Depression

Many people wait for their depression to improve, but without treatment, the condition can last for months or years and pull you ever deeper into despair. Janelle Solomon, NP, and the compassionate team at Better Health Management Inc in the Financial District of Manhattan offer holistic care for depression, creating customized treatments that may include therapy, medication, or whole-person treatments. It’s hard to reach out for help when you’re depressed, but Janelle makes it easier by offering a choice of telehealth or in-person appointments. Call the New York City, New York, office or request an appointment online today.

When do I need help for depression?

Depression is different for each person, often making it hard to know when to seek help, or making you so depressed it’s a struggle to reach out and connect with a therapist.

Your depression may be mild or debilitating. Your symptoms may begin for many possible reasons or start without an obvious cause.

Major life transitions, such as losing a job, moving, or separating from your partner often cause depression. Daily stressors, illnesses, and chronic diseases can trigger depression. You’re also more likely to become depressed if others in your family struggle with the disorder.

Depression is associated with low levels of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that regulate your moods. Imbalanced neurotransmitters may cause your depression or prolong depression triggered by a life event.

You should seek treatment if your symptoms occur nearly every day for two weeks or longer, no matter the cause or the severity of your depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

All types of depression cause some of the symptoms listed below. However, major depressive disorder (MDD) is defined by having at least five of them, with symptoms severe enough to affect your life at home, work, school, and/or in the community. 

The symptoms of depression include:

• Having a depressed mood most of the day (feeling sad and hopeless)
• Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Losing or gaining weight (or eating more or less than usual)
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Having fatigue or no energy nearly every day
• Feeling worthless or blaming yourself for being depressed
• Losing your ability to concentrate
• Thinking about death or suicide
• Restless, aimless movements or moving slowly (physically and cognitively)

You may also have physical symptoms, such as headaches, body aches, and nausea.

How is depression treated?

After completing a psychiatric evaluation, your provider recommends therapy, antidepressant medication, or both, depending on the type of depression, its cause, and the severity of your symptoms.

Better Health Management Inc practices holistic mental health care, so they may assess your diet and recommend changes or IV infusions to treat nutritional deficiencies. Your provider may also recommend meditation or adding exercise to your daily routine. 

If you need help for depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to the compassionate team at Better Health Management Inc. Call the office or request an appointment online today.