Depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD), is a medical condition that causes persistent sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest lasting at least two weeks, often with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration. Depression is treatable, and most people improve with the right combination of medication, therapy, and support.
If everyday tasks feel heavy, the things you used to enjoy feel flat, or you just do not feel like yourself, you deserve care that takes the time to understand why.
Common signs of depression
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Experiencing some of these does not necessarily mean you have a diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify what is going on.
How we treat depression
We start by understanding your whole picture — your symptoms, history, past treatments, physical health, relationships, and stressors. Medical factors such as thyroid function, vitamin deficiencies, sleep problems, and other medications can contribute to depression, so we look at those too.
Treatment is tailored to you. Antidepressant medications can be very effective, and we will explain your options, what to expect, and how we will measure progress. We also focus on sleep, daily structure, coping strategies, and therapy when it would help.
If you are having thoughts of suicide
Please reach out right now. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger. Your Own Grounds does not provide emergency or crisis services.
Services that can help
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand your symptoms and history
- Medication management with education and shared decision-making
- Supportive therapeutic interventions to build coping skills
- Telepsychiatry from a private, comfortable space
Frequently asked questions
What is major depressive disorder?
Major depressive disorder is a form of depression in which a person experiences a depressed mood or loss of interest, along with other symptoms such as sleep and appetite changes, fatigue, and trouble concentrating, most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
How long does depression treatment take?
Many people begin to notice improvement within several weeks of starting treatment, though finding the right approach can take time. We check in regularly and adjust your plan as needed.
What if antidepressants did not work for me before?
That is common and does not mean nothing will help. We review what you tried, the doses, how long, and what happened, and use that information to guide next steps.