Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
Understanding Depression
If you’re feeling persistently down, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the things and people you care about, you’re not alone. Depression isn’t just sadness or a bad day—it’s a real medical condition that can affect your thoughts, emotions, body, and ability to function. It can make even simple tasks feel exhausting and rob you of the motivation or joy you once had.
You might not always be able to explain what’s wrong, and sometimes the hardest part is just getting through the day. But recognizing that something isn’t right is a powerful first step—and it means you’re already moving toward change.
Symptoms You Might Experience
Depression can show up in different ways for different people. You may notice some or all of the following:
A constant sense of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed
Sleeping much more—or much less—than usual
Big changes in appetite, weight, or eating habits
Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
Feeling drained or physically slowed down
Thoughts of worthlessness, guilt, or even suicidal thinking
To meet the criteria for clinical depression, these symptoms typically need to last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. What’s important, though, is how much they’re affecting your ability to function and enjoy life.
Causes and Risk Factors
There isn’t one single cause of depression. Instead, it’s often a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Changes in brain chemistry and function, especially involving neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, can contribute. For some people, genetics plays a role—if you have a family history of depression or other mood disorders, your risk may be higher.
Life stressors like the loss of a loved one, relationship conflicts, chronic illness, financial stress, or trauma can trigger or worsen symptoms. Even things like seasonal changes, substance use, or hormonal shifts can influence mood. In some cases, depression seems to emerge without an obvious reason, which can be confusing and frustrating—but still very real.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
There’s no blood test or scan that can confirm depression. Diagnosis is based on a thorough assessment of your symptoms, history, and overall functioning. When you come to Valiant Mental Health, we listen closely. We ask about your emotional experiences, physical health, sleep, appetite, and how your symptoms have been affecting your life.
We also make sure to consider other possible causes, like thyroid imbalances, medication effects, or vitamin deficiencies. Our goal is to get a clear picture of what you’re experiencing so we can help in the most effective way possible.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Treatment for depression is highly individualized and often involves a combination of approaches. What works best for one person might look different for someone else, and that’s okay. We’re here to help you find the right path.
Medications
The most commonly used medications for depression are antidepressants. These include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), which help balance the brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. In some cases, atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), or augmentation with mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medications may be considered, especially when symptoms are more complex or treatment-resistant.
Medication isn’t about “changing who you are.” It’s about giving your brain a more stable foundation so you can feel like yourself again.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can be just as effective as medication—and often even more powerful when used together. Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help you identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more realistic, compassionate perspectives. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on relationships and communication, while other methods may explore deeper emotional wounds or coping strategies.
Therapy gives you a safe space to process pain, make sense of what’s happening, and build the tools to move forward.
Lifestyle and Holistic Supports
Sometimes small changes in daily habits can make a big difference in your recovery. These might include:
Physical activity or exercise, even in small amounts
Regular sleep routines and better sleep hygiene
Nutritious meals and hydration
Reducing alcohol or substance use
Mindfulness, journaling, or breathing techniques
Strengthening social connections
We often weave these into your overall care plan because healing isn’t just about the mind—it’s about the whole person.
How Medication Management Helps
If you decide to try medication, you won’t be doing it alone. At Valiant, we guide you through each step. We’ll discuss your goals, explain your options, and choose a treatment plan that fits you—not just a checklist. It can take a few weeks to notice a difference, and sometimes we need to adjust the dose or try another class before finding the right fit.
Follow-up appointments give us a chance to check in regularly, monitor side effects, and make sure things are moving in the right direction. You stay in control—we’re here to support, not dictate.
How Valiant Mental Health Supports You
We know that reaching out for help isn’t easy—especially when depression makes everything feel harder. But when you come to Valiant, you’re not met with judgment or generic answers. You’re met with a provider who listens, who understands how heavy things feel, and who works with you to build a treatment plan that’s realistic and compassionate.
Whether you’re considering medication, therapy, or just trying to make sense of what you’re feeling, we’re here to walk with you. You don’t have to keep carrying this alone. Healing is possible—and it starts with a conversation.
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You don’t have to leave home to start feeling better. Let’s take that first step together.