Depression

Everyone experiences sadness, grief, stress or difficult seasons in life. However, depression often goes beyond having a bad day or feeling down for a short period of time. It can affect how you think, feel, connect with others, and move through everyday life.

For some people, depression feels like a constant heaviness that is difficult to explain. For others, it may show up as exhaustion, irritability, or a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed.

Have you been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed or like something is off lately? Sagent offers comprehensive and compassionate care for depression.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that affects mood, thoughts, energy levels, and daily functioning.

Depression can occur due to:

• Changing hormones
• Brain chemistry fluctuations
• Biological differences
• Genetics
• Major life events (loss of a loved one, losing a job, etc.)

It is estimated that one in every six individuals will experience depression in their lifetimes, making it one of the most common mental health struggles for adolescents and adults.

While depression is often associated with sadness, it is much more complex than simply feeling down.

Research suggests that depression can affect the way certain brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, communicate with one another.

These chemicals help regulate mood, motivation, sleep, energy, and the ability to experience pleasure. When these systems become disrupted, it can become harder for the brain to manage emotions, cope with stress, and maintain a sense of balance.

Depression can affect people differently, but many individuals describe feeling:

• Constantly tired, even after resting
• Emotionally numb or disconnected
• Overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities
• Irritable or easily upset
• A loss of interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
• Stuck in cycles of self-criticism, guilt or hopelessness

What Depression Can Feel like Day to Day

Recognizing these feelings in yourself is not a diagnosis of depression, but it can be a helpful starting point towards finding the right path forward.

“I’m tired all the time.”

Even after resting, you may still feel physically or emotionally drained.

“I just don’t care about things the way I used to”.

Activities, hobbies, or relationships that once brought joy may start feeling distant or difficult to engage with.

“Everything feels like effort”.

Simple tasks like answering messages, doing chores, or making decisions may suddenly require more energy than they used to.

“I feel increasingly disconnected from life or others”.

You may find yourself withdrawing from others, feeling emotionally numb, or struggling to feel present in your daily life.

“I keep being hard on myself.”

Depression often comes with self-criticism, guilt or feelings of inadequacy that can be difficult to quiet.

Approaching Depression Treatment with Sagent

It is important to remember that treating depression is not about “fixing” someone.

Instead, it is focused on understanding the factors contributing to depression and helping build tools and strategies that help people feel more grounded, balanced, and in control.

The approach to treating depression is different for every individual, so you will work with your provider to find the right solution for you.

Treatment approaches may include:

Individual Therapy

Therapy can help you explore thoughts, emotions, life experiences, and patterns that may contribute to depression. Patients are thoughtfully matched with providers to ensure a supportive, understanding environment.

Psychiatry & Medication Management

For some individuals, medication can be an effective part of depression treatment and can help reduce symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT skills are an effective way to build tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and navigating difficult emotions.

Coordinated Mental Health Care

Treatment for depression is not a one-size-fits-all. In some circumstances, therapy, psychiatry, and other mental health services can work together to support whole-person healing.

Higher Levels of Care

For some individuals, depression symptoms may be more severe, persistent, or not fully improved with traditional therapy or medication alone.

In these situations, treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ketamine- assisted therapy (KAP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) combine multiple forms of care to help individuals navigate more complex mental health challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the top cause of depression?

Depression can have multiple causes and the reason can vary from person to person. Genetics, medications, stress, medical conditions, and certain chemical changes in the brain may contribute to the development of symptoms. Anxiety disorders may also play a role in depression.

Who is at a higher risk of depression?

Depression can affect anyone, but certain situations can put people at a higher risk. Brain chemistry variations, family history, people with chronic pain or illness, or hormonal changes are all contributing factors.

People who experienced a traumatic event such as abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction may also have a higher risk of depression.

How is depression different from a bad mood?

Everyone can have a bad day or feel “off” from time to time, but symptoms lasting for more than two weeks can indicate a depressive episode. The symptoms the individual is experiencing are also interfering with their daily life.

How can I help a loved one with depression?

If you love someone who is living with depression, the best thing you can do is encourage them to seek professional help. You can also validate their feelings, provide practical support, and get emergency care if needed.

When is depression considered an emergency?

If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or chat with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with them on the website.