Depression

Behavioral Health located in Glendale, AZ

Depression is the leading cause of disability among 15-44 year-olds in America, with more than 16 million people experiencing a depressive episode annually. If you suffer from chronic feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation that disrupt your life, contact Annalyn Rasul, PMHNP-BC, and Amber Nassif, FNP-C, of Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services for assessment and treatment. Call the office in Glendale, Arizona, or request an appointment online today.

What is depression?

Depression is a widespread, severe mental illness that impacts your mood, feelings, thoughts, and actions. Depression causes feelings of intense sadness and decreases your interest in previously enjoyed activities or relationships.

Everyone feels sad or hopeless now and then. For example, if you lose a loved one or have a challenging day at work, you might feel sad or isolated. Depression is different from normal grief or sadness in that the symptoms last longer and may not be tied to a specific situation or loss.

What are the symptoms of depression?

In addition to feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and guilt, depression causes other symptoms, such as:

Changes in appetite and weight
Changes in sleep habits
Fatigue or low energy
Low motivation
Poor concentration
Indecisiveness
Lost interest in hobbies
Thoughts of death or suicide

If you have suicidal thoughts, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate treatment.

What causes depression?

Depression is caused by an imbalance of the neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate your mood, including serotonin and dopamine. Depression can emerge seemingly out of nowhere, or you could experience something that triggers the condition. For example, environmental factors such as continued exposure to poverty, neglect, or violence can make you more vulnerable to depression.

Your risk of developing depression is higher if you have a personal or family history of depression or other mental health disorders such as anxiety or substance abuse. If you have a pessimistic or negative outlook on life, your chances of developing depression also increase. People with poor self-esteem are also more likely to have depression.

How is depression treated?

The team of experts at Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services begins treatment with a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. You meet with your provider and have a detailed conversation about your symptoms, overall health and wellness, and personal and family medical history. Your provider may ask a series of questions to uncover symptoms as well as underlying issues that contribute to your condition.

Once your provider understands your depression, they work with you to create a customized treatment program to address your issues. While your treatment plan is customized to meet your needs, they often prescribe a combination of medicine, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications.

If you’re living with symptoms of depression, call Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services or request an appointment online today.

Depression is the leading cause of disability among 15-44 year-olds in America, with more than 16 million people experiencing a depressive episode annually. If you suffer from chronic feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation that disrupt your life, contact Annalyn Rasul, PMHNP-BC, and Amber Nassif, FNP-C, of Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services for assessment and treatment. Call the office in Glendale, Arizona, or request an appointment online today.