Depression

Depression is a serious mental health condition that you can’t just snap out of. If you’re struggling with ongoing sadness and despair, Wendy Ann Reiss, MSN, PMHNP-BC, in Bloomsbury, New Jersey, can help. Wendy is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who takes a patient-centered approach to care, listening intently to your story so she can create a plan that helps you heal and thrive. Call today or schedule your depression consultation online. Telepsychiatry appointments are available.

What is the difference between sadness and depression?

Sadness is part of depression. But feeling sad doesn’t mean you have the mood disorder. Depression is a mental health condition that causes ongoing feelings of sadness that affect how you think about yourself and the world around you, making it hard for you to function normally.

The sadness that comes with depression is so deep that it’s the only thing you think about, leading to feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and shame. Your depression may also cause anxiety and affect your sleeping and eating habits.

Anyone can develop depression at any age. It’s not uncommon for depression to develop after a major life change or when dealing with a serious medical condition. However, depression may develop without any underlying cause. 

Wendy is a skilled and compassionate psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who treats depression in people ages 10 and older. 

How do I know if I have depression?

Only a mental health professional can diagnose depression. For a diagnosis, Wendy looks for persistent signs and symptoms of depression that occur almost every day for two or more weeks.

Some of the signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling low and sad
• Avoiding activities that make you happy
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Having aches and pains without a physical cause
• Struggling with decision-making
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thinking about death or suicide

If you or someone you love is showing signs of depression, now is the time to reach out for help. Even if you don’t meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis, you can still benefit from care.

Wendy conducts thorough psychiatric evaluations so she can fully understand your current emotional state, formulate a diagnosis, and create an effective treatment plan. 

What treatments can improve my depression?

Depression is complicated, and no single treatment works for all. Wendy may use a combination of psychotherapy and medication management to improve your mood. 

Medication management eases your depression symptoms, making you and your brain more receptive to therapy. Wendy uses various healing therapies that help change your negative thoughts and behaviors to improve your mood. 

Is depression curable?

You can fully recover from depression, especially when treated during the early stages. However, some people have chronic or recurring depression at other points during their lives. Whether your depression is new, recurring, or a chronic condition, Wendy can help.

Call the office of Wendy Ann Reiss, MSN, PMHNP-BC, today or book an appointment online to get compassionate depression care.