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440 S Market
Springfield, Missouri 65806
(866) 265-1914
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What is Depression? Depressive disorders are very serious mental disorders that impact a person's mood, body, and thoughts. Depression affects everything from the way a person sleeps and eats to the way he or she thinks about him or herself, as well as the way he or she views the world. It's important to note that a depressive disorder is not the same thing as a transient case of the blues. Depression is a chronic mental illness that is neither a sign of weakness nor a character defect; no one can simply "choose" or will themselves better. It's not possible without intervention for a person with a depressive disorder to just "pull him or herself together," and make a full recovery. The symptoms of a depressive disorder, if left untreated and unmanaged, may persist for weeks, months, or even years. While depression is a severe mental illness, there is hope: most people who struggle with depression are able to, with proper treatment approaches and ongoing care and monitoring, make a full recovery and begin to enjoy their lives once again. What are the Types of Depression? Major depression, also known as major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that cause significant impairment with a person's ability to work, study, sleep, eat, focus, feel pleasure, and engage in once-enjoyable activities. People who have major depression may need to continue treatment indefinitely. Minor depression is a depressive disorder in which a person has the symptoms of major depressive disorder, however, they are less severe. While symptoms of minor depressive disorder are not as impactful upon actives of daily living as those experienced by people with major depressive disorder, the symptoms of minor depression often do prevent normal daily functioning and feelings of wellness. Untreated minor depression is a concern as it can lead to the development of episodes of major depression. A less severe type of depression, dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder), involves long-lasting symptoms that do not seriously disable a person, but do keep these people from functioning well or feeling good in their daily lives. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes during their lives. Treatment Approaches for Depression At Lakeland Behavioral Health, we understand that no two cases of depression are alike. We strive to provide each person who comes to us for help with an individualized plan of care that addresses symptoms, past experiences, and co-occurring disorders. We'll first conduct a series of evaluations to determine the severity of your depression, presence of any other mental health disorders, and any medical problems you may be facing. Your compassionate treatment team will then work alongside you and your loved ones to create a plan of care that meets all of your needs. Most people find that their depressive disorder is managed through long-term medication and therapeutic interventions. Medications may include antidepressants and antianxiety agents, depending upon the symptoms you're struggling with. Antidepressants are often used in the long-term to help control the symptoms of depression, while anxiolytic agents are only used for a short while. We also use a number of therapeutic interventions to help you heal completely. You may engage in a variety of treatments and therapies, including individual therapy, groups, and family therapy alongside experiential treatments.

My Specialties
Depression
Anxiety
Dual Diagnosis
ADHD
Bipolar Disorder
Oppositional Defiance
Self-Harming
Dissociative Disorders
Elderly Persons Disorders