Major Depression
Don’t face depression alone. Dr. Fickey provides evidence-based therapy and medication to restore hope and well-being.
Understanding Major Depression
Major Depressive Disorder is more than feeling sad, it is a serious condition that affects mood, thoughts, and physical health.
Common Symptoms
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue, sleep issues, or appetite changes
Difficulty concentrating or feelings of worthlessness
What Causes Depression?
Major depressive disorder is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. It usually develops from a mix of factors, including genetics and family history, changes in brain chemistry and circuitry, chronic stress, trauma or loss, and other medical conditions or medications.
Major life changes, isolation, substance use and hormonal shifts can also trigger or worsen depressive episodes. Because the causes are different for everyone, treatment works best when it is tailored to the individual.
How Depression Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. We talk through your mood, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and thoughts, how long symptoms have lasted, and how they affect your daily life. Validated screening tools such as the PHQ-9 help us measure severity and track progress over time.
We also look for conditions that can mimic or accompany depression, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, thyroid problems or medication side effects, so your treatment plan addresses the full picture.
Treatment Approach
At Embracing Life Wellness Center, we offer comprehensive care including:
Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
Medication Management and non Medicated options
Lifestyle strategies to improve wellness
When Medication Isn’t Enough
Many people improve with therapy and medication management, but some continue to struggle after trying several antidepressants. For adults with major depressive disorder who have not found relief, NeuroStar TMS therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-drug option delivered in our office while you stay awake and alert.
If you have felt down, empty or hopeless for two weeks or more, reach out. Request an appointment at our Tampa, Riverview or Coral Gables office. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Supporting a Loved One With Depression
If someone you care about is depressed, listen without judgment and let them know they are not alone. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer practical support, such as helping schedule an appointment or providing a ride. Small, steady check-ins often mean more than big gestures.
Learn the warning signs of suicide, including talk of hopelessness or being a burden, and take them seriously. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Take the First Step
Depression is treatable. You don’t have to face it alone, contact us today for support.
book your appointment
Our Mental Health & NeuroStar TMS Services
We specialize in psychiatric treatment and TMS therapy for a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to, the following:
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)
Embracing Life Wellness Center is proud to offer NeuroStar TMS therapy in-office for depression treatment.
TMS makes long-term remission possible for patients living with depression. Over 3 million treatments have been safely performed by the NeuroStar TMS device and our patients are experiencing significant benefits.
learn more about treatment
Message from Dr. Melissa Fickey
“As the founder of Embracing Life Wellness Center, my vision was to have a practice that offers only high-quality mental health treatment in a caring and compassionate environment, setting the standard
of what patients should expect from their mental health care provider. I am proud to say we have
done just that at Embracing Life Wellness Center, while empowering our patients to embrace their lives to the fullest. We are passionate about mental wellness and we will continue to strive on the path towards excellence, only offering the best mental health treatment for our patients and our community.”
Get In Touch
Our offices are open 24/7 for office visits and TMS treatments.
