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Nearly 10% of adults in the United States have a form of depression. At SanCharles Behavioral Healthcare Services LLC, a telehealth-only behavioral health practice based in Addison, Texas, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Sandra Nwanganga-Anusiem, DNP, PMHNP-BC, offers depression treatments that can boost your mood and quality of life. Schedule a virtual evaluation with Sandra by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.
What is depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects mood. It’s characterized by ongoing or extreme sadness that can dramatically alter your quality of life.
Depression is often distressing and can cause complications when left untreated. If your sadness is overwhelming you, see Sandra at SanCharles Behavioral Healthcare Services LLC for an evaluation.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression can cause:
- Constant sadness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Fatigue
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, guilty, or helpless
- Feeling extremely down
- Appetite or weight changes
- Problems concentrating
- Slowed movements
- Loss of interest in once-favorite activities
- Thoughts of suicide
- Social isolation
- Digestive problems
- Physical aches and pains
- Irritability
Depression can lead to poor job or school performance, lack of motivation, reduced self-care, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Severe cases involving thoughts of self-harm can become dangerous.
What increases the risk of depression?
Depression risk factors may include:
- Brain changes
- Hormone fluctuations
- Family history of depression
- Stressful or traumatic events
- Loss of a loved one
- Dysfunctional home life
- Chronic disease
- Financial difficulties
- Job loss
- Divorce or breakup
Having an autoimmune disease, diabetes, or another chronic disease may contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety.
How is depression diagnosed?
Sandra uses DSM-5 criteria to complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. She then determines if you have depression and/or other mental health conditions.
She discusses your behaviors, thoughts, moods, emotions, and lifestyle habits. Sandra also addresses your medical history, current medications, goals, and preferences to learn which treatments you’re a candidate for.
How is depression treated?
Your personalized depression treatment may include:
- Medication management
- Lifestyle coaching
- Family or couples therapy
- Group therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Other psychotherapies
- Referrals for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Ongoing support
It’s helpful to get plenty of sleep, use stress-reduction techniques like yoga and meditation, stay active, eat healthy foods, and maintain a strong social support network.
Sandra often combines more than one treatment to maximize mental health outcomes. She follows up as often as you need. Sandra is always available to address concerns, including new symptoms or changes in life situations. Contact her anytime with questions.
Eliminate crippling depression symptoms with the help of SanCharles Behavioral Healthcare Services LLC. Schedule an appointment by phone or request a virtual visit online today.