Depression

Depression isn’t just a case of “the blues,” but it can cause serious effects that diminish your quality of life. If you or your child feel overwhelmed by depression, schedule a telemedicine visit with the team at Lewis Family Psychiatry for treatment. They use psychiatric counseling and other effective techniques to restore your happiness and mental health. Call the office in Wellington, Florida, to schedule a telemedicine appointment from anywhere in the state for depression care, or book an appointment online today. 

What is depression? 

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. The condition causes persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt that lasts longer than two weeks. These symptoms can make it difficult to meet the responsibilities of work and school and cause people to withdraw from loved ones and social situations.

When should I seek treatment for depression? 

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Lewis Family Psychiatry if you have symptoms of depression that last longer than two weeks or if your symptoms interfere with your daily life. 

Symptoms that require attention include:

• Irritability and moodiness
• Persistent worry or fear
• Overwhelming sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
• Eating too much or too little
• Insomnia

It’s also important that you seek mental health care if you or your child have thoughts or actions of self-harm. You can dial 988 for the suicidal hotline to speak with someone if you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide. 

The Lewis Family Psychiatry team can meet with you through their telemedicine platform to assess your symptoms and confirm a diagnosis of depression. They also tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs to relieve symptoms and help restore your quality of life.

How is depression treated?

There are several strategies that can help manage symptoms of depression and improve your quality of life. The team at Lewis Family Psychiatry may recommend: 

Medications 

Antidepressant medications may help improve your mood and outlook. The team might recommend genetic testing to find out which medications work best for your unique situation. Finding the right medication takes some time, but many patients enjoy improvements in their mental health by taking their medicines regularly as prescribed. 

Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and learn effective strategies to cope with depression. 

Lifestyle modifications

Lifestyle modifications can make a world of a difference in your overall mental wellness. The team may recommend getting regular exercise, reducing your daily stress levels, and using mindfulness techniques like meditation to calm the mind. 

Call Lewis Family Psychiatry to schedule a diagnostic assessment for depression, or book an appointment online today.