Depression and it's variations - Denver Mind and Wellness

Depression

Many people have experienced symptoms of depression. Some of the common symptoms are low energy, sadness, crying, poor concentration, and changes in appetite. People suffering from depression often don’t feel like getting out of bed. They typically are not getting ordinary enjoyment out of life anymore.

Various events in life can trigger depression—such as death of a loved one, divorce, and job changes. But depression can also be caused by low levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. In addition there are environmental factors such as altitude, oxygen, and even the seasons that can contribute to depression.

Click on this box to learn more about depression in general.

See below for specific forms of depression that I specialize in.

Altitude Induced Depression

The western mountain states including Colorado are generally viewed as healthy and happy. What is strange is that they also have some of the highest rates of depression and suicide in the country. This is why a growing body of research has been compiled over many years and the current thought is that altitude itself is playing a significant role in both depression and suicide rates.

This phenomenon has been demonstrated worldwide in military populations and various industrial workers stationed at high altitude compared to their sea level counterparts.

Click on this box to learn more about altitude induced depression.

Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) also known as seasonal depression is a type of depression that as the name suggests is related to the changing of seasons. People affected by SAD often experience the onset of symptoms at around the same time every year. Usually this onset occurs during fall or winter and is sometimes referred to as “the winter blues.” It should be noted, though less commonly that SAD can occur at any season and can result in “summer sadness” as well.

While it is to easy to brush off these feelings since they usually improve on their own once the season is over it is important to take steps to keep your emotions and motivation even throughout the entire year.

Click on this box to learn more about seasonal affective disorder.

COVID-19 Related Depression

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical community were primarily
focused on the more obvious symptoms of this disease, such as difficulty in breathing, severe coughing, and high fever. However, as time has gone on, we now know that COVID causes many neurologic and mental health problems as well. Terms such as “brain fog” or “Covid fog” are becoming common.

The virus enters the body through the nose, and it utilizes the nerves used for smelling to gain easy access into the brain. The virus can then directly attack the brain and its neurons. It can also indirectly attack them via the inflammation caused by the body’s own immune system. The COVID virus is also thought to deprive the brain of oxygen, thus worsening the damage already caused.

Click on this box to learn more about Covid-19 related depression.

George MacLean

I was a patient of Dr Bercot's for most of this year, prior to having to relocate out of state. I feel very fortunate to have found Denver Mind and Wellness, the level of care and knowledge that he offers has been nothing short of outstanding. If you are on the fence about talking to Dr Bercot, I would very much recommend it. His knowledge and professionalism is only matched by how easy he and his staff make it to ask questions, arrange appointments and schedule Rx's. I would be very fortunate to find a Doctor of his caliber in my new location.

Frank Schwartz

I went through several doctors and therapists with zero results,my whole world was in danger of crumbling,finally my wife found Dr Bercot and asked me to give him a chance. I was wowed by his approach to therapy and absolutely pleased with the results,life is great again. If everything else has failed for you (like it did me) I suggest you give Dr Bercot a chance.

Taylor Bishop

Dr. Bercot is fantastic. Caring doctor who lets you take the driver's seat for your wellness. I've recently started going to him for medication management and ongoing treatment and he is judgement-free and really listens. Highly recommend.

sam robinson

Dr. Bercot is fantastic! He is very genuine, and truly listens and cares. His office is also very professional and I always receive responses very quickly. Overall, a great practice that I highly recommended!

Candace “Candy” S

I needed a psychiatrist for a short term intervention. I was in Denver on a travel assignment, and I was really having a hard time finding somebody in network with my insurance. I tried Teladoc, but it didn’t work, and then I just did some general googling, and I saw the excellent reviews that Dr. Burcot received. So I went for an assessment because I needed help with medication management. His rates were very reasonable. Other psychiatrist were charging a lot more so him he really knows his stuff - like all the medication information. He gave me reliable references related to his expertise about patients that he worked with in the past. He was also just very nice to work with and he really did make some adjustments with my medication that no one had in a long time and I think it helped so I’m very grateful for his help and I really appreciate the support he gave me while I was there. Read his biography! He has had a very interesting road to becoming a psychiatrist. Also made him “authentic”.

nic easley

Spectacular staff and Doctor. This practice has always worked with my best care in mind and helped me to navigate insurance and pharmacy bureaucracy. Very easy to schedule appointments and follow-up care, highly recommended.

Todd Lockard

Dr. Bercot is amazing. After cycling through numerous doctors since moving to Denver, it is awesome to have found one I can completely rely on. He responds quickly, is detailed in his diagnosis, and wholly focused on his patients' well-being.

Chandra Strohm

My daughter and I both had appointments with Dr. Bercot and he was kind, understanding and just all around wonderful. It takes a lot of stress off of you to finally have answers.

Depression and it’s variations

Depression

Altitude Induced Depression

Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder

COVID-19 Related Depression