Psychiatric Treatment for Depression
Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel heavy, leaving you drained, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. It’s more than just a low mood—it’s a medical condition that affects your thoughts, energy, and ability to enjoy life. Psychiatric treatment for depression may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both, depending on your needs. At Mindful Oasis, I provide compassionate, individualized care to help you find relief, reconnect with yourself, and begin feeling like you again.
Types Of Depression
Depression can take on many forms, each with its own unique challenges. Understanding the type of depression you may be experiencing is essential in choosing the right treatment. As a mental health provider, I take the time to carefully assess your symptoms and life experiences so we can develop the most effective care plan. There is no shame in living with depression—it’s a treatable condition, and support is here for you.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is a condition where persistent sadness, lack of motivation, and changes in mood, sleep, or appetite begin to interfere with daily life. It can be triggered by trauma or stress—or occur without an obvious cause. This kind of depression often involves changes in brain chemistry and typically improves with a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle support.
Talk to someone whenever you need.
At Mindful Oasis, I’m here to support you when you’re feeling anxious, stressed, down, or just not like yourself. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide compassionate, personalized care to help you feel more like you again.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent depressive disorder is a long-term, low-grade form of depression that lasts for two years or more. People with dysthymia may experience symptoms that ebb and flow in intensity, often making it harder to recognize. Even though the symptoms may seem manageable day to day, the chronic nature of this condition can wear on your energy and motivation over time.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
If you tend to feel more down or withdrawn during certain times of year—especially in the fall or winter—you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder. SAD is often linked to reduced sunlight exposure and shifts in your body’s internal clock. Symptoms usually lift as the seasons change, but professional treatment can help manage the impact on your mood and energy in the meantime.
Postpartum Depression
Following childbirth, some women experience intense sadness, anxiety, or irritability. These symptoms can interfere with bonding and self-care, and they’re not uncommon. Postpartum depression is a medical condition, not a personal failure. With proper treatment, mothers can recover and regain emotional balance—while feeling supported every step of the way.
Psychotic Depression
This form of depression involves not only severe mood symptoms but also psychotic features, such as hallucinations or delusional thinking. These experiences often reflect feelings of guilt, failure, or worthlessness. With careful diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, psychotic depression can be managed and stabilized effectively.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder includes periods of deep depression alternating with episodes of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania). Treatment focuses on stabilizing these shifts in mood through a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies. Many people with bipolar disorder lead fulfilling lives with proper, ongoing care.
Atypical Depression
Atypical depression may temporarily improve when something good happens, but the underlying symptoms remain—such as increased sleep, emotional sensitivity, or heaviness in the body. It’s a unique presentation that responds well to specific treatments when accurately identified.
How is Depression Diagnosed?
Depression isn’t always easy to recognize from the outside. Often, people minimize or explain away their symptoms. That’s why a professional evaluation is so important. During a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, we explore your current symptoms, history, and how these challenges are affecting your daily life.
I may use tools like the PHQ-9 questionnaire to help gauge symptom severity, but most of all, I listen—carefully and without judgment. Whether you’ve been silently struggling or are just beginning to ask questions about how you’re feeling, this evaluation helps us build a clear path forward.
How is Depression Treated?
Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Your treatment plan may include a combination of medication, therapy, and supportive care—customized to your symptoms, preferences, and personal goals.
Medication
Many people find relief through medication that helps balance the brain chemicals linked to mood. I carefully select medications that align with your unique profile, monitor how you respond, and adjust as needed. Common categories include:
SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram)
SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine)
MAOIs and TCAs, prescribed less commonly but useful in specific cases
Antidepressants may take a few weeks to become fully effective. During that time, we focus on supporting your whole well-being through additional care strategies.
Therapy
Therapy is a powerful tool for understanding your emotions, patterns, and triggers. I work collaboratively with therapists or refer to trusted partners for modalities such as CBT, interpersonal therapy, and trauma-informed care. Many individuals benefit from combining medication with therapy for long-term symptom management and personal growth.
What to Expect from Treatment at Mindful Oasis
At your first appointment, we’ll talk about what’s been going on, how it’s affecting your life, and what kind of support you’re looking for. I’ll walk you through a psychological evaluation that includes your mental health history, current symptoms, and treatment preferences. Together, we’ll build a care plan that works for you—not just based on a diagnosis, but on who you are as a whole person.
In-Person & Telehealth Options Available
Whether you prefer in-person visits or the convenience of virtual care, support is available. I offer both in-office appointments and secure telehealth sessions to meet you wherever you are—physically and emotionally. Telehealth is just as effective for most types of depression treatment and offers flexibility for your busy life.
Coping with Depression: What You Can Do Today
Even while receiving treatment, small daily choices can make a big impact:
- Reach out to supportive people in your life
- Move your body gently when possible
- Create a daily rhythm, even if it’s simple
- Eat nourishing meals and hydrate
- Be kind to yourself—healing isn’t linear
Supporting a Loved One
If someone close to you is living with depression, your support matters. Encourage them to seek professional help, check in regularly, and offer practical help without pressure. Just being present with compassion can make a powerful difference.
When to Reach Out for Help
If you’ve lost interest in things you once loved, are feeling hopeless, exhausted, or overwhelmed by daily life, it may be time to talk to a professional. Other signs include sleep problems, appetite changes, irritability, or frequent thoughts of death or escape. These symptoms are common—and treatable—with the right support.
You’re Not Alone—Take the First Step Today
Depression can make everything feel heavier—but you don’t have to carry it alone. At Mindful Oasis, I offer compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel better and reconnect with yourself. Whether in person or online, you’ll find a safe, supportive space here.
Call (757) 720-1040 or request an appointment today to begin your journey toward healing.
Renew your mind with Mindful Oasis.
We’re Here To Help
Ready to begin your journey? We’ll walk you through the next steps to connect with your Mindful Oasis psychiatric provider.