Depression

Depression is such a common problem that you can easily forget it’s a severe mental health condition that causes devastating emotions and dark thoughts. At Puentes Medical Consultants, Bobbi Bridges, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, has extensive experience creating tailored care plans that improve your mood and restore your mental and emotional well-being. Depression won’t get better without treatment, so don’t wait to schedule a telemedicine appointment. Call the office in San Antonio, Texas, or St. Petersburg, Florida, or use online booking today.

When do I need help for depression?

Depression is an incredibly challenging mental health condition. Unfortunately, it’s frequently misunderstood because many think it’s just like the blues. But the two aren’t similar. The blues make you feel down for a short time, and then they improve, and you return to your usual self.

You can’t snap out of depression. If you wait for depression to get better, you will only end up feeling worse and falling into a deeper depressed mood.

Though depression may begin following a stressful, sad, or traumatic life event, the condition is a brain disorder associated with imbalanced neurotransmitters (brain chemicals). Without treatment, depression can last for months or years.

If you feel depressed for two weeks or longer, it’s time to schedule a treatment with Bobbi. If you’re thinking about suicide or harming yourself, call the crisis lifeline at 988 immediately.

Are there different types of depression?

There are several types of depression, including:

• Major depressive disorder (severe depression affecting how you feel and think)
• Persistent depressive disorder (chronic, moderate depression lasting at least two years)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (depression before and during menstrual periods)
• Perinatal depression (major depression that begins during or after pregnancy)
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (childhood condition with extreme anger)

People with bipolar disorder also experience episodes of depression.

What symptoms does depression cause?

Depression causes negative symptoms nearly every day, for most of the day, including:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, and worthless
• Feeling irritable and anxious
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Eating too much or too little
• Gaining or losing weight
• Sleeping more than usual
• Struggling with insomnia
• Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
• Thinking about suicide or planning to harm yourself

Depression may cause physical aches and pains and cognitive changes, such as short-term memory loss and negative thoughts.

How is depression treated?

Bobbi talks with you, learns about your unique symptoms, and completes a psychological evaluation. Then she works with you to develop a care plan personalized to meet your unique needs.

Your treatment may include therapy, antidepressants, and/or lifestyle changes. For example, you may need to get more of the nutrients that support your brain’s ability to produce neurotransmitters.

As a compassionate therapist specializing in treating depression, Bobbi can help you regain a positive, happy mood and enjoy life again. To schedule a telemedicine appointment, call Puentes Medical Consultants or book online today.