Depression is one of the most common conditions I see in my practice, and it affects people in profound ways—disrupting their relationships, careers, and sense of self. Because depression is so pervasive, treating it requires more than just knowledge; it demands continuous learning, deep reflection, and refining treatment strategies based on real-life experiences. As clinicians, we are always looking for the best ways to help people navigate depression and regain a sense of balance in their lives. What is Depression, Really? We often think of depression as one singular thing, but there are different types. A major depressive episode can happen once and clear up, or it can be chronic, with episodes that come and go throughout a person’s life. According to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), depression has nine possible criteria, but you only need five of them to be diagnosed. This means that depression can look different from person to person. Howeve...

The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), as significant FDA-approved medications entered the market alongside new FDA approval filings, signaling exciting advancements in depression care. Among the highlights was Exxua (Gepirone), a groundbreaking medication approved in September 2023, which has opened new possibilities for both patients and providers. This innovative treatment, alongside other developments, has significantly altered the way clinicians approach medication management for MDD. In this article, LifeStance psychiatrists reflect on which treatments worked best for their patients in 2024 and share their insights on the promising new medications they anticipate in 2025. Medication Management For Depression 2024: Tried, True, and Transformative Despite the introduction of groundbreaking medications in 2024, many clinicians found themselves relying on well-established antidepressants for their effectiveness and accessi...

Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects 1 in 7 women, leading to significant consequences for mothers, their babies, and families¹. Despite its prevalence, PPD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leaving many women without the necessary support during a crucial period. Considering the challenges in accessing effective treatment for PPD, Zurzuvae (Zuranolone), a novel treatment offering rapid relief, could be a key treatment for some women. The Scope of Perinatal Mental Health Issues Perinatal mental health encompasses various conditions, including Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). These disorders, if untreated, can lead to poor prenatal care, substance abuse, and adverse outcomes for both mother and child². Risks extend to developmental delays and attachment issues in children³. In addition to hormonal changes that may increase the risk of mental-health issues, new mothers are dealing with a lot of potential stressors after giving birth, from changing relations...

We’re near Blue Monday: the 3rd or 4th Monday of January and for some, coined the “saddest day of the year.” A mathematician came up with the idea, calculating that a mix of factors (like bad weather, distance from our New Year’s resolutions, and lack of sunlight) makes this day the toughest on our mood. For Blue Monday in 2025, I’m reflecting on change and self-esteem. How do we navigate the pressure to change, and how do our goals and friendships play into our sense of self-worth? Self-esteem can be affected by:  The amount of money earned and spent Physical wellness Friendships Divorce I recently attended a solstice party on the coldest night of the year, in the coldest major city in the country. My friend invited me, and though I wasn’t excited, I went. People gathered, wrote their regrets and mistakes, and burned them in a bonfire. They shared future goals and desires. The love and sense of community moved me deeply. I went inside to warm up, feeling inspired, despite also being a bit numb from the cold. Symbolic rituals like this can help improve self-esteem heading into the new year.  New kinds of ceremonies can help mark the time of change in the season:  Burning a yule log Making an offering  Decorating Crafting This year, I decided to binge-watch a few movies for New Year’s inspirat...

My name is Amber Hulgan, and I’m a licensed therapist practicing in Oklahoma. But before I became a therapist, I was simply a daughter who experienced a devastating loss. In 2002, when I was 28 years old, my mom died by suicide. She was only 46. My life has since been divided into two pieces: the years before her death and everything after. My mother battled bipolar disorder and depression for much of her life. Her early years were filled with trauma, and that pain lingered, making her illness even harder to bear. She had moments of light—times when her laughter would fill the room and her energy was contagious. But the darkness she carried was deep, and it eventually consumed her. I want to share my story to help others recognize the warning signs of suicide, navigate the pain of loss, and understand how to intervene effectively. I wasn’t a therapist back then. I didn’t know what to do. I tried my best to help her by reaching out to others, but she felt unloved and like a burden, even though nothing could have been further from the truth. I miss her in ways I couldn’t even fathom back then, and 22 years later, her loss is still a part of me. Losing someone to suicide is different from losing them to illness, old age, or even an accident. The grief is wrapped in shame and unanswered questions, though there’s...

Suicide Safety Plan: What It Is, Who Needs It, and Expert Insights Suicide, which remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, is a crisis that touches millions of lives each year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021 alone, 48,000 people—nearly twice the capacity of Madison Square Garden—died by suicide. In the same year, 12.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.5 million made a plan to carry out suicide, and 1.7 million attempted to end their lives. Despite accounting for 50% of the population, men account for nearly 80% of suicides. The elderly, especially those aged 85 and older, have the highest suicide rates, followed by those between the ages of 75 and 84. Amid these grim statistics, suicide prevention efforts have proven to be effective, with significant breakthroughs emerging in recent years. In 2022, a major step was taken towards suicide prevention when the national suicide helpline phone number was shortened to 988. This made a significant impact, but more can be done in suicide prevention by emphasizing the importance of a suicide safety plan. We asked three LifeStance mental health care experts Jillian Bace, LCSW, Dr. Melissa Cobbs, PhD, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, and Corinne Mellin...

This content has been updated from the previous article on September 24, 2020. According to A recent Gallup poll, as many as 29% of Americans have been diagnosed with Depression. Depression is a serious mental health condition that requires professional care. Each person with Depression is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to each person’s needs. Professional care for Depression can involve psychiatric services like Depression Medication Management, Psychotherapy, or a combination of both. These methods are effective for many people, though it might take time to feel relief. If you have already been diagnosed with Depression and have a care plan, that should be your number one priority. If you haven’t yet started psychiatric services or therapy, be sure to find a care team first and foremost. Remember that Depression can be life-threatening when left untreated, but compassionate mental health care providers can help. Follow Your Care Plan If you only have enough en...