Depression Treatment | Denver & Golden
Your Journey Towards a Better Day
Depression is a common mental health disorder that can affect individuals of all ages. Depression can greatly impact your quality of life. However, there are highly effective treatments for depression. Beginning psychiatric care and/or therapy for depression is a proactive step toward improving your mental well-being. We provide compassionate and evidence-based mental health care for both adult and youth patients suffering from depression.
A Better Day Psychiatry offers a team of qualified professionals who specialize in evidence-based depression treatment in Denver, Golden, Lakewood, and throughout Colorado. Schedule with a provider today for depression treatment options. Begin your journey towards A Better Day.
Depression Evaluation and Diagnosis Denver
The Process At A Better Day Psych
The process of diagnosing depression begins with a psychiatric evaluation intake, which is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour in length. Depression evaluation can be done entirely virtually via a telehealth appointment.
During the intake, your provider will review your presenting symptoms and screen for other mental health disorders that overlap or co-occur with your symptoms. They will then review your past psychiatric, medical, family, social, substance, and developmental histories to form a complete picture. If there is important information to get from family members or if there are past evaluations, those will be reviewed. With all of this information, your provider will be able to form a more accurate diagnosis. For depression, some of the specific things your provider will be looking at are:
- Mood
- Sleep pattern
- Energy level
- Appetite
- Interest level in hobbies
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Problems focusing
- Thoughts of suicide
After the depression evaluation and diagnosis, your provider will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment strategy centered around your goals for healing. An accurate and timely diagnosis is an essential first step toward improved health and recovery.
Depression Treatment Options
The Process At A Better Day Psych
At A Better Day Psychiatry we work with the patient and family collaboratively to provide a tailored treatment approach. We view our relationship with you as a partnership and believe that reaching the treatment decisions together as a team leads to the best outcomes.
The first step in depression treatment involves education about the treatment options and what may be the best fit. Treatment options may include:
Psychotherapy | Depression Counseling Denver
Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy or depression counseling. Depression counseling is a highly effective treatment option. The most common form of psychotherapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This type of therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to depressive symptoms. Through CBT, you will learn to develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. This can lead to improvements in mood and functioning, and ultimately, quality of life.
Medication Options for Depression | Psychiatric Medication Management
Medication is an option for depression that you can discuss with your provider to see if it would be a good fit. It is particularly helpful when paired with psychotherapy and offers an integrative approach to treating depression. The most commonly prescribed medications for depression are antidepressants. When starting medication, our philosophy at A Better Day Psychiatry is to aim for the lowest effective dose for the patient. Ultimately, the decision to start medication is always up to you. If medication is deemed appropriate, you would continue receiving care through our psychiatric medication management program .
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle can play a significant role in managing depression and improving overall well-being. While they may not replace professional treatment, lifestyle changes can complement therapy and medication and contribute to better mental health outcomes. Examples of lifestyle modification include:
- Regular exercise
- Eating a Balanced Diet
- Getting Adequate Sleep
- Managing Stress
- Social Support
- Limiting Alcohol and Substance Use
- Engaging in Meaningful Activities
Depression Support services
Depression support services provide individuals with emotional support, education, and practical assistance in managing their condition. Support groups, online communities, educational classes, and religious or spiritual support groups are all examples.
A Better Day Psychiatry can provide depression treatment in Denver and surrounding areas with qualified and caring providers.
About Depression
Facts and Symptoms in Adults and Children
Depression can affect individuals of all ages, including adults and children. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. In fact, roughly 1 in 6 adults in the United States will experience depression at some point in their lives.
Adolescence and young adulthood, typically spanning from ages 12 to 25, are periods of increased vulnerability to depression. Young adults undergo significant physical, emotional, and social changes, which can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.
There is also a gender gap with depression, as women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed.
However, men may face greater challenges in acknowledging and discussing their emotions, leading to a higher risk of depression symptoms going unrecognized or untreated.
Finally, research indicates elevated rates of depression within the LGBTQI+ community, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the unique mental health needs of this population.
Depression Types and Symptoms
There are several different types of depression, each with distinctive characteristics and symptoms.
Major Depressive Disorder
This is the most common type of depression. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Symptoms may interfere with daily functioning and life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
This used to be known as dysthymia. This type of depression involves chronic feelings of low mood and lack of interest in activities. Symptoms may be less severe than MDD.
Postpartum Depression
Occurs in some women after giving birth. Symptoms may include mood swings, feelings of worthlessness, anxiety LINK page, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
Atypical Depression
This type of depression is characterized by mood reactivity, meaning that mood brightens in response to positive events. Other symptoms may include increased appetite or weight gain, oversleeping, and a feeling of heaviness in the limbs.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight. Symptoms may include low energy, oversleeping, weight gain, and social withdrawal.
Impacts of Untreated Depression
Untreated depression can have profound consequences on mental, emotional, and physical health. Research underscores the risks associated with untreated depression, including the development of chronic medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, impaired social and occupational functioning, diminished quality of life, and increased suicidal ideation and attempts.
Seeking timely treatment and support from mental health professionals is crucial for mitigating these potential impacts and promoting recovery. A Better Day Psychiatry providers are skilled and experienced in helping patients find the right treatment plan for depression.
Common Causes of Depression
Depression is a complex mental health disorder. Causes of depression are multifaceted, often involving a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Biological Factors of Depression
- Genetics: Family history of depression can increase the risk of developing the disorder.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood regulation, have been implicated in depression.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, may contribute to the onset of depression.
- Brain Structure and Function: Structural and functional abnormalities in specific brain regions involved in mood regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, have been observed in individuals with depression.
Environmental Factors of Depression
- Stressful Life Events: Traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse, loss of a loved one, relationship problems, financial difficulties, or chronic stressors, can trigger or exacerbate depression.
- Chronic Illness or Pain: Living with a chronic medical condition or experiencing persistent physical pain can increase the risk of depression.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use, can contribute to the development of depression. Substance use may initially serve as a coping mechanism but can worsen symptoms over time.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic status, access to resources, social support networks, and cultural factors can impact an individual’s risk of depression.
Psychological Factors of Depression
- Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as pessimism, low self-esteem, or perfectionism may increase susceptibility to depression.
- Coping Strategies: Maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance or rumination, can perpetuate negative mood states.
- Cognitive Patterns: Dysfunctional cognitive patterns, such as “black-and-white thinking” or catastrophizing, can contribute to the development and persistence of depression.
Begin your Journey towards a better day.
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we can help you or a loved one improve your quality of life despite the challenges depression presents. Our providers will accurately diagnose and treat depression. We offer comprehensive care to manage your symptoms and improve quality of life. Schedule with a provider today for depression evaluation and treatment options. Begin your journey towards A Better Day.
Depression FAQs
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we want you to be informed and empowered in understanding the clinical process of depression diagnosis and evaluation in adults and kids. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about depression treatment Denver.
What is the most effective way to treat depression?
The most effective treatment for depression is the combination of medications and therapy. This may not always be needed or preferred by the patient though, so we aim for a personalized treatment approach that works best for the patient. Treatment approaches may include lifestyle modifications, therapy, medications, or holistic approaches for depression.
Is my Depression Diagnosis Confidential?
Yes, your depression diagnosis is kept confidential. We prioritize the security of your sensitive information, and we are legally obligated to safeguard your privacy. Your treatment details will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit written consent. However, as licensed mental health professionals, we are mandated reporters in specific circumstances. If we become aware of instances of child abuse or planned harm to oneself or others, we are legally required to report
What Helps People Cope With Depression?
Coping with depression involves a combination of strategies aimed at managing symptoms, improving mood, and enhancing overall well-being. These can include psychotherapy, medication, healthy lifestyle choices, social support, mindfulness and meditation, creative expression, setting realistic goals, and seeking professional help.
Read Our Blog to Learn More
For more information about depression treatment denver and depression therapy denver explore the following links:
Social Anxiety Treatment Options
Social anxiety is a common struggle that can affect various aspects of life, making everyday interactions feel overwhelming. Fortunately, effective treatment options are available to help manage social anxiety and improve quality of life. These treatment options...
What a Psychiatrist Can Do for Your Child
Child psychiatrists, or pediatric psychiatrists, are behavioral health specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and adolescents. Seeing a psychiatrist specifically trained to work with children and adolescents is important....
Can Anxiety and Depression Be Cured?
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health challenges affecting millions of people globally. As the conversation around mental health becomes more prevalent, so does the search for solutions. Fortunately, in the last 4 years since the beginning of...