Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, often disrupting your work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

What are the signs of depression?

Signs of depression can manifest in various ways, including:

• Prolonged feelings of sadness
• Irritability
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you wish to hurt yourself or threaten your life, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or 911 immediately.

How is depression diagnosed?

At Calm Psych, your provider performs a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical exam, psychological assessment, and a discussion of your symptoms, duration, and impact on daily functioning. 

Calm Psych uses the quantified behavioral (QB) test, which can diagnose and even monitor depression. You wear devices equipped with sensors that track your various physiological and behavioral parameters. 

The devices collect data on sleep patterns, activity levels, heart rate variability, and other metrics over time. Your provider analyzes the information to gain insight into your mood fluctuations as well as how you respond to treatment.

In addition, the team may use screening tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which are commonly used to assess the severity of symptoms. The Calm Psych team can also perform genetic testing upon request.

How is depression treated?

At Calm Psych, treatment for depression often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. 

The team uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and mindfulness-based approaches to help you understand and manage your thoughts and emotions. They may also prescribe antidepressant medications to alleviate symptoms.

In addition, your provider may recommend lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques. In more severe cases or when other treatments haven't been effective, your Calm Psych provider may discuss alternative therapies like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

If you struggle with depression, whether mild or severe, call Calm Psych today to schedule an appointment or book online now.