Major Depression

Major depression is an ongoing hurdle for roughly 7.1% of adults in the United States. Psychiatric nurse practitioner Mimi Morris, DNP, provides individualized care using in-office services and telemedicine for major depression at her private practice in Missoula, Montana. Call Mimi Morris, DNP, or book your diagnostic mental health evaluation online today.

What are the characteristics of major depression?

Major depression, or depression, is a long-term mental illness and mood disorder that can come and go throughout your lifetime. Its symptoms can be mild at some points and nearly debilitating at others. 

Some people think of depression as being nothing more than a period of sadness, but this isn’t the case. In fact, depression is different from your typical sadness and even grief. Its symptoms are widespread and can include:

• Hopelessness
• Appetite changes and weight fluctuations
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Slowed speech and movement
• Guilt or worthlessness
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

Fortunately, depression is manageable with evidence-based psychiatric care. Without treatment, your symptoms can be more intense and longer lasting. 

How is major depression diagnosed?

Mimi uses a detailed psychiatric evaluation to review your depression symptoms and compare them to the standard diagnostic criteria. She also reviews your personal medical history and family medical history as she explores diagnostic possibilities. 

To get a major depression diagnosis, you must experience at least five major depression symptoms for at least two weeks. These symptoms can have a strong impact on your life and well-being, and Mimi searches for significant changes in how you function compared to your baseline behaviors. 

What are my treatment options for major depression?

You can manage your depression with a blend of in-person care and telemedicine services at Mimi Morris, DNP. Mimi creates your individualized care plan and gives you the support you need as you go through treatment. Major depression is typically best managed with a combination of:

Psychotherapy

Individualized psychotherapy using effective approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can train you to recognize and change the distorted views that come with your major depression. 

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are pharmaceutical medications you can use to improve your depressive moods and other symptoms. Medications aren’t always necessary for mental health management but work best in combination with psychotherapy.

Healthy habits

Mimi encourages you to adopt a healthy routine at home that includes exercise, plenty of sleep, and other healthy coping mechanisms. 

Start managing your major depression today. Call Mimi Morris, DNP, or book a psychiatric evaluation online.