Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. While everyone feels down from time to time, depression is more than just a temporary feeling—it can last for weeks, months, or even years, and severely interfere with daily life.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common type of depression. However, there are other forms of depression, including postpartum depression (PPD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Postpartum depression affects new mothers, often triggered by hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the challenges of parenthood. It can cause overwhelming sadness, difficulty bonding with the baby, and feelings of hopelessness.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when a person does not respond to standard depression treatments, such as antidepressant medications or traditional therapy. This form of depression requires specialized approaches to manage symptoms.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s more than just a feeling of sadness—it’s a serious medical condition that can impact every aspect of life, including relationships, work, and overall well-being. At Whole Mind in Utah and California, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, and treatment-resistant depression (TRD), using evidence-based treatments designed to help you achieve lasting relief.
Depression affects both adults and adolescents and can manifest in different ways. Common symptoms of depression include:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Fatigue or lack of energy
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Sleep disturbances, either insomnia or excessive sleeping
Appetite changes (either loss of appetite or overeating)
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Thoughts of death or suicide (in severe cases)
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help. Left untreated, depression can have a serious impact on overall health and quality of life.
Early intervention is key when it comes to treating depression. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner individuals can experience relief and begin improving their overall quality of life. Ongoing care is equally important, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Regular check-ins with our psychiatrists and support teams will ensure that your treatment plan continues to meet your needs as your symptoms evolve.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects new mothers, typically within the first few weeks to months after childbirth. Unlike the typical “baby blues,” PPD can cause severe emotional distress and interfere with a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby.
Symptoms of PPD include:
Overwhelming sadness or hopelessness after childbirth
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Severe irritability or mood swings
Fatigue and lack of motivation
Feelings of guilt or shame as a mother
It’s important for new mothers to seek support and treatment if they’re experiencing postpartum depression, as untreated PPD can affect the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a form of depression that does not respond to standard treatments like antidepressants or psychotherapy. Individuals with TRD may experience persistent symptoms despite trying multiple treatment options.
While TRD can be discouraging, it’s important to know that there are alternative treatments available. At Whole Mind, we offer several advanced treatment options designed to help those struggling with treatment-resistant depression find relief.
At Whole Mind, we provide a range of treatment options for individuals struggling with depression, including TMS Therapy, Spravato, and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. These treatments are especially effective for those with treatment-resistant depression.
TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): TMS Therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS is safe, well-tolerated, and has virtually no side effects, making it an excellent alternative to traditional medications or more invasive treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
TMS therapy is highly effective for individuals with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression, often providing significant improvement in mood and quality of life.
Spravato (Esketamine): Spravato is a fast-acting nasal spray approved for treatment-resistant depression. It works differently than traditional antidepressants by targeting glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in mood regulation. Spravato can improve mood in as little as 24 hours, making it especially helpful for those experiencing suicidal ideations or those who have not responded to other treatments.
Patients undergoing Spravato treatment are monitored in a healthcare setting for safety, and results often include rapid improvements in mood and overall well-being.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive treatment for major depression that uses low electrical currents to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. tDCS is highly effective for treating depression and can be effective for individuals who have not found relief with other treatments.
As tDCS requires a commitment to multiple sessions and may be time-intensive, it is important to consult with our psychiatrists to determine which treatment is best suited for your journey.
At Whole Mind, we understand that each individual’s experience with depression is unique. That’s why we offer personalized treatment plans that combine the best therapies and treatments to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re struggling with major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, or treatment-resistant depression, we are committed to finding the solution that works best for you.
Our team of experts will guide you through every step of your journey, offering continuous support, adjusting treatments as necessary, and monitoring progress to ensure that you’re on the path to recovery.
Depression is a serious and complex condition that requires personalized treatment. Whether you’re dealing with major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, or treatment-resistant depression, Whole Mind offers a range of safe and effective treatments to help you manage your symptoms and improve your mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, don’t wait. Whole Mind is here to help you take the first step toward feeling better and living a more fulfilling life. Call 801-477-7189 today to schedule a consultation and explore the treatment options that can make a difference in your recovery journey.
