Depression

Depression services offered in Orange, South San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, CA

Depression causes a range of symptoms, from mild sadness to debilitating hopelessness and lethargy. No matter how you experience depression, you should seek help from Peter Pham, PMHNP-BC, and Diana Bush, PMHNP-BC, at Black Onyx if your symptoms occur nearly every day for two weeks or longer. Once depression takes hold, it seldom improves without treatment, and the symptoms often worsen. Call the office in Orange and South San Francisco, California, today, or connect online to request an in-person or telemedicine appointment.

Depression Q & A

What causes depression?

Depression may begin for many identifiable reasons, or you could sink into depression without an obvious cause. Your depression may begin when you’re faced with a major life transition or other challenges, such as developing an illness or being bullied.

Many variables factor into depression, from genetics and childhood experiences to physical health and other mental health disorders.

The theory that low levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) cause depression is currently the subject of ongoing debate. However, there’s no doubt that altered brain activity plays a significant role.

For example, esketamine rapidly improves treatment-resistant depression by creating new connections between neurons, replacing neurons damaged by untreated depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The following depression symptoms may be mild or so severe you can’t get out of bed to face daily responsibilities:

Feeling sad, hopeless, and/or worthless
Losing interest in activities you enjoy
Losing or gaining weight
Eating more or less than usual
Sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia
Feeling fatigued or having no energy
Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
Having restless, aimless, repetitive, or slow movements
Thinking about death or suicide

Symptoms lasting two weeks or longer indicate you have depression that isn’t likely to improve without treatment from the caring Black Onyx providers.

How is depression treated?

Your treatment depends on the cause of your depression (if one can be identified), the severity of your symptoms, and how long you’ve been depressed. Your Black Onyx provider begins by learning about your medical history and current symptoms, and then they complete a psychiatric evaluation.

After diagnosing depression, your provider works with you to create an individualized treatment plan. Depression improves with an integrative approach that may include therapy, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes.

Therapy focuses on the issues associated with depression, helping you feel better now and teaching ways to prevent depression in the future. Therapy helps you overcome grief or life challenges, teaches ways to cope with challenges, and also gives you techniques for changing negative thoughts.

Your Black Onyx provider may recommend changing your diet to boost brain health or starting an exercise routine, a proven way to improve your mood.

Call Black Onyx today or use online booking if you have questions about your symptoms or need to schedule an appointment.