Humans are inherently social creatures, but if you’ve been feeling disconnected and lonely, this can impact your quality of life significantly. As a depression doctor, I believe it’s important for all of us to understand the impact of loneliness, but also to find ways to combat these feelings of isolation.

Loneliness can be a significant factor in the development of depression. While loneliness itself is a state of feeling disconnected, isolated, or separated from others, it can lead to various mental health issues, including depression. As a psychiatrist for depression, I’ve seen firsthand how loneliness impacts our lives. Here are just a few ways that feelings of loneliness can affect our psyche and lead to depression. ​

• Holiday & Seasonal Depression: For many people, the holidays and the winter season can be a difficult and problematic time, and this is especially true for those suffering from depression. The holidays are meant to be happy occasions, but they often make us feel sad, stressed out and alone.
  
  Additionally,  the lack of daylight during the winter months, and weather that often necessitates staying indoors, also can impact our well-being, leading to feelings of sadness and even full-blown depression. If depression haunts you seasonally, this is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it’s very common. 
• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of depression can increase the risk, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder. 
• Brain Chemistry and Neurotransmitters: Imbalances in the brain's neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, are believed to play a crucial role in depression. 
• Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, due to thyroid problems, menopause, childbirth (postpartum depression), or other health conditions, can trigger depression. 
• Life Events: Traumatic or stressful life events, including the loss of a loved one, financial problems, divorce, or significant life changes, can precipitate depression. 
• Chronic Illnesses: Living with chronic pain or a chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. 
• Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug abuse can both be a cause and a result of depression. Substance use can exacerbate or trigger depressive episodes. 
• Personality Traits: Individuals with certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem, being overly dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic, are at a higher risk of developing depression. 
• Trauma and Abuse: Experiencing trauma, abuse (whether physical, emotional, or sexual), or neglect, especially in early life, can significantly increase the likelihood of developing depression later in life.
• Social Factors: Poor social support, isolation, and conflict in relationships can contribute to the development of depression.

As a psychiatrist for depression, I work diligently to identify the root causes of a patient’s depression. In some cases, several of these factors can contribute to the development of depression. However, when we can identify the causes, this generally makes treatment more effective. 

If feelings of loneliness and isolation are at the root of your depression, there are some proactive steps you can take to connect with others, engage in meaningful activities and address underlying feelings of isolation. Here are several strategies to help alleviate loneliness:

1. Reach Out to Family and Friends: Make an effort to connect or reconnect with family and friends. Regular phone calls, messages, or video chats can help reduce feelings of isolation. Sometimes family members and friends are unaware of your level of loneliness, which is why you often have to be the person taking that first step. Once you connect, ask if you can schedule a regular phone call or video call or perhaps a weekly lunch or dinner.
2. Join Groups or Clubs: Participate in groups or clubs that align with your interests or hobbies. This can be a great way to meet new people who share similar passions.
3. Volunteer: Volunteering for causes you care about can connect you with others and provide a sense of purpose and community. 
4. Stay Active: Physical activity can boost mood and reduce feelings of loneliness. Joining exercise classes, yoga classes, dance classes or sports clubs can also introduce you to new friends. 
5. Explore New Interests: Taking classes or learning new skills can help you meet people, increase your self-confidence, and reduce feelings of loneliness. 
6. Attend Social Events: Make an effort to attend social gatherings, even if it feels daunting. Each event is an opportunity to connect with others. 
7. Consider a Pet: Pets can offer companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of responsibility. They also can be a way to meet other pet owners. 
8. Online Communities and Support Groups: Joining online forums or support groups related to your interests or experiences can offer a sense of belonging and connection. 
9. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that feeling lonely is a common human experience. Engage in self-care practices that nurture your well-being. 
10. Make Use of Technology: Use technology wisely to connect with others, but be mindful of screen time. Social media can be a tool for connection, but it's important to seek meaningful interactions. 
11. Create a Routine: Establishing a routine can provide structure and purpose, reducing feelings of aimlessness that can accompany loneliness. 
12. Seek Professional Help: If loneliness is persistent and affecting your mental health, consider talking to a mental health professional. Therapy can provide strategies to cope with loneliness and address any underlying issues.

​Combating loneliness is a process, and what works for one person might not work for another. It's important to try various strategies and find what best suits your personality and lifestyle. Remember, seeking connection and community is a fundamental human need, and taking steps to address loneliness is a brave and worthwhile endeavor. It’s not easy to reach out, but it’s also not easy to suffer from loneliness and depression.

Seeking treatment for depression or loneliness is an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Here are some signs and situations when it's advisable to seek professional help from a local psychiatrist:

​Whether you are dealing with persistent loneliness and/or depression, scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist for depression is always a good idea. You also can talk with your primary care provider or a therapist.
 
As a psychiatrist for depression, I can provide you with a thorough diagnosis as well as create a treatment plan that addresses all of the issues you are facing. A depression psychiatrist also can provide you with medications, if needed.
 
Many different medications and combinations of medication can treat depression successfully. Talk therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful, as well. Even with medication, meeting with a depression therapist or psychologist is encouraged as a combination approach tends to yield the best results.
 
If you find that medications and therapy aren’t alleviating your symptoms, there are other options to consider, such as ketamine therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Other options, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), also can be beneficial for those with treatment-resistant depression.
 
If you are struggling with deep feelings of loneliness and despair, it’s best to contact a psychiatrist for depression as quickly as possible. As a depression doctor, I have successfully treated many patients with depression and chronic loneliness, and there is always hope for a brighter future. I also work as a PTSD psychiatrist and anxiety psychiatrist, which often co-occur with depression. I also can treat bipolar disorder, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder or any other co-occurring disorder.
 
I offer both in-person services as a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks, as well as telepsychiatry, which can be a very convenient option to consider. Don’t wait another day to seek help. Depression and these feelings of loneliness can be tackled, and while it can take time to find a treatment that works, you are worth it and all you have to do is take the first step and give our office a call. 

Depression is a complex and pervasive mental health condition that can significantly impact a person's emotional well-being and overall quality of life. While feeling down or sad occasionally is a normal part of the human experience, it becomes a cause for concern when these feelings persist, intensify, and interfere with daily functioning. If this is the case, it might be time to seek the services of a psychiatrist for depression.
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Recognizing the signs of depression is crucial for early intervention and seeking appropriate help. In this article, we will explore five key indicators that may suggest it's time to consider consulting a psychiatrist for professional support and guidance on the journey to healing and emotional well-being. Understanding these signs can be the first step towards regaining control over your mental health and embarking on a path toward recovery.

​You've tried therapy, medication from your primary doctor, lifestyle changes, etc., but have not experienced relief from your depression symptoms. A psychiatrist for depression can evaluate other types of medication as well as alternative treatment options such as ketamine. 

​If you have been diagnosed or suspect you may have an additional mental illness such as an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, etc., a psychiatrist can provide specialized treatment. Many people with depression also have a co-occurring disorder and while that can make it more difficult to find the best treatment options, an experienced depression psychiatrist can help.

Having recurring thoughts of suicide or feeling at risk of harming yourself are huge red flags, and you should consult a psychiatrist. (NOTE: If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call 911 or call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. There is always support available for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe distress.)

​Genetics can play a role in depression, so a family history may mean you need more tailored psychiatric treatment. Your psychiatrist also can look at your medical history and that of your relatives to determine whether or not that has any impact on your mental health issues.
 
The right depression psychiatrist can help identify the roots of your depression through diagnosis and provide comprehensive treatment including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. 

Symptoms of Depression
When you think about depression, you might conjure up an image of a person curled up in their bed, crying or feeling sad. While that certainly can be one manifestation of depression, many other symptoms can indicate a person is depressed.
 
Physical Pain: Depression can be associated with unexplained physical pain, such as headaches, stomachaches, backaches, or muscle pains, without any apparent underlying medical cause.
 
Changes in Appetite: While a decrease or increase in appetite is common in depression, some individuals may experience specific food cravings or aversions, leading to unusual eating patterns.
 
Hypersomnia: While insomnia is a well-known symptom of depression, some individuals may experience hypersomnia, where they sleep excessively and have difficulty staying awake during the day.
 
Psychomotor Slowing: In some cases, depression can lead to psychomotor slowing, which involves slowed physical and mental activity. This can make everyday tasks feel arduous and lead to sluggish movements and speech.
 
Cognitive Impairment: Depression can affect cognitive functions, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making, often referred to as "brain fog."
 
Irritability or Anger: Instead of appearing sad, some people with depression may express their emotional distress through irritability, anger, or even aggression.
 
Loss of Emotional Expression: Known as "flat affect," some individuals with depression may exhibit a lack of emotional expression, appearing emotionally blank or indifferent.
 
Social Withdrawal: While some people with depression may isolate themselves, others may engage in social situations while feeling detached and emotionally distant from others.
 
Fixation on Death or Existential Themes: Unusual preoccupation with death, dying, or existential themes may be present in some individuals experiencing depression.
 
Physical Self-Neglect: Depressed individuals might neglect their physical appearance and personal hygiene due to a lack of motivation and self-care.
 
Self-Destructive Behavior: Some individuals may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or self-harm, as a way of coping with their emotional pain.
 
It is crucial to remember that depression affects individuals differently, and some people may experience a combination of these unusual symptoms alongside more common signs of depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these symptoms or suspect depression, seeking help from a mental health professional is essential for proper assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
 
Mild Depression? What Should You Do?
Even if your symptoms aren’t impacting your ability to get work and personal tasks accomplished, mild depression reduces your quality of life, and seeking treatment can be a great option. In some cases, mild depression is common after an illness, a trauma or a life-changing event or perhaps due to changes in seasons. Many people experience some level of depression during the winter months when sunlight is at a minimum.
 
Talking with a therapist or a depression psychiatrist can be a great option to consider. Additionally, regular exercise and going outdoors can be helpful. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can help, as well. It also is recommended that you eat healthy foods and avoid alcohol and drugs, as these can worsen depression.
 
Do You Need A Depression Psychiatrist or Psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors that can prescribe medication and diagnose mental health disorders as well as other health issues but typically don’t provide talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. A psychologist can diagnose mental health issues, but not physical health issues and these mental health professionals cannot prescribe medication. However, a psychologist can provide you with talk therapy and other types of therapy.
 
In many cases, I recommend that you enlist the services of both a psychiatrist and a psychologist or therapist. Multi-faceted treatment plans with therapy and possibly medication tend to yield the best results when it comes to many mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
 
Treatment Options
There are many treatment methods available for people with depression. Some medications can help reduce symptoms, although it is important to note that it does take time to find the best medication for each patient as well as the best dosage.
 
In some cases, if medication doesn’t work, we can look into alternative treatments for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ketamine treatments or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
 
If you do opt for medication, I also recommend finding a psychologist for talk therapy and also making some lifestyle choices to ensure that your physical and mental health is as strong as possible. This might include anything taking up a new hobby, art therapy, dance therapy, charity work, etc. Daily exercise, creating a daily schedule, minimizing stress and creating a soothing night/sleep schedule all can help reduce symptoms of depression.
 
How To Find A Psychiatrist For Depression
Finding a depression psychiatrist can seem like a huge challenge, but with telepsychiatry, you can expand your search field beyond setting for a “psychiatrist near me.” A virtual psychiatrist not only allows you to find the best possible match for your needs, but you can meet from the comfort of your own home or meet with your doctor when you are on vacation or on a work trip with ease.
 
When searching for a psychiatrist for depression, you can ask for recommendations from your primary care physician or friends or family members, as well as looking at patient reviews. Read over the website of each doctor carefully to see gauge whether or not their treatment philosophy feels comfortable to you. It can take time to find the right psychiatrist for your unique needs, but, in the end, finding the best care providers can ensure that treatment will be as successful as possible.
 
As an experienced psychiatrist for depression as well as many other mental health disorders, I strongly encourage anyone battling depression to seek treatment. My philosophy is that psychiatric disorders are not a weakness, they are a biological disease that is often treatable.
 
I offer both in-person psychiatric treatment and I also work as a virtual psychiatrist. In addition to serving as a depression psychiatrist, I also am a PTSD psychiatrist, bipolar psychiatrist, anxiety psychiatrist, addiction psychiatrist and an adult ADHD psychiatrist. Feel free to contact my office at any time to schedule a consultation and let’s get you on a path toward a happier, healthier future.

Millions of Americans suffer from some level of depression and while some depressive episodes are brief, for those that suffer from long-term depression, the effects can be devastating on one’s day-to-day life. Fortunately, an experienced depression psychiatrist can help, even with treatment-resistant depression. Let’s take a look at types of depression, symptoms and the many treatment options available.
 
It’s not uncommon for anyone to feel low or blue once in a while, even for a few days or a week or more. This is quite common after the loss of a loved one or perhaps in the aftermath of a divorce or another traumatic event, such as losing your job. Of course, many physical factors can contribute to depression, such as suffering from chronic pain, managing life with a disease such as cancer or even having a baby.
 
Reaching out to a trusted friend, a therapist or even a religious adviser can help during these times. However, when depression is constant and chronic and lasts for an extended period of time, it’s time to think about contacting a depression psychiatrist and finding treatment options that help you alleviate symptoms of depression or eliminate them altogether.
 
It is often hard for people to seek help for depression, but just like with physical pain, mental pain is a sign that something is wrong. As a depression psychiatrist, my philosophy is that psychiatric disorders are not a weakness, they are simply a biological disease that is often treatable.
 
Symptoms Of Depression
Again, most people have moments of sadness, loneliness and depression, but when depression lasts for several weeks or months, it is time to seek help. Here are a few symptoms you might notice that indicate you are clinically depressed:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Feelings of hopelessness & pessimism
• Loss of interest in hobbies, work, relationships, etc.
• Chronic aches and pains (often headaches, as well)
• Persistent feelings of sadness and anxiety
• Feelings of guilt and helplessness
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Trouble concentrating & forgetfulness
• Suicidal thoughts (or attempting suicide)

 
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. While not everyone with depression will attempt suicide or have suicidal thoughts, please know that if you are feeling suicidal, help is available at any time of day or night.
 
What Causes Depression?
Many factors can cause depression, and in some cases, a combination of factors occurs. For instance, there is thought to be a genetic component with depression, so if your parent, grandparent or other relatives are prone to depression, this could be one of the causes of your depression.
 
For others, issues with brain chemistry might be an issue, such as lowered serotonin activity. Medical issues also can cause depression, and this can include conditions that cause chronic pain as well as diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others. Of course, many women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. 
 
In some cases, drug or alcohol abuse can cause depression, but there are also some types of prescribed medications that can cause depression. A life-altering event also can trigger depression, and this can be anything from a death in the family to a car accident or some other type of traumatic event or just simply suffering from loneliness and feelings of isolation can cause depression.
 
Types Of Depression
There are several types of depression, and a depression psychiatrist will do a thorough evaluation to determine which type of depression is occurring, as treatment plans can vary based upon the type of depression.
 
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – With MDD, a person will experience a combination of the depression symptoms listed above for at least two weeks that mark a change from the person’s previous or usual mood.
 
The DSM-V, which is the classification system for mental disorders designed by the American Psychiatric Association, also states that for this diagnosis, these symptoms must be causing a significant amount of stress or reducing your ability to function. Perhaps your work suffers, or you have difficulty keeping your house clean or taking care of daily hygiene tasks.
 
These symptoms also must be independent of other disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Additionally, the depression symptoms cannot be attributed to a medical condition or to drug or alcohol use.
 
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) – While MDD is a type of depression lasting at least two weeks (or more), those with PDD have chronic depression lasting at least two years for adults and one year for children and teens. The symptoms of PDD often are milder than MDD, but the chronic nature of this depression obviously lessens one’s quality of life substantially. Again, the depression symptoms must be independent of disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, medical conditions, etc.  
 
Postpartum Depression – While having a baby can be a wonderful event, a woman’s body goes through immense changes during pregnancy not to mention the huge changes that parenthood brings. Children are a blessing, but life does change signifcantly once they arrive, and it’s very common for women to experience depression and anxiety.
 
In fact, most women (as many as 70%) will experience what is known as the “baby blues.” This is a short-term issue that often causes women to feel anxious, irritable and perhaps very emotional, including bouts of crying for no specific reason. The good news is that the baby blues typically doesn’t interfere with daily life tasks and tends to resolve fairly quickly.
 
However, postpartum depression, also known as peripartum depression, is in a class by itself, so to speak. If you notice persistent feelings of depression, extreme sadness, anxiety or even feelings of indifference that last more than two weeks and prevent you from handling any normal activities, it’s important to seek help.
 
It’s also important to note that fathers also can suffer from this form of depression. While they don’t go through the same physical changes as mothers, the extreme changes and financial obligations of fatherhood can be daunting.
 
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – While it’s not uncommon for women to experience mood changes as well as issues such as cramping, bloating, acne, headaches, etc. While this is certainly frustrating and uncomfortable, these issues rarely interfere with normal functioning at home, work or school.
 
For those with PMDD, the changes tend to occur about a week prior to menstruation and can last the duration of your period and the symptoms are severe enough to disrupt daily functioning. Symptoms of PMDD include severe fatigue and depression, anxiety, confusion, anger, crying spells, severe moodiness and sometimes even paranoia.
 
Many women with PMDD will experience headaches, dizziness, muscle spasms and heart palpitations.  Nausea and vomiting are other common symptoms as well as swelling of the ankles, feet and hands. In some cases, those with PMDD might experience vision changes and frequent eye infections. These are just a few of the severe symptoms a person with PMDD might encounter.
 
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – If you’ve ever had the winter blues for a few days, you are not alone. Many people tend to feel a bit down now and then during the winter, as there is less sunshine in our hemisphere. However, if you notice feelings of sadness, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, oversleeping and the loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed for a period of several weeks, this could be SAD, especially if these symptoms interfere with daily functioning.
 
With SAD, we might use some of the medications that are listed in the section below, but also light therapy and talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, have been shown to help lessen symptoms. With light therapy, the patient sits in front of a special light therapy box for about 20-30 minutes each day throughout the winter months.
 
Co-Occurring Disorders
As a depression psychiatrist, my job is not to simply diagnose depression, but also to look at the whole patient and determine all of the issues that you might be facing. For instance, it is not uncommon for people with depression to also suffer from anxiety. You might also suffer from addiction, OCD, PTSD or another mental health issue. Additionally, your depression could be caused by bipolar disorder or another mood disorder.
 
A depression psychiatrist must consider all of the possible diagnoses before setting on a course of treatment. We also must consider your general physical health. Is your body vitamin-deficient? Do you have diabetes? Are you suffering from chronic pain? Simply treating depression is often not enough, we need to treat all of the issues you are facing to improve your quality of life.
 
Depression Treatment Options
Many people with depression are hesitant to ask for help, but this is simply a biological disease, and it can be treated. Seeking help for depression is no different than seeking medical help for any other condition such as asthma or a broken bone.  It can, however, take some time to find the best treatment plan to fit your needs. Medications and therapy take time to work, so it’s important to have patience and keep taking medications and attending therapy as directed by your physician.
 
There are many treatment options to consider, including:
 
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) – This is often the first line of treatment for many types of depression, including MDD, PDD, postpartum depression, etc. These drugs tend to have fewer side effects and work for many people to lessen or eliminate symptoms of depression by boosting serotonin in your brain.
 
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) – These are similar to SSRIs, but they increase norepinephrine in the brain as well as serotonin. If you don’t respond well to SSRIs, your depression psychiatrist might try an SNRI instead.
 
Ketamine – Some patients will suffer from what is known as treatment-resistant depression. While this obviously can be frustrating and discouraging, ketamine is a medication that has shown some success with treatment-resistant depression as well as anxiety and PTSD.
 
Ketamine initially was used as an anesthetic, but interestingly, many EMTs and ER doctors would use it to calm agitated patients, especially those who had attempted suicide. While it did calm them initially, many of these patients would come back months later and state that they hadn’t felt suicidal or depressed since the ketamine treatment. Eventually, after much study, the FDA approved two types of ketamine as a treatment for depression, anxiety and PTSD.
 
Ketamine can be given either intravenously or as a nasal spray. After receiving the treatment, you need to wait at least two hours before heading home, and you will need to have someone drive you home as you might be drowsy.
 
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – This is a non-invasive treatment that typically is used for people with treatment-resistant depression. For TMS, we place an electromagnetic coil by your forehead, and a magnetic pulse is delivered to nerve cells in your brain. This process is entirely painless for the patient and has been shown to stimulate the areas of the brain that control our mood. Often if TMS is unsuccessful, we will consider ketamine as our next approach.
 
Therapy – While medications certainly can be helpful, it is also wise to add some type of therapy to your treatment plan. Talking with a therapist or psychologist can help you work through problems and learn some tools to help you manage depression and anxiety. Some type of cognitive-behavioral therapy is usually always recommended in addition to medication.
 
Keep in mind, that if you have a co-occurring disorder, we may need to consider additional medications and treatments for those specific disorders. For instance, if your depression is caused by bipolar disorder, we might need to try more than one medication or perhaps other types of medications than those discussed above.
 
If you have depression caused by a physical medical condition, treating that condition can alleviate depression symptoms, so we might approach your depression treatment differently than for someone with MDD or PDD.
 
In addition, it is always recommended that you eat a healthy diet, and you consider daily exercise as these steps can help lessen symptoms and improve your overall health. Some patients, such as those with low levels of vitamin B12, iron and other vitamins or minerals also might need to consider taking vitamin supplements.
 
Contact A Depression Psychiatrist Today
As a depression psychiatrist, I can provide you with a thorough diagnosis as well as helping you find a medication or treatment plan that helps alleviate your symptoms. This thorough diagnosis is a crucial first step and it can take more than one session to determine the diagnosis and create a treatment plan, but it’s best to find ways to address all of the issues you are facing to achieve long-term success.
 
In addition to treating depression (including treatment-resistant depression), I also work as a bipolar disorder psychiatrist, ADHD psychiatrist, anxiety psychiatrist and can provide treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. While I have offices in Thousand Oaks, I also offer telepsychiatry services. Whether you live near my office or elsewhere in Southern California and beyond, I can provide you with quality virtual psychiatrist services.
 
If you need a depression psychiatrist, don’t wait another day to give me a call. No one should have to suffer from depression and there is hope. We have many treatment options that can help you live a healthier, happier life and you deserve to live your life to the fullest.