Depression Treatment in Nashville

Depression affects people from all walks of life. It is defined by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a marked loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities. Many people with depression feel it will never end. Fortunately, help is available with effective depression treatment in Nashville, TN from the qualified professionals at Freeman Health Partners. It is possible to overcome depression and lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

Understanding Depression

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates approximately 5% of the global population struggles with a depression disorder. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders with various physical and emotional symptoms. Everyone experiences feelings of sadness or low mood sometimes.

However, clinical depression goes beyond normal emotional ups and downs. Depression lasts for longer periods. Generally, it lasts for weeks, months, or longer if left untreated. It affects the way a person thinks, feels, and acts. Often, depression makes it difficult to function with daily tasks and impairs a person’s overall quality of life. Depression can happen to anyone at any time.

Key aspects of depression include the following:

Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, and a sense of despair. Someone may also experience guilt, worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Loss of Interest: Hobbies, social interactions, and other activities that used to bring joy become less appealing or completely uninteresting to the individual.
Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches and pains, changes in appetite (either significant weight loss or weight gain), disrupted sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep), and low energy levels.
Cognitive Impairment: Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things. This “brain fog” can impact their work, school, and personal life.
Social Withdrawal: People feel overwhelmed by their emotions, struggle to talk about their feelings, or fear burdening others with their problems.

Causes of Depression

Depression is a serious medical condition. If someone is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is crucial to seek professional help. There is no single cause that applies to everyone.

Often, depression is the result of many contributing factors. Mental health experts can accurately diagnose depression and treat it appropriately. Freeman Health Partners provides comprehensive depression treatment in Nashville.

Common causes of depression include:

Biological
Psychological Factors
Environmental Factors
Chronic Illness and Medical Conditions
Substance Abuse
Hormonal Changes
Social Isolation
Cognitive Factors
Seasonal Changes

Different Types of Depression Treatment in Nashville

Each type of depression has its own set of characteristics and may require different treatment approaches. It includes medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, alternative therapies like TMS, or a combination of these. It’s important to seek professional help for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. We understand the significance of identifying the type of depression for the most effective depression treatment in Nashville.

Again, understanding different types of depression is crucial as it affects the approach to treatment and management. Here’s an overview of various types:

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It goes beyond temporary emotional responses to life’s challenges and significantly impacts daily functioning. Symptoms of MDD include changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

The exact cause of MDD is unknown but is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, such as antidepressants, and psychotherapy. It’s important to seek professional help as MDD is a condition that generally does not improve on its own and worsens over time without treatment.

Persistent Depressive Disorder/ Dysthymia

Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as Dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression. It is characterized by a depressed mood that lasts for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, where symptoms can be more severe but episodic, Persistent Depressive Disorder presents as a consistent, low-level depression. Symptoms might include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

People with Dysthymia might also struggle with concentration and decision-making. Because of its long-lasting nature, this disorder can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and relationships. The causes are thought to be a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both, and focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.

There are several types of Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or by manic symptoms that are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes usually occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks.
Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (which are less severe than full-blown manic episodes).
Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form involving numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). Although, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.

The exact cause of Bipolar Disorder isn’t known. However, a combination of genetics, environment, altered brain structure, and chemistry may play a role. Our depression treatment in Nashville effectively addresses bipolar disorders. The treatment usually involves a combination of medications, such as mood stabilizers. And also psychotherapy to manage symptoms and prevent the recurrence of mood swings.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. It typically starts and ends at about the same times every year. Most people with SAD experience symptoms starting in the fall and continuing into the winter months. Consequently, it saps their energy and makes them feel moody. Less commonly, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Symptoms of SAD may include feeling depressed most of the day nearly every day. Additionally, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, low energy, problems with sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, feeling sluggish or agitated, difficulty concentrating, feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty, and frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

The specific cause of SAD remains unknown. But, it’s believed that reduced sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt the body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. A drop in serotonin might play a role in SAD, as sunlight helps regulate it.

Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy, and medications. Managing symptoms involves recognizing the pattern of the condition, seeking treatment early, and practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression following childbirth affects one out of every eight women who have given birth within the last year. It is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in some women after childbirth. It is a type of mood disorder that can start during pregnancy or within a year after delivery. Postpartum Depression is more severe than the “baby blues,” which typically resolve within two weeks after delivery.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression include:

Severe mood swings
Excessive crying
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Withdrawal from family and friends
Loss of appetite or overeating
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Overwhelming fatigue
Reduced interest and pleasure in activities
Intense irritability and anger
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

The exact causes of Postpartum Depression are unclear, but physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors may play a role. These can include hormonal changes, the stress of caring for a newborn, lack of sleep, and previous history of depression.

Our effective Postpartum Depression therapy in Nashville may include counseling, antidepressant medication, or a combination of both. It’s important for those experiencing symptoms to seek help early for the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic Depression, also known as major depressive disorder with psychotic features, is a subtype of major depression that occurs when a severe depressive illness includes some form of psychosis. The psychosis could manifest as delusions (irrational thoughts and fears) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear). Unlike other types of depression, psychotic depression is marked by a break from reality.

Symptoms of Psychotic Depression include typical features of major depression, such as a depressed mood, lack of pleasure in almost all activities, significant weight change, sleep disturbances, agitation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and difficulties in concentration. Additionally, it includes features of psychosis, which may be mood-congruent (consistent with typical depressive themes like personal inadequacy or guilt) or mood-incongruent (not related to depressive themes).

The exact cause of Psychotic Depression is unknown. However, a combination of genetic vulnerability, stress, and biochemical factors are likely involved. This condition requires immediate medical attention, as it significantly impairs functioning and involves severe symptoms. Our Psychotic Depression treatment in Nashville typically involves a combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy. In some severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be recommended.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by significant emotional and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle, typically resolving with the onset of menstruation. PMDD is distinguished from PMS by the intensity of the symptoms and the degree of impairment they cause.

Symptoms of PMDD include severe mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Also, physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, bloating, and headaches. These symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with a woman’s daily life, affecting her relationships, social activities, and work.

The exact cause of PMDD is not entirely understood, but it is believed to be related to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. Genetic factors, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations may also play a role.

Treatment for PMDD often involves a multi-faceted approach. Thus, including lifestyle changes (such as exercise and diet), stress management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for their effectiveness in reducing mood-related symptoms. In some cases, hormonal treatments or birth control pills may also be recommended to manage symptoms.

Atypical Depression

Atypical Depression is a subtype of major depression or dysthymia that presents with specific symptoms different from those of typical depression. It’s characterized by mood reactivity, where an individual’s mood can improve in response to positive events. Despite its name, Atypical Depression is not uncommon or unusual.

Key symptoms include:

Increased Appetite or Weight Gain: Unlike typical depression, which often causes a loss of appetite, atypical depression can lead to increased appetite and weight gain.
Hypersomnia: People with atypical depression may experience excessive sleepiness, sleeping more than usual.
Leaden Paralysis: A heavy, leaden feeling in the arms or legs that is physically draining.
Long-standing Pattern of Sensitivity to Rejection: This can affect personal relationships and lead to social and work-related withdrawal.
Mood Reactivity: The ability to feel somewhat better in response to positive events, which is not usually seen in typical depression.

The exact cause of atypical depression is unknown. But, it may involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment typically includes antidepressants, particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). As well as psychotherapy. At Freeman Health Partners, we offer safe and effective depression treatment in Nashville. It’s important to treat atypical depression properly, as it can be chronic and may increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is a mental health condition that occurs in response to a significant life stressor or change. This disorder typically arises within three months of the triggering event. It is characterized by emotional and behavioral symptoms that are out of proportion to the severity of the stressor and significantly impair daily functioning.

The key symptoms include feelings of sadness and hopelessness, frequent crying, lack of enjoyment in activities that were once pleasurable, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, the symptoms of Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood are specifically and closely linked to the stressor, whether it’s a relationship breakup, loss of a job, a major move, health issues, or other significant life changes.

The severity and duration of the disorder vary. However, symptoms usually resolve within six months after the end of the stressor or its consequences. Although, if the stressor is ongoing, the symptoms may persist longer.

Treatment often involves psychotherapy, where individuals can learn coping mechanisms to deal with the stressor, process their emotions, and adapt to changes. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms. The focus is on helping the individual return to their previous level of functioning and adapting to the changes they are facing.

How is the Diagnosis Made in our Depression Treatment in Nashville?

Before our depression therapy in Nashville begins, our mental health professionals diagnose depression by evaluating an individual’s symptoms, and medical and mental health history. In some cases, certain types of depression are diagnosed according to the situation, like postpartum depression or seasonal depression.

To receive a depression diagnosis, a person should experience at least five depression symptoms consistently each day for at least two weeks. Additionally, a provider might request medical tests, such as blood tests, to check for any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to symptoms.

Benefits of Depression Treatment in Nashville

Depression is treatable, and various approaches can help individuals manage and recover from depressive episodes. Some of the most common treatment options include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication (such as antidepressants), lifestyle changes, and support from friends and family.

It is crucial to seek professional help if someone is experiencing symptoms of depression. A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan to help cope with symptoms. Depression is not a sign of weakness, and with the right support, recovery is possible.

At Freeman Health Partners, we understand that depression is a serious condition, and it is essential to get the right treatment. We are committed to providing quality care and support for our clients suffering from depression. Our team of experienced professionals offers a comprehensive approach to depression treatment in Nashville, TN that combines medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions designed to help individuals manage their symptoms.

How Does Therapy Help in the Treatment of Depression?

Therapy plays a crucial role in treating depression by addressing the psychological aspects of the condition in a structured and supportive environment. Here’s how therapy for depression helps:

Understanding and Processing Emotions: Our depression therapy in Nashville provides a safe space for individuals to explore and understand their emotions. It helps in identifying the underlying causes of depression and processing complex feelings.
Developing Coping Strategies: Therapists work with clients to develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with negative thoughts, stress, and triggers.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most effective forms of therapy for depression, CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depressive symptoms.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): This form of therapy focuses on improving communication skills and relationships with others.
Problem-Solving Therapy: This approach helps individuals learn to effectively tackle life’s challenges, reducing the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness associated with depression.
Psychoeducation: Therapy often includes educating individuals about depression. Thus, empowering them with knowledge about their symptoms and treatment options.
Building Self-Esteem: Therapy sessions can boost self-esteem and self-compassion, helping individuals to counteract the negative self-perceptions often associated with depression.
Setting Goals: Therapy can help set realistic and achievable goals, providing a sense of purpose and direction.
Support and Validation: Therapists provide emotional support and validation, for individuals who feel isolated or misunderstood due to their depression.
Addressing Co-occurring Issues: Therapy addresses co-occurring issues such as anxiety, substance abuse, or trauma, which are often linked to depression.

In summary, therapy for depression is multifaceted, aiming not only to alleviate symptoms but also to equip individuals with the tools and insights necessary for long-term management and recovery.

Begin Depression Treatment in Nashville, TN

We understand how difficult it can be to seek help for depression, but at Freeman Health Partners we strive to make the process as easy as possible. We provide compassionate care tailored to each client’s unique needs to ensure successful outcomes. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we are here for you every step of the way.