Depression – Westfield, NJ
Helping You Conquer the Darkness of Depression
Depression can have a profound effect on every aspect of your life. At Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center, we are here to guide you toward a path of recovery and renewed vitality. Through evidence-based approaches, compassionate support, and a comprehensive understanding of mental health, we are committed to providing effective treatments that empower you to regain control and embrace a brighter future. Together, we will navigate this path toward healing and create a life that is filled with hope, resilience, and well-being.
What Is Depression?
Known as one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, depression is a complex and challenging mental health condition that goes beyond fleeting sadness or temporary feelings of low mood. It is characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
Depression affects thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical well-being, often leading to difficulties in daily functioning and relationships. It can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Understanding this condition is the first step towards seeking support and finding effective treatment. With professional help and a supportive network, you can better navigate your journey toward healing and reclaim a fulfilling life.
Symptoms of Depression
Not sure if you suffer from depression? The following symptoms could indicate you’re experiencing a depressive episode:
- Feeling sad and overwhelmed
- Mood swings
- Low energy/fatigue
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Feelings of doom, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, and low self-esteem
- Changes in appetite/overeating
- Loss of interest in activities that once brought pleasure
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Aches and pains or digestive problems that don’t improve with treatment
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Treatment Options for Depression
Fortunately, depression is a very treatable condition. Our practice is happy to offer FDA-approved services as effective solutions to this mental health illness. Let’s take a closer look at our available treatment options:
TMS Therapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a safe and non-invasive alternative for treating conditions such as depression. Using magnetic pulses similar to those used in MRIs, we precisely target the specific region of the brain associated with the mental health condition. By stimulating underactive neurons, TMS encourages them to establish healthier pathways and fire differently.
During your 20-minute session, you’ll be able to simply relax in our comfortable treatment chair. Whether you choose to read, listen to music, or engage in conversation, you can enjoy the session in a tranquil environment. Following the treatment, there’s no need to worry about post-treatment fatigue or interruption to your day – you can seamlessly resume your regular activities!
SPRAVATO
SPRAVATO (esketamine) is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray designed to address depression. Unlike typical antidepressants, SPRAVATO targets specific receptors in the brain involved in mood regulation, offering a unique approach to treatment. The best part? While traditional oral antidepressants can take weeks to show results, SPRAVATO typically begins to take effect within a few hours.
Your SPRAVATO session will take place in our office and last approximately two hours. Throughout the appointment, our team will closely monitor you to ensure your safety and comfort. Following the session, you may feel somewhat groggy, which is why we recommend arranging for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after the appointment.
Depression FAQs
Although depression is treatable, it’s always a good idea to know as much as possible about the condition as you can. Not only can our team offer the services and resources you need to overcome your situation, but we want you to feel well-informed while undergoing your process of healing. That’s why we’ve collected a list of our most frequently asked questions about depression from our patients. Keep reading to learn more or give us a call to schedule an appointment.
What Are the Causes of Depression?
Depression can occur due to a variety of factors, many of which typically interplay with one another. In many cases, psychological and/or environmental, biological/genetic factors, or a mixture of these are usually considered to bring about depression. This disorder can also be caused by a primary psychiatric condition or even might be secondary to a medical illness, including hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, certain kinds of cancer like pancreatic cancer, and others. The use of certain substances, like alcohol, can also increase the chances of depression.
What Is the Difference Between Depression and Sadness?
Sadness is one of the most common feelings in the human experience, so it’s normal to have this feeling at some point or another. That said, depression refers to much more than the occasional sadness you might feel in life. Someone experiencing this condition will generally feel sadness that is more extensive or longer-lasting, and it is often accompanied by various other issues, such as feelings of hopelessness, excessive guilt, low self-esteem, decreased interest in once pleasurable activities, appetite changes, body aches and pains, difficulty with concentration, excessive sleep or sleep troubles, energy reduction, and/or thoughts of suicide.
What Are the Risks of Untreated Depression?
Depression that’s left untreated can end up raising the risk of more frequent, severe and/or prolonged depressive episodes over time as well as an increased risk of suicide. This condition can also greatly interfere with normal daily tasks, such as functioning at work, school, and/or in social relationships. Those with depression might even have an increased risk of issues with alcohol and/or substance use. The progress and outcome of chronic medical conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can also worsen due to depression. For these reasons and more, you’ll want to visit our team for help and resources so we can help you improve your overall quality of life.
Why is Depression More Prevalent in Women Than in Men?
Depression is twice as common in women compared to men, and nearly 20% of women might struggle with at least a single episode of depression across their lifetime. Researchers have evaluated a wide variety of potential causes that can contribute to women’s increased risk of this condition, including biological, life cycle, hormonal, and psychosocial factors that particularly affect women. For children, girls and boys can experience depression at a similar frequency. During adolescence, girls become more susceptible than boys, which can be due to biological and hormonal changes that significantly impact brain chemistry, emotions, and mood.
