Julie M. Hall, MD

Psychiatrist Located in Los Angeles, CA

If you’re finding it hard to make it through your everyday routine and have less interest in things you normally enjoy, it’s time to talk with a specialist. As a board certified psychiatrist in Los Angeles, Dr. Julie M. Hall is available to help new patients who are suffering from depression. Her office is a comfortable, relaxing place where you can go to get the treatment you need.

 Depression Q & A

How do I know if I have depression?

Suffering from depression goes beyond feeling sad all the time. Depression can impact your ability to sleep, work, and enjoy your life. Because depression can become so debilitating, talk with Dr. Hall if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Poor appetite

  • Sudden weight fluctuations

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

  • Feelings of guilt or hopelessness

  • Anxiety

  • Restlessness

  • Loss of interest in hobbies

  • Unexplainable fatigue

  • Irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Chronic aches and pains with no clear physical cause

Why do people get depressed?

The causes of depression are continuously being studied. Thus far, research suggests that depression stems from a person’s genetics, biological factors, environment, and individual psychological factors. Sometimes episodes of depression are linked with chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and nervous system disorders.

You may have depression during certain stages of your life. For instance, women sometimes become depressed during pregnancy, or right afterwards (postpartum depression). Some patients report episodes of depression that peak during fall or winter months. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Depression may also come from a combination of several of these factors.

What treatment options are available?

Oftentimes the hardest part of getting through depression is asking for help. Dr. Hall’s compassionate approach to treatment encompasses many different avenues, depending on your unique situation. While prescription medications are certainly helpful for treating depression and elevating your mood, they don’t work overnight. Most of the time, these types of medications take weeks or months to relieve symptoms of depression. That’s why it’s so important to have a caring psychiatrist who’s on your side and understands your needs.

Dr. Hall often uses psychotherapy, which allows you to talk openly with her in a supportive environment to help you work through your stresses. Many patients benefit by having a combination of prescription drugs and personal visits with Dr. Hall.

Because depression sometimes stems from a medical condition, you might need laboratory work or other testing to rule out other problems. As a medical doctor, Dr. Hall can help determine if you need to see another type of specialist to diagnose and treat an underlying medical concern.