DEPRESSION

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Everyone has experienced the feeling of being “down” or sad, but feelings such as these typically pass after a short period of time. However, for individuals with depression (also referred to as clinical depression or depressive disorder), these symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years.

Depression is a serious mood disorder that causes a broad range of debilitating symptoms, impacting an individual’s ability to engage in everyday life and relationships. The symptoms of depressions can affect the way a person feels both physically and emotionally, impacting their mental state and daily activities.

Generally, depression can be categorized into one of two forms:

  • Major depression involves symptoms that exist most of the day, for nearly every day within a period of two weeks or more. An episode of major depression may occur as a singular life event, but they are usually a recurring experience throughout a person’s life.
  • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is characterized by depressive symptoms that persist for at least two years. For a person with persistent depressive disorder, there may be episodes of less severe symptoms combined with more difficult periods.

In addition to the general forms of depression listed above, there are also certain types that may develop under certain circumstances, such as:

  • Perinatal depression: Depression during pregnancy
  • Postpartum depression: Depression after delivering a baby
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression that may come and go with the seasons, usually bringing symptoms in late fall/early winter and improving during spring/summer
  • Psychotic depression: Severe depression in combination with psychosis, including delusions or hallucinations

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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Although depression disorders are most commonly associated with feelings of sadness, they are actually far more complex than that.

Each individual with depression may experience varying combinations of symptoms, such as:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
  • Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
  • Deep pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Loss of interest in or enjoyment of activities and hobbies
  • Lack of energy, chronic fatigue, or feeling “slow”
  • Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
  • Forgetfulness
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Aches or pains
  • Headaches
  • Digestive issues

Because depression affects everyone differently, seeking help is incredibly important. Children, teens, adults, and the elderly can all experience depression. However, there are many extremely effective treatment options that can make a massive difference in your quality of life.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Elevate Psychiatry can help diagnose and treat a broad range of depressive disorders, putting a happier and more fulfilled life within reach. Our advice, diagnosis, or treatment will be shaped by your unique experiences, symptoms, and goals, ensuring that you have the best chance for success.

Treatment for depression may include:

Medication

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Lifestyle changes

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“Absolutely love Elevate! I was referred by a friend and everything he told me was true. Easy to find. Nice, clean, professional office and the staff is competent and helpful.”

-A Patient

“Excellent care, with emphasis on meaningful patient interaction, and a comfortable and sleek environment. Would recommend to anyone.”

-A Patient

“Elevate Psychiatry is by far the most educated, professional, caring, and effective place for bettering your life using therapy and/or medication management. From the outstanding assistance given when dealing with patient services/administrations to the compassion you feel when having your sessions, Elevate Psychiatry is the real deal. Knowing that your case is being looked at by the group of doctors and discussed to ensure you get the best possible treatment is such a breath of fresh air. My whole life I have struggled in certain areas, always finding failure from psychologists & psychiatrists. From the first day to sitting here writing this as you read I feel life blossoming in large part due to the treatment given by all staff and doctors. The feeling that knowing I feel better not because some Dr. is throwing different medications at me, but because both my Psychiatrist & Psychologist have worked together to find the right balance for me to live a healthier, better, more productive life is a feeling like no other before.”

-Brian P

“There are no words to describe my experience at elevate, Dr. Bhatia and Ryan Walker aren’t only people who truly care about others but they are genuinely intrigued in listening to your problems and life experiences you have been through, you may ask yourself who really has time for issues that aren’t your own and you also ask are there people out there that actually care about your problems and concerns? The answer is yes, I was very nervous in finding a place that will help me as this was my first time, I’m 21 years old and a actor with a lot of things going on in life, elevate has the best team to cater to what is best for you and I’m forever great full. If you’re thinking in either doing M.A.T or Just want someone to talk to you have to go with elevate.”

-Carlos O

“Compassionate, understanding, and all-around fantastic care from Dr. Bhatia. I highly recommend his practice for whatever psychiatric issue you may be dealing with! Top notch.”

-Brett W

“Going to Elevate has been life-changing. I have been seeing Ryan for a couple of months now and it has been the best decision. Never have gone to a psychiatrist before, I was a bit nervous but my sessions with Ryan eased any fear. Ryan is welcoming, understanding, kind, and knowledgeable. He listens to you, asks you questions about how YOU want to proceed, and cares about you. They genuinely want to help you and that makes all the difference.

I have recommended Elevate and Ryan to all my friends and family and cannot recommend it enough.”

-Melanie H

“At Elevate, it’s never been about just sending you home with a prescription. I always notice that Polina pauses to thoroughly think through her recommendations for next steps and then provides me with several options. Having a say in your treatment plan is so empowering and I always leave appointments feeling refreshed.”

-Natalie A

“My experiences so far at this clinic have definitely been top-notch. The location is both beautiful and convenient in downtown Miami. The excellent staff and doctors are great at listening to your individual needs and educating you on the most progressive and effective treatment options for whatever your problems might be. I would recommend this place to anyone, four stars all the way! :-)”

-Mason G

“The most human, pragmatic, and empathic Psychiatrist I’ve ever had for my mom. Exceeds all expectations in every sense. You won’t find anyone better in Miami. God bless him and his practice.”

-Ricardo S

“OK, let me begin by saying I have gone up and down Miami looking for a psychiatrist who can assist with my sister’s condition. We are so extremely satisfied with the patient care. My sister has Cerebral Palsy and suffers from depression and anxiety. From the first day we met with Polina she listened to all of us and she took the time to address all of our concerns. It has been 2 months and counting we have been with her and we feel so blessed to have come across such a patient, sensitive, and compassionate doctor especially for the Special Education Community. If I could rate her more than 5 stars I would, do yourself a favor and book an appointment without any hesitation.”

-Lazara G

“Great office and great provider. I can’t speak to all providers in this office, but Miss Pamela NP was amazing- answered all of my questions, really tried to communicate with me, and did not make me feel like I was a bad person for taking my medications. Highly recommend her if you have moved to MIA and need a new person.”

-Shannon K

“I have been a patient for over a year now and I am beyond grateful to have found them. The staff is always very helpful and is great with communication. I have been treated by Polina since coming to elevate psychiatry and she has truly helped change my life around. She is extremely detail-oriented, listens to you, and truly cares about seeing patients get the proper care they need. She has so much compassion and is so supportive. Finding a mental health professional that you feel comfortable with is difficult but Elevate Psychiatry led me to her and the wonderful staff. Thank you guys for all the amazing work that you guys do. You are truly appreciated!”

-Stephanie R

“Truly an amazing experience. The staff was professional, caring, and very personable. The location was very centric and the office made me feel comfortable. Definitely recommended to any of my close friends or family.”

-J Belvin

“Excellent care, with emphasis on meaningful patient interaction, and a comfortable and sleek environment. Would recommend to anyone”

-Joshua N

“Amazing place! Great location and a very comfortable interior! Staff is super friendly and helpful. I feel truly cared out about when I go. Definitely recommend!!”

-Andy M

“I find Dr. Bhatia to be an extremely competent and professional doctor; one who is compassionate, caring, accommodating, and most importantly a good listener. He has tailored his office to create a space that allows his patients to feel comfortable and secure. His “bedside” manner is unpretentious and respectful, which allows for ease in conversation, and fosters a sense of security in knowing that his patients’ feelings are heard and validated. Dr. Bhatia makes himself available and accessible to his patients, and is extremely conscientious in responding to his patient’s needs in a timely manner, even doing so after regular office hours. I am personally grateful to him for his continued patience and support. Dr. Bhatia’s staff is courteous, takes their responsibilities seriously, ensures that communications reach the doctor, personally respond to emails, and consistently send appointment reminders and confirmations. Always a pleasant experience. I have never left his office with any doubts, or concerns.

Thank you!”

-M

“I am so happy that I found Dr. Bhatia. Good doctors in Miami are hard to find and he is definitely a gem. He is a genuine real person who listens to you and makes you feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns. He is a knowledgeable and innovative psychiatrist. He always responds in a prompt manner when I need something outside of my appointment date. He has definitely made a difference in life and I highly recommend him.”

-Melissa M

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