Depression

Tired of Suffering From Depression? Let us Help You

At Revive Therapeutic Services, our licensed  psychiatric providers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maryland can help you learn to cope with and manage depression.

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Symptoms, Signs, Treatment

Depression can be situational, brought on by a life event such as the loss of a loved one or a change in jobs or relationship status. Other forms of depression are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and can seem to appear for no reason. 

Depression comes in many forms, and the symptoms vary from person to person. Some people also become very proficient at masking the symptoms of depression. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

Clinical depression requires a diagnosis by a medical professional. Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe. Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

  • - Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
  • - Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
  • - Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting.
  • - Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue
  • - Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
  • - Feeling worthless or guilty
  • -Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
  • - Thoughts of death or suicide

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately.

 Call 911, Go to the emergency room of your choice, Call your local crisis team or text START to 741-741 or Call Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 (National Crisis Line)

Symptoms must last at least two weeks and must represent a change in  your previous level of functioning for a diagnosis of depression. 

The cause of Major Depressive Disorder is not understood, but it does cause biological  changes in the brain. Brain chemistry, hormones and inherited traits all  play a part in making some people susceptible to the disorder.

Risk Factors for Depression

  • Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
  • Genetics: Depression can run in families.
  • Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
  • Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.

Depression can affect anyone—even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances. People commonly hide the symptoms of their depression from friends and loved  ones. 

Treatments for Depression

Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Medication, Behavioral  Modification, and Psychotherapy can all be part of the tools used to combat  depression. 

The first step is a psychiatric evaluation which involves a  45-minute session where we talk with you and learn about your personal  and medical history. The evaluation will identify specific symptoms and explore medical and  family histories as well as cultural and environmental factors with the  goal of arriving at a diagnosis and planning a course of action.