Depression is a chronic and exhausting mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many people may experience temporary feelings of sadness or low energy, depression is far more profound and persistent, often impacting every facet of life.
Depression can cast a long shadow over a person's life. It may affect their ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy daily activities. Depression can have a profound influence on both mental and physical health, potentially exacerbating conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain.
Seeking specialized support for depression is a vital part of overall well-being, impacting both mental and physical health.
At Kimball Health Service, our mental health care provider, Ron Strachan, APRN, creates tailored treatment plans for depression. Our plans focus on empowering you to manage symptoms, enhance mental and physical well-being, and regain control over your life.
Depression is a complex condition that causes persistent feelings of emptiness, sadness, or an inability to experience pleasure. It is a mood disorder that is significantly different from regular mood fluctuations that you encounter as part of everyday life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that depression is one of the leading causes of disability globally. It can disrupt personal relationships, hinder work performance, and pose a significant risk, with the most severe cases potentially leading to suicide. In the United States alone, depression is linked to nearly 40,000 suicides annually.
Depression can manifest in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics. While these different types share some common symptoms, they also have distinct features that can influence your diagnosis and treatment.
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It also leads to a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed and impacts how you feel, think, and behave.
Beyond its emotional impact, MDD can also cause physical issues, such as disturbed sleep patterns, appetite changes, and concentration problems. These symptoms combined can make it difficult for you to maintain a normal routine and overall well-being.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is identified when at least two medications in two classes fail to alleviate your symptoms.
It is a type of major depressive disorder (MDD) in which your symptoms persist without adequate relief despite treatments. Up to one-third of adults with MDD also have treatment-resistant depression.
Despite its name, the term ‘treatment-resistant’ does not mean a dead end. There are still effective treatment options available for TRD.
Suicidal ideation is a serious mental health concern that involves thoughts, ideas, or contemplations of harming oneself or ending one's life. These thoughts can range from fleeting considerations to more detailed and concrete plans.
It's a complex issue that often occurs alongside mental health disorders like depression and anxiety and stressful life events.
Not everyone with suicidal ideation acts on it. But if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s critical to seek help immediately.
When considering options for managing depression, specialized care offers a distinct advantage over general mental health services. At Kimball Health Services, our specialized care for mental health conditions focuses solely on the complexities of conditions such as depression. We tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient.
We offer targeted, evidence-based treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, that have proven effective in alleviating depression symptoms. One of the fundamental principles of specialized depression care is personalization.
Each patient’s journey with depression is unique, and therefore, their treatment plans should be as well. Tailoring treatments to a patient’s specific needs and preferences helps maximize the chances of recovery.
At Kimball Health Services, we recognize that the journey to recovery from depression can vary from person to person. This is why our treatment options ensure a personalized and tailored approach that addresses each patient’s condition individually.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call ahead or fill out our online form. We're here for you whenever you need us.
