Depression is a group of mental health conditions that concerns the ongoing elevation or lowering of mood. There are several common types of depressive disorder, including clinical depression, postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Major depressive disorder is the most common type of depressive disorder, and symptoms include feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. The symptoms associated with depression can be mild, moderate, or severe in nature. Those with moderate or severe symptoms often require a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Fortunately, even the more severe symptoms of depression can often be managed, and many people with depressive disorders go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
If you or someone you love has been struggling with an undiagnosed or untreated depressive disorder, there is help available. Bishop Health offers effective depression treatment in Westbrook, Maine and all surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more.
About Depression
Major depressive disorder, the most commonly diagnosed depressive disorder in the U.S., is characterized by the recurrence of major depressive episodes. The National Institute of Mental Health and the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) defines a major depressive episode as, “A period of at least two weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and had a majority of specified symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or self-worth.” In the year 2020 alone, nearly 21 million American adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. This number represents 8.4 percent of adults in the country. The presence of major depressive episodes was higher among females than males, and was most prevalent in those between the ages of 18 and 25.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report there were a total of 45,979 suicide deaths in 2020. While depression is not always present in individuals who commit suicide, it does act as a major risk factor among those with a personal history of attempted suicide or suicidal ideation. If you are currently living in Westbrook, Maine or any surrounding area and you are looking for effective and individualized treatment for depression, Bishop Health is available to help. Contact us today to learn more.
Depression Signs & Symptoms
Everyone experiences periods of sadness, especially when going through a particularly painful situation, like the loss of a loved one, a major career change, or a cross-country move that leads to social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Those who suffer from depression, however, might experience deep and lasting feelings of sadness that don’t relate to their external circumstances. Symptoms associated with major depressive disorder typically last for two weeks or longer, and often disrupt a person’s day-to-day life. The most common symptoms of depression include:
- Experiencing a sad, depressed mood unrelated to external influences.
- A loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed.
- Changes to appetite, often characterized by weight loss or weight gain.
- Sleeping for long hours/sleeping throughout the day.
- Low energy levels/fatigue.
- Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness.
- Feelings of worthlessness or futility.
- Changes to cognitive functioning/difficulty concentrating or paying attention.
- Suicidal ideation/thoughts of death, dying, and suicide.
Depression Treatment Westbrook ME
If you are looking for effective depression treatment in Westbrook, ME, we are available to help. Finding the best depression treatment in Maine concerns much more than finding a licensed psychiatrist is Westbrook who will prescribe you an antidepressant medication and send you on your way. Like treatment for any other mental illness, the most effective treatment options for depression are highly individualized, and cater to your unique, personal needs. The root causes of depression vary on a person-to-person basis, thus no two treatment plans should be identical.
Some potential causes of depression include:
- Genetic predisposition.
- A chemical imbalance in the brain (an inability to naturally produce ‘feel good’ chemicals like dopamine and serotonin).
- A specific situation, like a divorce or the death of a loved one.
- Prolonged substance misuse.
Regardless of how your depressive disorder developed, Bishop Health will take the necessary steps to ensure you are receiving the personalized care you deserve. Our licensed on-staff psychiatrists will work with you to find a medication that is both safe and effective. Our on-staff therapists will help you work through any challenges you are facing while helping you develop healthy coping mechanisms that you can turn to when you are experiencing heightened symptoms. Bishop Heath is ready to help you overcome what has been holding you back and work towards living a happy, joyous, and fulfilling life.
Depression Treatment Assistance
Because there are so many potential treatment options to choose from, you might benefit from some degree of professional depression treatment assistance. While there is certainly no shortage of depression treatments in Westbrook, Maine, some treatment options are undeniably better-suited to you and your unique needs than others. Our compassionate and knowledgeable Treatment Advisors will assist you as you navigate the process, helping you find treatment for depression in Maine as quickly as possible. For more information on our depression treatment assistance services, contact us today.
Find Depression Treatment
How do you find effective and accessible depression treatment in Westbrook, Maine? First of all, it is a good idea to have a firm grasp of exactly what it is you’re looking for. Ask yourself the following questions when looking for depression treatment near you:
- Have I previously been diagnosed with depression or am I experiencing new or worsening symptoms that require a professional diagnosis?
- Have I previously been diagnosed with depression, but never treated?
- Am I currently being treated for depression but feeling as if my current treatment plan is not effective or all-encompassing?
- What are my personal treatment goals?
- Am I looking for help with depression and a co-occurring disorder like addiction or alcoholism?
Find depression treatment in Westbrook, ME today by reaching out to Bishop Heath directly. We can be contacted over the phone or through our website.
You Are Not Alone, Treatment is Available
Finding depression treatment in Westbrook, Maine might seem like a daunting task when you aren’t sure where to look. Fortunately, finding effective treatment for depression in Maine is as simple as picking up the phone and asking for help. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help you will be put in contact with an experienced staff member. The staff member will answer any questions you have about