Depression, often referred to as major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. It goes beyond the usual fluctuations in mood and can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. Symptoms of depression can vary but may include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and even thoughts of death or suicide. Depression is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is manageable and treatable.
A key component to treatment outcomes at Redeemed Mental Health, located in Newport Beach, California, is the use of measurement-based indicators. It is essential that your treatment team utilize evidence-based tools to determine your individual symptoms severity to measure, over time, your symptoms. This assists your team in identifying areas in your treatment which need improvement and what appears to be working for you specifically.
Depression is a complex and serious mood disorder that can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including their emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being.
If you haven’t already, consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist or other mental health treatment provider. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation.
Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can provide support and help alleviate some of the emotional burden. It’s essential to have someone who can listen to you without judgment and offer encouragement.
Treat yourself with kindness. Engage in self-care activities that you enjoy and that promote holistic well-being. This may include exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises (CBT technique). At Redeemed Mental Health, our clients are fortunate enough to take group walks at Newport Beach Pier as a form of self-care.
When you’re feeling depressed, it can be challenging to find motivation. Start by setting small, achievable goals for yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Schedule a call to Redeemed Mental Health in Orange County, CA.
Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” chemicals. Even gentle activities like walking or stretching can be beneficial for treatment.
Depression often involves negative thinking patterns. Pay attention to your negative thoughts and try to replace them with more positive or realistic ones. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques can be helpful in identifying and changing negative thinking patterns.
Creating a daily treatment routine can provide some structure and stability, which can be particularly helpful when motivation is low. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, regular meals, and dedicated time for activities you enjoy.
There are various support networks available, both online and in-person, where you can connect with others who may be going through similar experiences. Consider joining a support group or participating in online forums or communities. Remember, it’s crucial to consult with a mental health treatment professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for your depression. They can provide you with the necessary guidance and support throughout your journey toward recovery.
Depression treatment typically involves a combination of approaches tailored to the individual. It’s important to consult with a mental health professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs. Here are some common treatment options for depression:
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves working with a trained therapist to explore and address the underlying causes of depression. Different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy, may be used to help individuals develop coping strategies, challenge negative thoughts, and improve relationships.
Antidepressant medication may be prescribed by a psychiatrist or other medical professional. Common types of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These medications can help balance brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. It’s important to note that medication should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional, as they can have side effects and require careful management. This is an effective treatment to reduce symptoms with more rapidly.
Certain lifestyle modifications can contribute to managing depression. These may include regular exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and reducing stress. Engaging in activities you enjoy, maintaining social connections, and
practicing relaxation techniques can also be beneficial.
Having a strong support system can provide emotional support and understanding. This can involve reaching out to friends, family, or participating in support groups where you can connect with others who have experienced or are experiencing depression.
Some individuals find complementary or alternative therapies helpful in managing their depression symptoms. Examples include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. While these approaches may not be a substitute for evidence-based treatments, they can be used as adjuncts to traditional therapy and medication.
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific regions of the brain. It has been approved as a treatment for depression when other treatments have not been effective. TMS is typically administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
It’s important to remember that depression treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person may not work for another. A mental health professional can assess your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, I encourage you to reach out to a healthcare professional for support and guidance.
Therapists may also integrate different approaches and techniques based on the individual’s unique needs and goals. It’s important to work with a qualified mental health professional who can assess your specific situation and recommend an appropriate treatment approach.
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Corrections of dysfunctional thinking patterns may reduce depressive symptoms and moreover the likelihood of future relapse into depressive episodes (Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1997). CBT is delivered in a structured and collaborative manner, wherein both patient and therapist are active in all treatment phases. The alternative treatment option for depression is antidepressant medication. Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy have shown comparable effects in the treatment of depression (Cuijpers et al., 2013; Kappelmann et al., 2020). Evidence has been found that combined treatment of depression is superior to pharmacotherapy alone, but that psychotherapy can be as effective as combined treatment in the long-term (Karyotaki et al., 2016).
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Sean Leonard is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his master’s degree in adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner from Walden University and a second postmaster specialty in psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner from Rocky Mountain University. Sean has experience working in various diverse settings, including an outpatient clinic, inpatient detox and rehab, psychiatric emergency, and dual diagnosis programs. His specialty areas include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.
Sean Leonard works primarily with adult populations but has been trained across the lifespan, from children/adolescents to geriatric. He offers medication management, crisis management, and psychotherapy with extensive experience in anxiety/OCD, depression, mood disorders, attention deficit disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He believes that “everyone can benefit from therapy and that many may find great benefit from medicine. Therapy is cornerstone to my practice, medicine or not.”
Dr. Andrea M. Wagner, Psy.D., is the backbone of Redeemed Mental Health. With a wealth of experience across various settings, Dr. Wagner brings a unique perspective to mental health treatment. She is passionate about making complex therapeutic issues easily understandable and provides a roadmap to mental well-being that is tailored to each individual’s unique journey.
Dr. Wagner strives to provide an easily understandable approach to difficult and complex therapeutic issues. She will translate complicated concepts related to mental health concerns into basic and simplistic strategies aimed to achieve the results you desire based on your individual needs.
She currently practices at Department of State Hospitals (California in-patient forensic psychiatric hospital) as an active member on multiple committees. She earned a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has experience in various settings including the United States Army, UCI Medical Center (Partial Hospitalization Program; Adolescent), Juvenile Recovery Court (Substance and Behavioral Treatment), and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She specializes in a broad range of psychiatric arenas in evaluations and treatment of multiple major mental illnesses.
Dr. Wagner specializes in treating adults struggling with the more severe ramifications their major mental health issue causes in their daily lives. She has extensive experience in psychological assessment to include personality, intelligence, developmental, and assessment of learning disabilities. She has the ability to treat an array of mental health issues ranging from Schizophrenia to codependency and coaching through life difficulties. She has specialty with psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders.
Kaylee brings a gentle approach to Redeemed Mental Health. She incorporates kindness and a soft approach to those suffering in the grips of mental illness. She acknowledges that, for most people, they are coping in the most difficult period of their lives and should be treated with respect.
Kaylee Crafton earned a Master’s degree in social work from University of Southern California. She achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University where she trained with social, emotional needs, and justice involved clients.
As the Director of Admissions and Marketing for Redeemed Mental Health, she oversees social media content and marketing strategies to provide a seamless experience for clients and their families from visibility to initial communications.
Lee Breitenbach is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys providing interventions in a warm, relatable manner to others. He will breakdown the goals of therapy through education while building rapport and engaging individuals in the present moment.
He currently practices at the Department of State Hospitals as the program assistant to the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) program. He is heavily involved in culturally based committees/workgroups, program development, intervention implementation, and trauma research. He attended California State University, Fullerton to earn a BA in Psychology followed by a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. He individually possesses over 20 years of experience practicing in the field of mental health. His skills range from his experience providing therapy in Group home settings, substance abuse programs, trauma groups for Veteran’s Affairs, Long Beach, hospice settings, and currently in-patient mental health care. He specializes in trauma recovery and group dynamics.
Dr. Habermehl (“Dr. Dee”) earned her medical degree at New York University. She then completed an internship at Brown University, followed by a residency at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California. She also earned her MBA with a Healthcare Focus at Yale University School of Management.
Dr. Habermehl is a specialist in Addiction Medicine and is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Gynecology and Obstetrics. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine as well as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
