recognizes your unique needs. Treatment generally involves:

Psychotherapy

The psychiatric mental health provider typically uses an integrative (holistic) approach that considers your whole-person health during psychotherapy. Through psychotherapy, she can help you recognize and deal with the controllable issues involved in your depression. 

All psychotherapy appointments are telepsychiatry, which involves videoconferencing on your phone or another digital device while you stay in the privacy of your home.

Medication management

Some of the factors that often contribute to depression, including brain chemistry and genetics, aren’t controllable with psychotherapy; however, medication can help. 

Genetic testing can pinpoint the most beneficial medications for you, such as specific antidepressants, as well as the dose that’s right for your body. Medication management and psychotherapy usually work side-by-side. 

At Raelin Bright Wellness, the psychiatric mental health provider prioritizes comfortable and accessible care that helps you feel like yourself again. Call the office or use the online scheduling feature to make your appointment today.