What Depression Looks Like
Depression is not just sadness. It is waking up exhausted after 10 hours of sleep. It is staring at your phone instead of answering it. It is knowing you should eat, shower, or call someone back -- and not being able to make yourself do it. About 21 million adults in the US have at least one major depressive episode per year. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Major depressive disorder is the most common type. It shows up as persistent low mood, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in appetite and sleep, trouble concentrating, and sometimes thoughts that life is not worth living. Persistent depressive disorder is a lower-grade version that lasts for years -- you function, but nothing feels good. Some people cycle between depression and normal mood. Others stay stuck.
Depression is not weakness. It is a medical condition involving brain chemistry, and it is highly treatable.
How We Treat Depression across Nevada
Treatment starts with understanding what you are dealing with. We do a full psychiatric evaluation -- not a 5-minute screening. We ask about your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, and how long this has been going on. We ask about your history, your family history, and what you have already tried. Then we build a plan that fits you.
For most patients, medication is the most effective first step. SSRIs like Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac are the gold standard. They work by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. Most people start noticing a difference within 2-4 weeks. Side effects are usually mild and temporary.
If SSRIs are not enough, we have other options. SNRIs like Effexor and Cymbalta can help with depression that comes with fatigue and physical pain. Wellbutrin is a good choice for patients who also have low motivation or concentration problems. For treatment-resistant depression, we explore combinations, augmentation strategies, and GeneSight genetic testing to find what works for your specific biology.
GeneSight is a cheek swab that shows how your body metabolizes psychiatric medications. If you have tried multiple antidepressants without success, this test can reveal why -- and point us toward medications more likely to work for you.
What Your First Appointment Looks Like
Plan for about 45 minutes. We have a real conversation about what brought you in, how long you have been feeling this way, and what your goals are. There is no judgment and no rush. If medication makes sense, we can start it that day. If we need more information first, we will tell you that too.
Follow-up appointments are shorter -- usually 15-20 minutes. We check in on how the medication is working, adjust dosages, and monitor for side effects. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6-8 weeks of starting treatment.
When to Get Help
If you have lost interest in things you used to care about -- get evaluated. If you are sleeping too much or too little and it has been going on for more than two weeks -- get evaluated. If you are going through the motions at work and at home but nothing feels real -- get evaluated. If someone close to you has said they are worried about you -- listen to them.
Depression lies to you. It tells you nothing will help, that you are being dramatic, that other people have it worse. None of that is true. Treatment works for the vast majority of people. You do not have to keep white-knuckling through it.
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. We are here for ongoing care -- but in a crisis, get help immediately.
Insurance and Cost
We accept most major insurance plans in Nevada, including Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Nevada Medicaid. Cash-pay rates are available for patients without insurance. No surprise bills, no hidden fees.
Why Silver State Mental Health
We are a Nevada-based psychiatric practice with offices across Las Vegas, Reno, and all of Nevada. Our providers specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. We offer same-week appointments because depression steals enough of your time already. All visits are private and by appointment only.