Does My Depression Require Medication?

Depression may be a common problem, but it can vary significantly from person to person, and there are several different forms. As a result, while depression is highly treatable, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for everyone.

If you feel depressed or have a diagnosed depressive disorder, Board-certified nurse practitioner Grace Muthami, PMHNP-BC, of Brightmind Wellness can help. She offers convenient, secure telepsychiatry services from offices in Harrisburg to residents across Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Grace can help you understand your treatment options. Here are a few signs of depression and common strategies she uses to manage symptoms.

When it’s more than “the blues”

Most people feel sad or depressed from time to time — and teenagers can seem especially moody. That makes learning to recognize depressive disorders vital so you can ensure the person affected gets the help they need.

Depressive disorders can occur once or multiple times throughout a person’s lifetime. Signs of depression include:

• Feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, or tearfulness
• Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
• Irritability, frustration, or angry outbursts
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions
• Lack of energy or fatigue
• Slowed movements, speaking, or thinking
• Physical aches or pains
• Avoiding social interactions
• Issues at school, like poor attendance or performance
• Engaging in self-harm
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Suicidal thoughts or feelings

These signs can vary in severity and be difficult to spot, but you shouldn’t ignore them. Sadly, nearly 60% of people living with depression don’t seek help. 

Effective treatments are available, and our team can ease your symptoms, whether mild or severe.

Finding help for depression

Depending on your symptoms and their severity, there are several treatment approaches for depression. Two of the most effective solutions tend to be psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy goes by many names, including counseling and talk therapy. Simply put, this treatment strategy focuses on talking about your condition, which can offer:

• Healthier ways to cope and solve problems
• Strategies for managing difficulties
• Support identifying issues or behaviors that worsen your symptoms
• Perspective on relationships, experiences, and stressful situations

Counseling also helps you better understand your depressive disorder and how to set goals for your life moving forward.

Medication

Medication can offer life-changing results for some people living with depression. 40%-60% of people taking antidepressants for moderate to severe depression see improvements in their symptoms within 6-8 weeks. However, there are several different depression medications, so it can take a little trial and error to find the most effective option for you.

While many people with depression can benefit from medication, Grace determines whether it’s right for you on a case-by-case basis.

If you feel depressed, Grace can perform a telepsychiatry assessment. After diagnosing your condition, she can outline the most effective treatment strategy to address your symptoms and manage your mood disorder moving forward.

Are you depressed? Book a consultation with  Board-certified nurse practitioner Grace Muthami, PMHNP-BC, of Brightmind Wellness. Call (215) 774-3085 or request an appointment online.