Depression Treatment in Atlanta

Depression is a complex issue that affects both the mind and body. Our integrative approach goes beyond standard mental health treatment by using personalized, evidence-based therapies to target the root causes of depression.

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Our Integrative Approach to Treating Depression

At Progressive Medical Center, we acknowledge the complex nature of depression and support a comprehensive approach to improving your mental health. Our cutting-edge diagnostic testing goes beyond conventional laboratory tests so we can see the bigger picture.

Your test results help us design a personalized outpatient depression treatment plan. This may include lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, hormonal support, and nutrition therapy to balance your brain chemistry. Although antidepressant drugs may be beneficial for the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders, they cover only one part of this complex problem.

This is why at Progressive Medical Center, we integrate evidence-based, natural approaches to treat depression. Natural treatments for depression can often be more effective than pharmaceutical medications or they can be used in combination with them, when necessary.

Natural Treatments for Depression

Since there are many different causes of depression, the solution for each person is unique. Many mental health treatment programs will push medication as a first-line treatment plan. However, drug treatments are often ineffective and come with a long list of unpleasant side effects. This is why functional medicine is the ideal choice for mental health treatment.

At Progressive Medical, we look for underlying causes that are commonly overlooked by conventional medical practitioners. Based on our comprehensive assessment, we target the digestive system, nutrition, detoxification system, food allergies, and lifestyle. Our strategy helps many people who have tried other approaches to persistent depressive disorder without success.

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Natural mental health treatment for depression may include:

Digestive Support

Your intestinal tract is home to the enteric nervous system, also known as our “second brain.” This is where many of your brain chemicals are produced. In fact, 95% of serotonin is produced in your intestinal tract. Low serotonin is linked to depression. Therefore, we support your digestive system to optimize your brain health.

Diet

The food we consume plays an important role in how we feel emotionally. At Progressive Medical Center, our providers work with you to make sure your diet is adequate for balancing biochemistry. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals are essential for building the brain chemicals that balance your mood. We often recommend food sensitivity testing because certain foods can irritate your immune system, causing fatigue, sadness, and even attention disorders.

Nutrition

In addition to making the right dietary choices, your state of mind can be affected by your nutrient status. Amino acids, B vitamins and vitamin D build your brain chemicals and without them, your mood can suffer. At Progressive Medical Center, our sophisticated testing can uncover your specific nutrient deficiencies as well as measure your neurotransmitter levels. With this information your doctor can restore your brain chemistry.

Hormones

Low levels of hormones can make you feel tired, sad, and worn out. Chronic stress can throw your hormones out of balance and leave you exhausted and unable to participate in life. It is common for hormonal imbalances to prompt emotions of sadness and depression, especially in women. We can test and balance your hormones to help you cope with stress and feel light-hearted again.

Detoxification

Many people with depression have accumulated toxins in their bodies that can affect their mental health. Toxins can damage the brain and interfere with communication in the nervous system. Our team guides you through a safe and effective detoxification program designed to get the bad stuff out of your body to improve your brain power.

Exercise

Exercise releases feel-good chemicals. Adding enjoyable exercise is great for stress management and can also be highly effective for improving mood and outlook. Our trainer will develop an exercise plan based on your likes, dislikes, and current level of fitness

Massage

Massage therapy can be a beneficial part of an integrative treatment for depression. It can help you relax, relieve muscular tension, and feel empowered about taking care of yourself.

Chiropractic Care

Your chiropractor may be able to improve your mood by correcting structural misalignments. The alignment of your spinal column permits your brain and all the nerves in your nervous system to communicate. Poor posture, motor vehicle accidents, grinding your teeth during sleep, chronic muscle tension, or other musculoskeletal injuries can contribute to misalignment in your spine and neurological symptoms. Specialized adjustments tailored to your needs can often increase circulation and improve mood.

At Progressive, Your Health Is Important To Us.

Many people don’t talk about depression because they view having a mood disorder as a weakness. They don’t seek help because they believe they should pick themselves up and get over it. But Benjamin Johnston Sr., MD, and the caring team at Progressive Medical Center can reassure you that depression is never a weakness or character flaw, and it doesn’t improve on its own. They can help you overcome depression and return to a thriving life with integrative therapies that restore whole-body balance. If you need help with depression or anxiety, call the office in Atlanta, Georgia, or book an appointment online today.

Our team is dedicated to helping you down an integrative path to healing. If you’re searching for Atlanta depression treatment, speak with our staff about our natural approach, the effectiveness of holistic treatment plans, and how they can help you. As always, our specialists are here to support you in all of your medical needs.

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Depression Q & A

What causes depression?

Depression is a sign that some part of your body is out of balance. You may have a physical illness, an imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones, or a nutrient or sleep deficiency, to name just a few of the possible problems that cause depression.

No matter what causes your depression, it won’t improve on its own. Depression only lifts with holistic care that treats the source of the problem.

What symptoms occur if I’m depressed?

Look out for the following :

Persistent feelings of sadness, worthless, and hopeless
Loss of interest in the things you enjoy
Withdrawal from your partner, family, and friends
Feeling drained of energy
Eating more or less than usual
Gaining or losing weight
Sleeping more or less than normal
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
A focus on negative thoughts
New or worsening substance abuse
Thinking about suicide

Many people also experience physical symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, body aches, and chronic pain.

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety is the feeling of unease, dread, or fear that occurs when you anticipate or encounter a threatening situation. Everyone experiences some level of anxiety every day. When it becomes a constant presence that interferes with your life, normal anxiety becomes a mental health disorder.

Anxiety disorders may develop for many reasons. A few factors that contribute to the problem include brain chemical imbalances, genetics, poor gut health, and environmental stressors like trauma and pollution.

What symptoms accompany anxiety?

There are at least seven anxiety disorders, and each one has a specific set of symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders cause a range of emotional and physical symptoms, including;

Irritability
Nervousness
Nausea
Dry mouth
Sweating
Headaches
Hyperactivity (can’t sit still)
Muscle tension
Trouble sleeping
Rapid heartbeat
Panic attacks
Difficulty concentrating

Anxiety can trigger a panic attack, which causes difficulty breathing, chest pains, sweating, and heart palpitations.

Is your depression treatment program a partial hospitalization program?

No, we are not an inpatient depression treatment center. There are many types of depression treatment programs, and at Progressive Medical Center we take a holistic approach that may include working with your current mental health professionals (such as therapists or psychiatrists) to add natural treatment approaches in addition to individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, or other treatment approaches. Unlike a residential treatment program, our intensive outpatient program focuses on providing comprehensive care while allowing you to maintain your daily routine.