What Depression Feels Like — And What You Can Do About It
— By Brian Mears, DNAP, APRN, CRNA, PMHNP
Understanding the Silent Weight of Mental Illness
Depression is often misunderstood.
It’s not just sadness. It’s not just “feeling down.” And it’s definitely not something you can snap out of with a positive attitude or a weekend getaway.
For many people, depression feels like a fog that never lifts — or a weight that makes everything harder than it should be. It’s waking up tired, feeling disconnected from yourself and others, and wondering if things will ever change.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression shows up differently in different people. But here are some of the most common signs:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Fatigue or lack of energy, even after rest
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Changes in sleep — either insomnia or oversleeping
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Thoughts of death or self-harm
Some people feel numb. Others feel agitated. Some cry constantly. Others can’t cry at all. What matters is that you don’t ignore it.
Depression in the Brain
Depression isn’t just emotional — it’s biological. Research shows it can involve:
Dysregulated brain circuits (especially in areas that control mood and motivation)
Imbalanced neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine
Disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms
Chronic inflammation and hormonal shifts
Overactive stress responses (HPA axis dysfunction)
At Alleviant, we understand depression from a neurophysiological perspective — not just a psychological one. That means we look at your brain function, not just your symptoms.
How Alleviant Helps: A Comprehensive, Personalized Approach
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. We take time to understand the root causes of your depression and create a personalized plan that may include:
Spectral EEG (sEEG): A non-invasive brain scan that gives us an objective look at your brainwave activity. This helps us pinpoint where dysregulation is happening — and guide treatment accordingly.
NeuroSync™ (Personalized rTMS): Gentle, FDA-cleared magnetic pulses that stimulate key brain regions involved in mood regulation. We customize treatment to your unique brain patterns.
Psychiatric Medication (if needed): Carefully prescribed based on your symptoms and history — never overused.
Lifestyle & Health Coaching: We help you address nutritional deficiencies, toxic exposures, and movement patterns that impact mental health.
Talk Therapy: When appropriate, we connect you with therapists trained in CBT, trauma therapy, and faith-integrated counseling.
Spiritual Support (Optional): For clients who desire it, we offer Christian-integrated mental health care rooted in grace, truth, and healing.
You’re Not Broken — You’re Just Out of Balance
Depression is not a sign of weakness. It’s a signal that your brain and body are out of sync.
The good news? Healing is possible. With the right tools and support, we can help your brain recalibrate — and help you rediscover joy, purpose, and peace.
Let us help you find your way forward.