According to the Centers for Disease Control, depression affects more than 8 percent of Americans. Although depression is a diagnosable and treatable mental health disorder, it impacts a person’s mood, emotions, thought processes, and even physical well-being. So, managing symptoms takes an individualized and multi-faceted approach.
Let’s talk about the symptoms of depression, how supplements can help fight depression, and where you can go for effective treatment of depression in White Plains, NY.
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression–also called major depressive disorder–can come on suddenly or gradually. Whatever the case, they persist beyond two weeks and, contrary to what many people think, cannot be overcome with positive thinking or a change of scenery. Also, depression is not a character flaw or sign of weakness but rather a mental health disorder linked to genetics, trauma, life circumstances, physical diseases, and imbalances in neurotransmitters and hormones.
Accordingly, depression is highly individualized. It takes expert and compassionate psychiatric assessment and treatment planning for patients to make real progress in controlling the symptoms impacting their daily lives and interpersonal relationships.
While depression takes several forms, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and others, people who have it experience many of the following symptoms in varying degrees:
- Prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loneliness
- Self-isolation
- Physical complaints, such as body pain and headaches
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Outbursts of anger
- Poor appetite
- Low libido
- Loss of interest in hobbies and socialization
- Thoughts of self-harm and suicide
- Limited ability to concentrate and finish tasks
- Changes in achievement, such as poor grades and job performance
Treatment Options for Depression
Real help is available for people who exhibit persistent symptoms of depression. FDA-approved antidepressants, other medications, cognitive behavior therapy, and talk therapy with an experienced mental health professional help many adults, teens, and children manage their symptoms.
The best therapies are highly individualized and adjusted over time in response to the individual’s level of wellness. Input from family and significant others proves valuable as well.
How Supplements Can Help with Depression
Besides individualized counseling, talk therapies, stress reduction techniques (such as biofeedback), and medication (as needed), adding world-class nutritional and vitamin supplements by Metagenics is another effective way to help with depression.
The supplements best suited to the treatment of depression include naturally derived:
- DHEA is a chemical produced by the adrenal glands that helps slow aging, improve bone and vaginal health, and control the mental and physical symptoms of depression
- 5HTP (hydroxytryptophan), which boosts a neurotransmitter that the brain produces to regulate mood, the sleep-wake cycle, and feelings of happiness and well-being
- Phyto-multivitamins derived from organically grown whole foods (fruits and vegetables)
- B vitamins
These supplements boost overall nutrition and also increase levels of naturally occurring substances responsible for mood, sleep, sexual wellness, concentration, and more. These supplements help many individuals feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally when used with other proven depression therapies.
Effective Depression Treatment in White Plains, NY
At Psyhance, we strive to nurture mind and body with integrative and innovative approaches to mental health. That is why we offer holistic care that also includes FDA-approved prescription medication so we can get the best outcomes for our patients.
We understand mental health is not merely about treating mental illness but creating emotional well-being. Our team will thoroughly assess you by asking about your physical symptoms, eating habits, social issues, and the mental struggles you might be experiencing. From there, we design a personalized treatment plan for you that will help you feel like your best self again.
To know more about our services or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (914) 494-5395 or fill out our online appointment request form.