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Depression

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Addiction Medicine and Mental Health located in Northfield, MN

Depression services offered in Northfield, MN


At Free Range Mental Health in Northfield, Minnesota, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Dan Watts, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating depression. If you struggle with depression and you’re ready to live a happier life, call or book an appointment online today. Telehealth appointments are also available.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects how you feel, think, and participate in daily activities that include eating, working, engaging with others, and sleeping. Though it’s normal to feel sad at times, if you struggle with constant or extreme sadness, you might suffer from depression.

Free Range Mental Health can help reduce your symptoms of depression and give you the relief you need and deserve.

What puts you at risk for depression?

Risks for depression include:

  • Past traumatic events
  • Substance misuse
  • Certain medications
  • Ongoing stress
  • Chronic disease
  • No network of social support
  • Family history of depression

Though you can adopt healthy habits like exercising regularly to reduce stress and lessen your chances of developing depression, you can’t eliminate all risks.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression include:

  • Irritability
  • Mood changes
  • Ongoing sadness
  • Hopelessness
  • Guilt
  • Shame
  • Feelings of unworthiness
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness
  • Headaches
  • Thoughts of suicide

Depression symptoms range from mild to severe. In addition to the list above, this mental health issue can cause you to isolate yourself from others, negatively impact your relationships, and may lead to substance misuse.

How is depression treated?

At Free Range Mental Health, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Dan Watts performs a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose your condition. Based on his findings, he may recommend evidence-based treatments, including:

Therapy

Therapy allows you to discuss emotional topics and learn coping strategies to help you enjoy your daily routine and improve your quality of life.

Oral medications

Medications can reduce your symptoms and help you get back to enjoying what you love to do. Dan works with you to find the right medication and dosage to help restore your quality of life.

Spravato®

If you suffer from major depression, which means you have symptoms for two weeks or more, Free Range Mental Health offers FDA-approved Spravato® nasal spray. This innovative esketamine treatment can only be administered by your provider while you remain under their supervision during treatment at their facility.

Lifestyle changes

Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep can reduce your stress levels, which can help reduce your depression naturally.

If you suffer from depression, reach out to Free Range Mental Health for compassionate care. Call the friendly office staff today or book an appointment online.