What Is Adult Depression?
It’s important to understand that adult depression is more than just sadness. It involves a combination of emotional and physical changes that can persist for weeks, months, or even years. Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms include:
- A persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness for most of the day.
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies and activities.
- Significant fatigue or low energy levels.
- Difficulties with sleep, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
- Changes in appetite, leading to unintentional weight gain or loss.
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
- Feelings of worthlessness or thoughts of self-harm.
If you have been experiencing these indicators of depression for two weeks or longer, it’s possible you may be dealing with depression. The team at Daybreak Telepsych’s Adult Psychiatry understands that these challenges can affect any family, and our aim is to provide you with the support you need.
How Medication Works
Depression can occur when certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, become imbalanced. Medication can be an effective way to address this by helping to regulate these chemicals within the brain.
Here’s a simplified explanation of how these medications typically work:
* **Boosting Mood Chemicals**: Some medications increase the availability of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a significant role in feelings of calmness, happiness, and reduced anxiety.
* **Improving Communication Between Brain Cells**: Medication can facilitate smoother communication between brain cells. This improved signaling can alleviate feelings of sadness and enhance clarity of thought.
* **Gradual and Sustained Effects**: It’s important to know that most medications take a few weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect. Consistent use allows the brain to adjust gradually, leading to increasing benefits over time.
At Daybreak Telepsych, our board-certified providers are here to support you throughout this process. We will guide you at every step, address any questions you may have, and closely monitor your progress.
Types of Depression Medicines
There are several kinds of medicines your doctor might suggest:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- These are often the first choice and work by increasing the amount of serotonin that is available in the brain.
- Examples: fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- These medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is available in the brain.
- Examples: venlafaxine and duloxetine.
Atypical Antidepressants
- These medications work in different ways and can be helpful to address specific symptoms of depression such as mirtazapine to help with sleep disturbance or bupropion to help with focus and motivation
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- This is an older class drugs that can be very effective but may have more side effects.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- These types of medications are not used commonly due to the risk for severe side effects and interactions.
At Daybreak Telepsych, we customize your medication to match your needs, past, and way of life.
Finding the Right Medicine
It’s important to remember that everyone’s brain chemistry is unique, and what works well for one person might not be the best fit for another. To help find the most suitable approach for you, here are some steps we can take together:
First, let’s have an open conversation. Please feel comfortable sharing honest details about your feelings, sleep patterns, appetite, and any other medications you are currently taking. This information is valuable in understanding your individual needs.
When starting a new medication, the typical approach is to begin with a low dose and gradually increase it. This method helps to minimize potential side effects as your body adjusts.
It’s also important to allow enough time for the medication to take full effect. Generally, it can take between 4 to 8 weeks to experience the complete benefits, so patience is key during this period.
Please don’t hesitate to report any side effects you may experience. Common side effects can include mild nausea, headaches, or stomach upset. If these become severe or persist for an extended time, please inform me so we can address them.
Finally, please know that adjustments can be made if a particular medication isn’t providing the desired relief or if the side effects are too bothersome. There are alternative options available, and we can explore switching medications or adding another one as needed.
Side Effects and Safety
It’s important to be aware that all medications can have side effects. In most cases, these are mild and tend to subside within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts.
To help you manage some of the more common side effects, here are a few suggestions:
* **Nausea:** Try taking your medication with a meal or a snack.
* **Headache:** Make sure you are drinking enough water and getting sufficient rest.
* **Trouble Sleeping:** If you find the medication makes you drowsy, consider taking it in the morning. Conversely, if it keeps you awake, taking it earlier in the day might help.
* **Dry Mouth:** Sucking on sugar-free candies or chewing sugar-free gum can often provide relief.
* **Dizziness:** When getting up from a sitting or lying position, do so slowly to avoid feeling dizzy.
At Daybreak Telepsych, we are committed to your well-being and will be monitoring you closely. Please remember that if any side effects persist, become bothersome, or cause you concern, it’s important to reach out to your provider. We are here to help you find the best and most comfortable treatment path.
Medication and Therapy: A Strong Team
It’s important to remember the valuable roles that both medication and therapy play in mental wellness. While medication can be effective in alleviating difficult symptoms, connecting with a therapist offers a space to learn and develop new strategies for managing challenges.
When used together, therapy and medicine can create a strong support system:
* **Therapy:** Provides tools to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns.
* **Medicine:** Can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms, allowing for greater focus and engagement in therapy.
* **Lifestyle:** Incorporating sufficient sleep, regular physical activity, and nutritious meals can significantly enhance the benefits of both medication and therapy.
Often, the most positive outcomes arise from integrating all three of these key areas.
Sticking with Treatment
It can sometimes be challenging to remember to take medication consistently, particularly when you start feeling better. However, stopping medication prematurely can unfortunately lead to a return of symptoms. To help you stay on track, here are a few simple strategies:
* **Utilize a Pill Organizer:** This can be a helpful visual aid to confirm whether you’ve taken your daily dose.
* **Set Reminders:** Consider using phone alarms or placing sticky notes in visible locations to prompt you.
* **Maintain a Mood Journal:** Recording how you feel each day can provide valuable insights into your progress for both you and your doctor.
* **Stay Connected:** Engaging with a support group or talking with trusted friends and family can offer encouragement and accountability.
These small steps can make a big difference in maintaining your well-being.
When to Call Your Doctor
Please remember that it’s important to keep your doctor informed about your well-being. Please call their office if you experience any of the following:
* Worsening feelings of depression or new thoughts about harming yourself
* Severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing or a rapid heartbeat
* Changes in your sleep patterns or appetite that are concerning to you
* Feelings of significant restlessness or irritability
Your doctor can work with you to adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure your safety and provide the best possible support.
Daybreak Telepsych’s Adult Psychiatry
At Daybreak Telepsych, we understand the challenges adults face with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Our dedicated team of medical experts offers specialized telehealth services designed to provide comprehensive support and guidance.
Our services include:
**Medication Evaluations:** We conduct thorough assessments of your personal history, symptoms, and treatment responses to develop a medication plan that best suits your individual needs.
**Urgent Medication Refills:** To ensure continuity of care, we offer urgent medication refill services. Please note that we do not prescribe controlled substances.
**Second Opinion Consultations:** If you have questions or concerns about a current diagnosis or treatment plan, our experts can provide a valuable second opinion, offering clarity and increased confidence in your healthcare decisions.
We are currently serving adults residing in California, Idaho, and Washington, with the goal of helping you achieve greater emotional balance and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
We encourage you to contact us today to learn more about how Daybreak Telepsych can support you.
Extra Tips for Success
Here are some habits that can support your well-being:
**Stay Active:** A short walk or some simple stretches can really help lift your mood.
**Eat Balanced Meals:** Focusing on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can provide you with consistent energy throughout the day.
**Keep a Routine:** Establishing regular sleep and mealtimes can greatly benefit both your physical and mental state.
**Connect with Others:** Reaching out to friends or family and sharing how you’re feeling can often bring a sense of relief.
**Practice Mindfulness:** Incorporating simple breathing exercises or quiet moments into your day can be effective in easing stress.
With the support of Daybreak Telepsych, building and maintaining these positive habits can become more manageable.
Hope for the Future
It’s true that navigating depression can feel like a long journey. However, please know that relief is possible with the right treatment. Medication can often help lift that heavy cloud, and therapy can equip you with valuable new skills. Cultivating healthy habits also plays a significant role in building strength and resilience.
With the support of Daybreak Telepsych’s Adult Psychiatry team, you don’t have to face this journey by yourself.
Please remember that feeling better is a gradual process. Taking small, consistent steps each day can lead to meaningful improvements in your mood and overall well-being. You deserve support, compassionate care, and the opportunity to rediscover joy in your daily life.
If you’re ready to take that first step towards a brighter tomorrow, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Daybreak Telepsych today.
FAQs
How long will it take for the medication to work?
Regarding how long it will take for the medication to work, most people start to notice small changes within 2 to 4 weeks. However, it typically takes 6 to 8 weeks of consistent daily intake to experience the full benefits.
What are the most common side effects of antidepressants?
Concerning potential side effects, some individuals may initially experience mild headaches, stomach upset, or changes in sleep patterns. These effects usually subside within a few days. Please do let your doctor know if these side effects persist or become bothersome.
