Depression
Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a serious mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life. From work and relationships to your physical health, depression can impact all areas. At “Thriving Minds,” we offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach to treating depression, helping you regain control and experience joy in life again.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed. It can last for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated. It’s important to understand that depression isn’t a sign of weakness, nor is it something you can “snap out of”—it’s a complex condition that requires appropriate treatment and support.
Types of Depression
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by prolonged periods of extreme sadness, fatigue, and disinterest in daily activities.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression that lasts for two years or more, with less severe but continuous symptoms.
- Bipolar Depression : Involves periods of depression alternating with episodes of mania or elevated mood. Postpartum Depression: A type of depression that can occur after childbirth, often affecting new mothers. Seasonal Affective
- Disorder (SAD): A form of depression that typically occurs in the winter months when there is less sunlight.
Signs and Symptoms
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Fatigue or lack of energy, even after adequate rest
- Changes in appetite or weight (either increased or decreased)
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much) Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame
- Irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, it’s important to seek professional help. Depression is highly treatable, and with the right support, you can feel better.
Comprehensive Treatments at Thriving Minds
At “Thriving Minds,” we take a holistic approach to depression treatment, focusing on both immediate symptom relief and long-term recovery. We offer a range of traditional and cutting-edge treatments to ensure every individual receives the care that best suits their needs.
A. Antidepressant Medications:
Medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants are commonly prescribed to restore the chemical balance in the brain. They help reduce symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue.
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT helps individuals recognize and challenge negative thought patterns, improving mood and coping mechanisms. It’s particularly effective in managing long-term depressive symptoms and preventing relapse.
C.Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
ECT is a safe and effective treatment for individuals with severe depression, particularly when other treatments like medication and therapy haven’t worked. ECT involves passing small, controlled electrical currents through the brain under anesthesia, which can rapidly relieve symptoms of depression. It is especially helpful for those with treatment-resistant depression or those who experience suicidal thoughts. While ECT can seem intimidating, it is a well-established treatment with a high success rate, often providing faster relief than medications.
D. Ketamine Therapy:
Ketamine has gained recognition as a groundbreaking treatment for depression, especially for those who haven’t responded to other treatments. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show effects, ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression in just a few sessions by promoting brain plasticity and repairing neural connections. Administered under medical supervision, ketamine therapy is a promising option for treatment-resistant depression.
- E. Neurostimulation Treatments:
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):
tDCS is a safe and non-invasive procedure that uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. It has shown great promise in alleviating depression symptoms, particularly in combination with other treatments.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):
: rTMS uses magnetic pulses to activate specific brain regions involved in depression. This therapy has been highly effective for individuals who haven’t responded to conventional treatments, offering long-term symptom relief without the side effects of medication.
Why Choose Our Clinic?
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We’ve helped millions feel better.
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
Dr. Smruti Pradhan
“Dr Ankita has helped me to live this life what I m living today. She is an amazing psychiatrist who will treat you without you even realising that you have being treated. I never hesitated to share anything with her during my therapy as I was very comfortable with her. Please feel free to consult her for your problem. I will always be thankful to her for whole of my life.”
Thriving Minds mental health Resource
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
