Depression

What Causes Depression?

Depression is more common than you may think. This is partly because it can be caused by many different things.

Depression can be situational – brought about in response to life changes and stressors like grief, loss, a big move, a stressful job, or family conflict. But depression can also have a genetic or biological cause. That’s why at McLean Counseling Center, we often pair psychological treatments for depression with medical interventions to complement one another.

Clinical depression usually lasts for several weeks or months and can interfere with daily functioning. At times, symptoms can be significant enough to be noticeable by others.

Symptoms of Depression

• Feeling depressed
• Irritability
• Low energy levels
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Difficulty concentrating
• Appetite changes (eating too much or too little)
• Impaired cognition (thinking or moving slowly)

We are also offering an over treatment for depression named Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. These pulses induce small electrical currents, which can modulate neural activity in targeted regions associated with mood regulation, pain perception, and cognition. By stimulating or inhibiting neural circuits, TMS can help restore the balance of brain activity, making it beneficial for depression treatment. TMS is covered by most insurances.

The good news is there’s hope

Our practitioners also assess the need for medication and help patients find the right medication if necessary. Our expertise in psychopharmacology allows for careful, conservative medication interventions that focus on easing symptoms to produce optimal outcomes.

We also work with patients to optimize sleep quality and daytime function. With a three- pronged treatment plan (therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes), we give our patients the tools they need to take control of their life, feel present, and find joy.