Depression

 
 

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in activities. Symptoms often include difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and feelings of worthlessness. It significantly impacts daily life but is treatable with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Depression feels like a constant weight dragging me down. I lose interest in everything, even things I love. But with therapy and support, I’m starting to see hope and feel like myself again.

Different types of depression

Depression manifests in various ways, affecting mood, physical health, and daily functioning. Common symptoms include persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Some people may also experience physical symptoms like headaches or digestive problems.
In bipolar disorder, depressive episodes alternate with periods of mania or elevated mood, creating unique challenges that require specialized treatment. Depression is also frequently seen alongside other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, or substance use disorders, compounding its impact.

The experience of depression varies widely between individuals, with some feeling numb or detached and others overwhelmed by emotions. These symptoms can significantly affect work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Despite its challenges, depression is highly treatable through therapies like CBT, medication, or a combination of approaches, offering hope for recovery.

Depression can feel overwhelming, affecting every aspect of life. As clinicians, we focus on understanding each individual’s experience, offering evidence-based therapies and compassionate care to help them find relief, regain balance, and rebuild their lives

Symptoms of depression include:

  • Persistent Sadness: Feeling low, hopeless, or tearful most of the day.
  • Loss of Interest: Diminished pleasure in activities previously enjoyed.
  • Fatigue: Low energy and persistent tiredness, even after rest.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or excessive sleeping.
  • Appetite Changes: Significant weight loss or gain due to altered eating habits.
  • Concentration Problems: Difficulty focusing or making decisions.
  • Feelings of Worthlessness: Overwhelming guilt or self-blame.
  • Irritability: Increased frustration or anger.
  • Physical Symptoms: Pain, headaches, or digestive issues without a clear cause.
  • Slow or Agitated Movement: Observable changes in physical activity levels.
  • Suicidal Thoughts: Recurring thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide.
  • Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and responsibilities.
  • Low Self-Esteem: Feeling inadequate or like a failure.
  • Emotional Numbness: A sense of detachment or emptiness.
  • Hopelessness: A pervasive sense that things will never improve.

 

These symptoms can vary in severity but often disrupt daily functioning.

Our approach
 

Our approach to treating depression

At Bloomfield Health, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to treating depression. For many patients, initial treatment involves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, alongside medication such as SSRIs to improve mood. We also use behavioural activation, encouraging small, meaningful activities to boost energy and well-being. For those who don’t respond to initial treatments, we offer advanced options, including other therapies, alternative medications, or brain stimulation techniques. Our compassionate, tailored care ensures every patient has the best chance of recovery and a return to a fulfilling life.

 

Frequently asked questions

Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and physical symptoms like fatigue or sleep disturbances. It can significantly impact daily life but is treatable.

Depression can result from a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, stressful life events, and medical conditions. It often involves complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors.

Common treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns, medication like SSRIs to improve mood, and behavioural activation to encourage meaningful activity. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient.

Not everyone requires medication. For mild to moderate depression, therapy alone may suffice. For more severe symptoms, antidepressants like SSRIs can be highly effective, often used alongside therapy.

Most patients begin noticing improvements with therapy within weeks, while medications like SSRIs typically take 4–6 weeks to show significant effects.

Yes, depression can recur. However, effective treatment, ongoing care, and learning coping strategies through therapy can reduce the risk of future episodes.

If first-line treatments like SSRIs or CBT don’t work, alternative therapies, different medications, or advanced options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be considered.

Yes, we provide online therapy and psychiatric consultations to make access to care convenient and flexible for all patients.

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