Depression

Depression services offered in MA, WA, NY, and CA

When depression goes untreated, it can feel like a storm that never clears. Whether you're personally experiencing symptoms or supporting a loved one, seeking the right care is crucial to taking the first steps toward recovery. Thankfully, individuals in Massachusetts, Washington, New York, California, and other states can access compassionate, expert care through PhillWell, a telepsychiatry practice designed to help improve mental health outcomes for everyone.

Led by board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner Doreen Phillips, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, PhillWell provides personalized treatment approaches like medication management, psychotherapy, and holistic lifestyle changes. This post explores key aspects of depression, from its symptoms and risk factors to the treatment options available, to guide you or a loved one in finding effective support.

Depression Q&A

What is depression?

Depression is a common yet serious mood disorder that impacts how you feel, think, and manage daily activities. Experiencing sadness or a rough day is normal now and then, but depression persists over time, leading to more significant disruptions in everyday life.

What sets depression apart is its intensity and duration. It's not something you can simply "snap out of." Depression often requires professional evaluation and care to address its root causes and manage symptoms effectively.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Common symptoms you might notice with depression include:

• Irritability
• Ongoing or severe sadness
• Mood swings
• Hopelessness
• Worthlessness
• Tearfulness
• Loss of interest
• Sleeping problems
• Fatigue
• Appetite changes
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Anxiety
• Problems at work
• Struggles with relationships
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of suicide
• Unexplained aches and pains

Depression can cause problems in relationships or at work. It also increases your risk of drug and alcohol misuse.

Sometimes depression is situational and goes away over time. If depression negatively affects your life, see the specialists at PhillWell for an evaluation.

What are the risk factors of depression?

Depression is common, and anyone can experience it, but factors that boost your risk include:

• Family or personal history of depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Other mental health challenges
• Hormone changes
• Certain personality traits
• Chronic medical conditions
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Low self-esteem
• Ongoing stress
• Weight challenges
• Some medications
• Traumatic life events

Life situations that may increase your risk of depression include a death in your family, job loss, divorce, abuse, military combat, or other traumatic life situations.

How does my provider diagnose depression?

To find out if you have depression, Dr. Phillips discusses your symptoms and medical history with you. She completes a psychiatric assessment before personalizing a treatment that’s best for you. She always gives you a voice in your mental health care.

How is depression treated?

Treatment for depression varies, as every patient is different. Dr. Phillips often recommends making healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, sleeping more, eating nutritious foods, and keeping stress levels low. Combining multiple treatments into your plan is often the best way to keep depression symptoms under control.

To get treated for depression, call the PhillWell office, or schedule a virtual appointment online today.