Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is more than feeling sad or “off.” It’s a medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and function. At The Psychiatric Center, we recognize that depression can look different for everyone — and we tailor treatment to match your experience, not just a checklist.

We treat all forms of depressive disorders, including:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
• Postpartum Depression
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Depression with psychotic features
• Bipolar Depression

How Depression Can Present Differently

Adults

Depression in adults often includes:

• Low energy or motivation
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies, or relationships
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Irritability or emotional flatness
• Sleep or appetite changes
• Physical symptoms like fatigue or aches with no clear cause

Adults may minimize symptoms due to stigma or the demands of caregiving, work, or leadership roles.

Young Adults & College Students

In young adults, depression may show up as:

• Social withdrawal or conflict with family/friends
• Apathy toward academic or career goals
• Substance use or risky behaviors
• Identity confusion and existential distress
• High-functioning burnout masked by achievement

We often see depression mixed with anxiety, perfectionism, or trauma in this group.

Postpartum & Perinatal

Depression around pregnancy may involve:

• Feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from your baby
• Persistent guilt, worry, or tearfulness
• Difficulty bonding or fears of inadequacy
• Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy beyond normal postpartum adjustment
• Intrusive thoughts (sometimes scary or unwanted)

We provide compassionate, nonjudgmental care for postpartum depression — and collaborate with OB/GYNs and family members as needed.

Our Treatment Approach

We combine evidence-based psychiatry with a deeply individualized approach, offering:

• Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis
• Medication management
• Therapy and counseling
• Care coordination with primary care or OB/GYN
• Genetic testing (if indicated) to help personalize medication plans
• Support for treatment-resistant depression (including Spravato®)

We focus on treating the whole person — not just symptoms.

When to Seek Help

Consider reaching out if you’ve experienced symptoms like:

• Low mood most days for 2+ weeks
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or functioning
• Thoughts of hopelessness, worthlessness, or self-harm

Whether your symptoms are recent or long-standing, support is available — and recovery is possible.

FAQs – Depression

• Is depression always caused by a chemical imbalance?
  Not necessarily. Depression can stem from a complex mix of biology, environment, trauma, and life events.
• Will I have to take medication forever?
  Not usually. Many patients use medication short-term while working on other aspects of healing.
• What if past treatments haven’t worked?
  We specialize in treatment-resistant depression and will explore alternatives like Spravato, medication changes, or therapy combinations.
• Can I get help even if I don’t meet full criteria for MDD?
  Yes. We treat all forms of mood concerns — including subclinical depression and emotional burnout.

✅ Get the Support You Deserve

📞 Call Us: (478) 745-9206
🗓 New appointments available within 1–2 weeks
📍 3100 Ridge Ave, Macon, GA

Schedule a Psychiatric Evaluation →
Explore Medication Options →
Learn About Spravato® →