Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of adults each year. If you’re experiencing persistent low mood, loss of motivation, or a sense of disconnection from daily life, effective treatment is available.

Dr. Yana Bekker, a board-certified psychiatrist, provides personalized, evidence-based care to help reduce symptoms of depression while identifying and addressing contributing factors that may be impacting your overall well-being.

What is depression?

Depression is a medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and function. It can present as ongoing sadness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

While depression is often related to changes in brain chemistry involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, it is typically influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Contributing factors may include:

Hormonal changes or imbalances
Vitamin deficiencies
Family history of depression or other mental health conditions
Personal history of stress, trauma, or adverse life experiences
Substance use or addiction
Chronic medical conditions such as pain disorders, heart disease, or other illnesses

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression can affect both emotional and physical health. Common symptoms include:

Persistent sadness or low mood
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
Changes in appetite or weight
Fatigue or low energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.

How is depression treated?

Dr. Yana Bekker begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your mental and physical health to better understand the factors contributing to your symptoms.

From there, she works collaboratively with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment may include medication management to support mood and cognitive function, along with therapy and targeted lifestyle strategies such as optimizing sleep, nutrition, and daily structure.

When appropriate, additional factors such as hormonal balance or vitamin deficiencies may be addressed as part of your overall care.

The goal is to reduce symptoms, improve daily functioning, and help you regain a sense of stability and well-being.