Depression

Life can sometimes be an emotional rollercoaster that leaves us feeling sad, helpless, hopeless, and/or irritable. Depression can cast a dark shadow over our lives, robbing us of joy and vitality. Many people don’t seek help for depression, believing it will get better sooner or later. But depression doesn’t improve on its own, making it essential to seek care from Dr. Tamara McDonald, DNP, at Mind and Body Medicine in Boise, Idaho. Whether it's the weight of societal expectations or the struggles of balancing work and family, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing.

Why do I have depression?

Depression often begins when you face a life challenge, such as losing your job, separating from your partner, learning you have a serious illness, or facing the death of a loved one.

Everyday conflicts and stress also cause depression, especially when you can’t see the situation improving, or solutions seem elusive.

You may also feel depressed without an obvious cause if the brain chemicals controlling your mood are out of balance. Physical problems like hormone imbalances and certain health conditions have a direct effect on your mood.

Depression lasting two weeks or longer won’t improve on its own. That’s when you should seek treatment from Dr. McDonald at Mind and Body Medicine.

What symptoms does depression cause? 

Whether your depression is mild or severe, you’ll have symptoms such as:

• Feeling sad and hopeless, often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or weight, sometimes resulting from emotional eating or loss of appetite
• Having insomnia or oversleeping
• Feeling fatigued or loss of energy
• Moving slowly and aimlessly
• Feeling drained of energy
• Struggling to concentrate
• Thinking about death or suicide

Depression often slows you down and makes you feel numb, but you could also have emotional outbursts or feel agitated.

What treatments improve depression?

Feeling better when dealing with depression means experiencing a renewed sense of hope, joy, and vitality in life. It means finding relief from the heavy burden of depressive symptoms and rediscovering your passion for living. Improved mental well-being in relation to depression can lead to:

• Reduced feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair, allowing you to experience more moments of happiness and contentment.
• Enhanced motivation and energy levels, enabling you to engage more fully in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. 
• Improved self-esteem and self-worth, fostering a more positive self-image and outlook on life.
• Better quality of relationships and social connections, as you feel more emotionally available and engaged with others.
• Greater resilience and coping skills, helping you bounce back from setbacks and challenges with greater ease and grace.

I begin with a comprehensive evaluation with the goal of thoroughly understanding you as an individual, your background, your environment and community, and your values. Then together we work to define your treatment goals and how to best reach them.

Mind and Body Medicine makes it easy to get help for depression with telemedicine appointments. You can also schedule an in-person visit when needed.

Call the office today or use online booking to begin your journey to mental health and well-being.