Depression at Grace Health Services, VA and Washington D.C,
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a treatable condition characterized by ongoing low moods or feelings of irritability that deeply affect an individual's everyday life.
This condition often arises in the wake of major life events, like a divorce or the passing of a loved one. Yet, it's important to note that depression can also develop without any clear cause. It affects both the mind and body, influencing overall health and well-being.
To diagnose depression, your healthcare provider at Grace Health Services LLC will engage in a thorough discussion with you about your symptoms and their potential causes. Your responses are vital in helping them make an accurate diagnosis and formulate a personalized plan to improve your mental health. At Grace Health Services LLC, we ensure that our first meetings with clients last 60 minutes, providing ample time to listen attentively to you, ask pertinent questions, and deeply understand your unique story.
Depression is a common condition, affecting 15-20% of individuals at some point in their lives. While it can significantly impact your life, it's important to remember that depression is treatable. Effective treatments include psychotherapy, medications, and a variety of newer interventions.
Diagnosing Depression
Additionally, depression often leads to feelings of anxiety and can manifest as physical discomfort. It's also common for depression to occur alongside other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder.
When experiencing depression, an individual may consistently display five or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks:
-
Ongoing sadness or a feeling of irritability
-
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
-
Persistent fatigue and low energy
-
Experiencing feelings of guilt or worthlessness
-
Difficulties in focusing or remembering
-
Thoughts about death or suicide
-
Trouble sleeping or changes in sleep habits
-
Altered appetite
-
Slower physical responses
Signs of Depression
Psychiatry Practices
For managing GAD, it's often advisable to combine medication with psychiatric evaluations. Our team ensures a personalized treatment strategy aligning with your unique symptoms and requirements. Continuous monitoring of your progress and symptoms is an integral part of this treatment, allowing us to fine-tune medication doses and frequency for optimal results.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A common form of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help you identify negative or inaccurate thinking in your life so you are more capable of assessing difficult situations more clearly in the future. CBT helps individuals uncover unhelpful patterns, learn coping strategies, and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Therapies
Also known as Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy), talk therapy is an effective option for a number of different symptoms and conditions, including GAD. Talk therapy can take many different forms, so you and your therapist can work to find the best option for your specific situation, condition, and symptoms. Talk therapy can be used in combination with medication and other forms of treatment, if needed.
Treatment Options for Depression
Let’s get you the care you deserve!
Our certified providers at Grace Health Services in VA & D.C. are dedicated to understanding and treating a variety of mental health challenges. Drawing from both modern research and years of hands-on experience, we aim to provide nothing but the finest care from the moment of diagnosis.