IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS IN ST. PETERSBURG & VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
Major Depressive Disorder
What is MDD?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common but serious mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It is more than just feeling "blue" or "down" for a few days; it involves a low mood that is present most of an individual's day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. This persistent low mood and lack of interest (anhedonia) can significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, and work.
Common symptoms include:
-
Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day (e.g., feeling sad, empty, or hopeless).
-
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities (anhedonia).
-
Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
-
Sleep problems, such as insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
-
Psychomotor agitation (e.g., restlessness, pacing, inability to sit still) or retardation (e.g., slowed speech and movement) that is observable by others.
-
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
-
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt.
-
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness.
-
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.
Medication Management
Antidepressant medications can be very effective in treating moderate to severe depression.
-
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Often considered the first-line treatment, these medications work by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with mood.
-
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): This class of medication is also a first-line option and works by increasing levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
-
Other Medications: Depending on the individual's symptoms and response, other medications such as NDRIs (e.g., bupropion) or atypical antidepressants may be considered.
Non-Pharmacological Strategies
Therapy is a cornerstone of depression treatment and provides skills for long-term wellness.
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy is highly effective for depression. It focuses on identifying, challenging, and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to the depressive state.
-
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): This therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning, recognizing that problems in these areas can significantly impact mood.
-
Lifestyle Modifications: Regular physical exercise, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and adopting a balanced diet are all proven strategies that can significantly support depression treatment and recovery.
Our Approach: Your Partner in Your Mental Wellness Journey
As a PMHNP-BC, my practice is built on a foundation of respect and collaboration.
-
Shared Decision-Making: You are the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to provide the expert knowledge on diagnoses and treatments. Together, we will review all the options—medication, therapy, lifestyle changes—and decide on a path forward that feels right for you.
-
Medication as a Tool, Not a Crutch: Medication can be an incredibly effective tool to "turn down the volume" on your symptoms, allowing you to engage more fully in therapy and daily life. My goal is always to find the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
-
A Holistic View: My focus is not only on pills. We may also discuss sleep, nutrition, exercise, and other stress-reduction techniques. These non-pharmacological strategies can be essential for long-term, sustainable wellness.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don't have to manage your symptoms alone. If you're ready to explore a comprehensive, collaborative approach to mental wellness, I invite you to schedule online below.
