logo
Depression Q&A

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that leaves you uninterested in life or feeling constantly sad. While everyone feels down occasionally, depression causes symptoms that may harm your job, relationships, health, and overall well-being. 

If you can’t overcome sad feelings, see the Body & Mind Consulting experts for cutting-edge treatment recommendations. 

Which symptoms can depression cause?

Depression can contribute to the following symptoms:

  • Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
  • Loss of interest in once-favorite activities
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Ongoing sad feeling
  • Extreme sadness
  • Weight and appetite changes
  • Substance misuse
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability 
  • Mood swings

Depression may also cause physical aches and pains and problems at work or in relationships.

What are the risk factors for depression?

Depression’s causes can be unclear, but risk factors include:

  • Family history of depression
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Job loss or financial challenges
  • Trauma
  • Physical health issues
  • Divorce or breakup
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Substance misuse
  • Lack of a strong social support network
  • Low self-esteem

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that develops seasonally, particularly during cold winter months.

How does a specialist diagnose depression?

Diagnosing depression at Body & Mind Consulting involves a review of your symptoms and medical history. Your provider evaluates your emotions, mood, behaviors, and thoughts during a psychiatric evaluation. They also discuss your medications, lifestyle, and goals.

What are treatment options for depression?

Body & Mind Consulting offers the following treatments for depression:

Brain mapping

Brain mapping identifies regions in your brain responsible for mood disorders or other mindhealth conditions. It uses tiny sensors placed on your scalp to measure brain waves. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

TMS uses magnetic fields to alter brain activity and mood. Electromagnetic coils deliver magnetic pulses to nerve cells in the brain.

Personalized brainwave synchronization

Brainwave synchronization (Sonal Braincare™) therapy uses neurofeedback techniques to retrain your brain to function more effectively at specific tasks.

Emotional freedom technique (EFT)

EFT offers healing from traumatic experiences by stimulating acupressure points (without needles) to release emotional energy.

Psychotherapy

Interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other forms of psychotherapy help you overcome depression. 

Medication management

Taking medications can reduce depression symptoms, allowing you to live your best life. 

LightStim

LightStim is a form of LED light therapy that helps treat SAD, other forms of depression, and chronic pain.

Schedule a depression evaluation at Body & Mind Consulting by phone or request one online today.