Depression

An estimated 21 million adults in the United States experience at least one major depressive episode annually. At Axis Integrated Mental Health’s offices in Louisville and Aurora, Colorado, innovative treatments, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and esketamine therapy, are available for patients struggling to overcome depression. The team’s empathetic, holistic approach offers patients their best chance of recovery. Call the Axis Integrated Mental Health office nearest you or schedule an in-person or telehealth consultation online today for comprehensive depression care.

What is depression?

Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) is a mood disorder causing persistent sadness and altering sleep habits and appetite. Some people experience a single episode of depression, but most with this condition endure repeated spells.

Depression isn't a personal flaw but a medical condition that changes your thoughts and behaviors, causing difficulties with everyday activities. It’s far more than feeling low;  patients face continual, unrelenting despair and hopelessness, self-loathing, guilt, shame, and many other negative emotions.

Depression is the primary symptom of other mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder, and a common feature of many other mental health conditions and problems like grief. Some people develop treatment-resistant depression that doesn’t respond to frontline therapies. 

How is depression diagnosed?

The Axis Integrated Mental Health team diagnoses depression based on your symptoms. These might include:

• Persistently low mood or irritability
• Anhedonia (reduced interest in pleasurable activities)
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Loss of libido (sex drive)
• Poor concentration
• Appetite changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Emotional numbness
• Unexplained headaches or chronic pain

Take our quick depression quiz to see if you or someone you know may be experiencing depression. 

Depression can also worsen chronic medical conditions like diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

People with depression typically experience reduced cognitive function and have difficulties with focus, decision-making, and poor memory. They often have problems with their interpersonal relationships and become socially isolated. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can develop in severe cases.

How is depression treated?

The Axis Integrated Mental Health team determines the most appropriate treatments for depression by assessing your condition’s severity and the pattern of depressive episodes you experience. Treatments that may feature in your personalized treatment plan include:

Antidepressants

Antidepressant medication has many different forms that your provider can prescribe according to your symptoms and previous treatment responses. Finding the most effective medicines can take time because reactions and side effect sensitivity vary between patients. Medication management is available to optimize results, as is genetic testing to find the most suitable medication for you.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) offers many people a drug-free way to relieve depression. It’s also invaluable when combined with antidepressant medication, typically achieving better results than medications alone.

Alternative therapies

Axis Integrated Mental Health offers additional depression treatments like Spravato® intranasal esketamine spray for adults over 18, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). These therapies are proven to be effective even in patients with treatment-resistant depression are all covered by insurance for adults. For TMS Therapy for teenage depression, we offer a sliding scale and reduced costs.

Axis Integrated Mental Health is the only Colorado clinic providing TMS for Medicaid patients. The team also helps reduce health insurance costs by liaising with patients’ providers. 

Call Axis Integrated Mental Health to arrange a meeting with a compassionate psychiatrist or therapist. You can also request an appointment using the online scheduling feature for patients 6 years old and above. 

Want to Know How to Support Someone with Depression? 

Read our blog to learn how to support someone with depression or download our free guide.