Everyone experiences short periods of sadness in life. But if your sadness goes on for a long time, or you feel numb or hopeless, you may be experiencing depression.
Many people experience depression. In 2021, more than 21 million American adults had a period of depression. So if you’re going through this, know you’re not alone. Help is available.
The experience of depression is different for everyone, but it can affect the way you think, feel, and behave.
Some of the emotional and physical signs of depression include:
There are several factors that can increase your risk for depression. They include:
Genetics: Depression can run in families.
Trauma: This can include loss, major life changes, or persistent stress, such as homelessness or poverty.
Brain chemistry: Depression can sometimes be caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain.
Discrimination: Racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination can be risk factors for depression.
Chronic illness: Pain, disease, and certain medications can affect your well-being.
Substance use: Using alcohol or drugs can trigger or worsen depression.
Depression is a treatable condition, and there are several effective options available. Our coordinated care includes therapy and psychiatry to help you manage mental health symptoms, navigate life challenges, and build resilience.
One-on-one therapy can be helpful when you’re grieving, especially if you’re having trouble coping with your emotions or your grief is affecting your ability to live your life. A therapist can help you develop coping strategies and work through your difficult emotions.
For many people, medication is an effective treatment for depression. A Brave psychiatrist can work with you to find out if mental health medication is right for you.
Talking with a group of other people who are also grieving can be a helpful way to process your feelings and cope with them. Brave Health offers therapist-led support groups for people who are grieving. You can access these groups virtually.
If someone you love is struggling with depression, there are things you can do to support them.
When you’re depressed, it can be helpful just to have someone to talk to without that person trying to “fix” you or solve your problem. You can support your loved one by listening without judging and showing love and compassion.
Let your loved one know you support them and they can always talk to you. You can also recommend that they seek treatment, including from Brave Health, and offer to help them take the first steps.
Dealing with depression can be an up-and-down journey, and many people never feel fully “recovered” even if they get a little better. Be patient with your loved one as they navigate their depression and treatment. In the meantime, take care of yourself by continuing to do the things you love and living your life.
Brave Health believes that everyone should have access to high-quality mental health care.
Our providers are in-network with a wide variety of insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Commercial insurance. Many Medicaid plans waive a co-payment for services. Contact your insurance plan to find out the total cost of care.
We also accept private patients who do not have insurance. See our fee schedule.
Brave Health’s team of clinicians includes licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists, and counselors. Each of our team members has received specialized training in mental health care.
At Brave Health, therapists typically meet with patients for 50-minute video sessions on our secure telehealth platform. The frequency of sessions can vary based on the individual's needs and goals.
You will need a computer, smartphone, or tablet with a camera and microphone, as well as a reliable internet connection.
You will receive a text reminder 24 hours before your appointment, and another text and email reminder 15 minutes prior to the appointment with a link to the telehealth session. At that time, prepare to move to a private space and click the link to join a private waiting room where the clinician will arrive.
During the first 60-minute video appointment, the mental health clinician will ask questions, evaluate needs, and present treatment options.
