Depression

We all experience sadness or a lack of energy or motivation in life. This is a normal reaction to stress or to other situations such as grief, loss of a job or relationship difficulties.

Depressive disorders are more complex than simply feeling sad. Patients may find that they have no energy, they are tearful and that everyday situations can seem impossible. Patients may find a persistent feeling of guilt or sadness that impacts their ability to work or be with their family. In some cases, patients can feel preoccupied with death or dying.

If you are having thoughts of ending your life, it is imperative that you seek help immediately. You can be seen right away by a doctor at your nearest emergency room or by calling 911. Safety is paramount. If you need additional help, call the national suicide prevention line at 988 or click here to access their website.

Depression is a condition that can be treated. If you would like to discuss how these symptoms are affecting your life and explore options for treatment, click here to schedule with Dr. Kennedy today.

You are not alone. It is estimated that as many as 10% of the population will experience a mood or anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

You may have depression if, in the past two weeks, you have had a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyable. The most common symptoms of depression include:

- Feelings of sadness, most of the day, most days

- Lack of pleasure in activities

- A change in your appetite or a change in your weight, not due to a change in your diet or exercise habits.

- Sleep disturbances

- Feeling restless

- Feeling tired all of the time

- Poor concentration

- A preoccupation with death or thoughts of suicide

This website is for your information only. It does not substitute a medical evaluation. IF you are having thoughts of suicide, do not use this website. Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. Additional resources are available by calling 988 or visiting https://988lifeline.org.

Working with a doctor who has experience and expertise in treating anxiety is the best start.

There are many medical causes for these symptoms and it is important to see a doctor who can complete a medical evaluation to rule out another medical condition, which can be treated. When other causes have been excluded, an experienced psychiatrist can help work with you to make a personalized, focused treatment plan to address these debilitating symptoms and help you to move forward with life.

If other causes have been excluded, treatment for depression may involve medication, psychotherapy or both. We know from extensive research that the best treatment plan is one that is tailored to each patient’s unique symptoms and circumstances. As well as an in depth psychiatric evaluation, Dr. Kennedy will use a number of scientifically validated tools to measure the severity of your symptoms and to track your progress through the course of treatment.

Absolutely.

Depression that is more severe or that does not respond to common treatments, is classified as treatment-resistant depression. There are a number of treatments that have been shown to benefit patients with these symptoms, where previous treatments have not been successful. These may include brain stimulation treatments, specialist medication management and novel therapeutics such as ketamine therapy.

Contact Dr. Kennedy today to schedule and appointment and discuss how treatment may benefit you.

If these symptoms are impacting you and your life, or if you would like to learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr Kennedy today. Click here to schedule and take the first step in treatment.

The National Institute of Mental Health has provided a patient information guide to depressive disorders.

Click here to download this guide, free of charge, direct from their website.

(Dr. Nigel I. Kennedy MD PhD is not responsible for the content of external websites)