Depression Treatment

Depression is one of the most common behavioral health problems today, with over 20 million people suffering from symptoms of depression.

Everyone feels sad, blue, or down occasionally, but those suffering from depression experience these feelings more intensely and for longer periods of time.

They also usually experience other symptoms as well including fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Although many people think of depression as a single problem, there actually are several forms of depressive disorders including, but not limited to:

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, enjoy once-pleasurable activities, and function normally.

Dysthymic Disorder

Dysthymic Disorder is characterized by less severe but more persistent symptoms that occur continuously for two or more years. People with dysthymia may also experience major depression during their lifetimes.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression is characterized by a new mother developing a major depressive episode within one month of delivery. Many are surprised to learn that it is not uncommon, occurring in as many as 10 to 15 percent of women after giving birth.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half will need additional types of therapy.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by dramatic mood swings from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood.

Depression treatment is often most effective when clients receive a combination of counseling and medication treatment. At LifeStance Health, we offer an integrated approach to depression treatment that includes counseling and if necessary, psychopharmacological treatment. Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based psychotherapy and counseling approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression. They work closely with our psychiatrists and psychopharmacologists, who offer medication treatment for depression.

We also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy, a breakthrough non-pharmacological treatment for patients who continue to experience depressive symptoms despite therapy and anti-depressant treatment or those who are unable to tolerate anti-depressant medications because of the side effects they experienced. Click here to learn more about TMS Therapy.

More Information

To learn more about depression from the National Institute of Mental Health, click here to download a free brochure: NIMH – Depression

If you think you may be one of the 20 million people suffering from symptoms of depression, we may be able to help. Our Psychologists offer Depression Treatment in or near Newton, Wellesley, Natick, Needham, Framingham, Watertown and other metro west locations, as well as in our Back Bay and Downtown Boston offices.To learn more, complete our quick and easy Online Intake Form or call us at (617) 259-1895 today.