How Do You Know When It's Time to Seek Professional Help for Depression?

Depression can quietly take hold, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and daily life in ways that may feel overwhelming or difficult to explain. Many people delay seeking help, unsure if what they’re experiencing is “serious enough” to warrant professional attention. At Renaissance Behavioral Medicine, we believe recognizing the signs and getting support early can lead to better outcomes and lasting healing.
 

What Is Depression?

Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. Unlike occasional sadness or low moods, depression involves persistent feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, or disinterest that can last for weeks, months, or even longer. It can interfere with work, relationships, sleep, appetite, and overall quality of life. Depression is a medical condition that often requires professional evaluation and treatment.
 

Signs It May Be Time to Seek Help

Depression can look different for everyone, but some common signs that it’s time to speak to a professional include:

• Persistent sadness that lasts for weeks or months

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Lack of energy or chronic fatigue

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Withdrawing from social interactions

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, seeking professional support is not just helpful - it’s essential.
 

Our Holistic and Comprehensive Approach to Depression

At Renaissance Behavioral Medicine, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we use a comprehensive, holistic approach that addresses depression from multiple angles - mind, body, and spirit.

For individuals who may not have found relief through traditional medications, we offer cutting-edge biologic therapies such as esketamine, a fast-acting treatment shown to be effective for treatment-resistant depression.

We provide various psychotherapy options, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and other evidence-based modalities. These therapies help patients reframe negative thought patterns, build coping strategies, and process underlying emotional challenges.

Our practice is proud to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.

We also integrate mindfulness meditation and other Eastern practices into our care plans. These approaches help patients cultivate inner peace, manage stress, and reconnect with themselves on a deeper level. By combining these methods, we tailor treatment plans that are personalized, integrative, and rooted in compassion.
 

Take the First Step Today

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to get help for depression, it probably is. At Renaissance Behavioral Medicine, we are are to help you regain control of your mental health and rediscover a life filled with purpose, connection, and hope.

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, contact Renaissance Behavioral Medicine to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Etefia. Contact our office in Beverly Hills, California, by calling (213) 262-0888 to book an appointment today.