Helping adults throughout California and New York experience more peace, happiness, joy, and vitality through Integrative Psychiatry, Holistic Psychotherapy, and Personal Coaching
Reach out today for a free 15-Minute Phone Consultation.
Do you feel like you're trudging through life, weighed down by a constant sense of sadness and worry? Perhaps the joy you once knew has faded, replaced by a persistent feeling of being stuck. You are not alone. Millions of adults struggle with depression, unhappiness, and an overwhelming sense of being trapped in a cycle of negativity.
As an award-winning psychiatrist with 16+ years of experience successfully treating depression, Dr. Ambardar understands the profound impact depression can have on your daily life. That's why we offer a personalized approach that goes beyond just managing symptoms.
We'll create a supportive space where you can explore the root causes of your struggles and we'll develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying factors contributing to your pain.
Whether it's through medication, therapy, integrative psychiatry, meditation, coaching, or any other holistic modalities, we'll help you create the fulfilling and happy life you deserve.
Sheenie Ambardar, MD is a Los Angeles-based Depression Treatment Specialist who sees patients throughout California and New York via telehealth. Dr. Ambardar specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adult men and women with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, OCD, Binge-Eating Disorder, and a host of other common mental health concerns.
Are you experiencing any of these conditions? Integrative psychiatry may be the solution you need. At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we address the root causes of these issues—and many more—as well as give you the tools to build a fuller, happier life.
Depression is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects not only the mind but also the body and soul. From a holistic perspective, depression can be seen as a disconnection from our true, authentic selves – a separation from the inner intuition that guides us towards purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
Depression is the Opposite of Expression
Expression is the Opposite of Depression
In many ways, depression is the opposite of expression. When we're depressed, we often feel like we're wearing a mask, hiding our true thoughts, feelings, and personality from the world.
We may feel like we're living a life that doesn't align with our values, passions, interests, or desires, and that we're suppressing our authentic selves in order to meet others' expectations. This lack of authenticity can create a deep sense of emptiness, despair, and loneliness.
Depression is a Disconnection from our Higher Selves
From a spiritual perspective, depression can be seen as a disconnection from our higher selves – the wise, loving, and eternal part of us that is connected to universal consciousness and the divine. When we lose touch with this sense of connection or oneness, we may feel lost, confused, and without purpose. We may struggle to find meaning or hope in our lives, feeling like we're simply going through the motions without any real sense of direction or fulfillment.
Depression is a Suppression of Our True Emotions
Depression treatment can help you acknowledge and express your true emotions and feelings, which may include anger, grief, despair, fear, or rage.
Psychologically speaking, depression can be understood as a suppression of our true emotions, thoughts, and needs. When we experience painful or difficult emotions, such as anger, sadness, or fear, we may try to push them away or numb them with distractions or unhealthy coping mechanisms. Over time, this emotional suppression can lead to a buildup of unresolved feelings and a sense of being trapped in a never-changing negative emotional state.
Depression can be due to an Imbalance of Neurotransmitters
From a biological perspective, depression is thought to be caused by an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters, the natural chemicals that regulate our moods, thoughts, and behaviors. When levels of these chemical messengers (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, GABA, norepinephrine, etc) are disrupted, it can lead to the development of various mental health conditions, including depression. These chemical imbalances can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, epigenetics, stress, trauma, and chronic inflammation in the body.
Depression can be due to our Environment
The environment around us can also strongly contribute to Depression. When we're surrounded by negative, mean-spirited, or jealous people, it can take a real toll on our happiness levels, especially if we're a highly sensitive person. We may absorb this negative energy and start to believe the critical or hurtful messages that we hear, leading to feelings of unworthiness, self-doubt, and despair.
Whether or not Freud actually said this, the advice is solid ☔️
Depression can be due to Nutrient and Hormonal Imbalances
From an integrative, functional medicine perspective, depression can be seen as a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body that affect the brain's ability to function optimally. These imbalances can stem from a variety of factors, including:
For example, deficiencies in key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium have been linked to an increased risk of depression.
Similarly, chronic inflammation in the body, often driven by factors like nutrition, stress, and environmental toxins, can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and contribute to depressive symptoms.
Depression can feel like we're wearing a mask - hiding our true thoughts, feelings, and personality from the world
How Does a Psychiatrist Diagnose Depression?
Understanding Your Experience:How We Diagnose Depression
Depression can feel heavy, isolating, and all-consuming. Here at The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we take a compassionate approach to depression treatment, focusing on your unique experience and working together to find your path to feeling better.
Here's what you can expect when you seek depression treatment with us:
Open Conversation: We'll have a warm and open conversation about how you've been feeling. There are no wrong answers here. Dr. Ambardar wants to hear your story – when you started noticing changes in your mood, how it affects your daily life, and anything else that feels important to share.
Exploring Your Symptoms: Together, we'll explore the emotional and physical symptoms you're experiencing. This might include things like changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness and despair, or a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Understanding the Full Picture: We don't just focus on depression in isolation. We'll also discuss your personal relationships, medical history, family history of mental health, and any recent major stressors in your life.
Considering Root Causes: There can be many contributing factors to depression, including nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, gene variations, gut health issues, and chronic health conditions. We may recommend specialized functional lab testing to rule these out or to explore if they're playing a role.
Throughout this process, Dr. Ambardar will listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and be here to support you. Our goal is to create a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and we'll work towards a depression treatment plan that feels right for you.
We want you to know that we're committed to providing holistic and compassionate care to help you overcome depression and achieve better mental health.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we believe in a whole-person approach to treating depression and we utilize a wide range of therapies and interventions tailored to your unique needs.
As an integrative depression specialist, Dr. Ambardar understands the importance of addressing all aspects of a person's being – mind, body, and soul – in order to promote true healing and transformation.
Our approach is centered on:
Helping you reconnect with your authentic self
Helping you identify and express your true emotions and needs
Helping you cultivate a deep sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance
Finding the right combination of medications or supplements to help you feel your best
Through a personalized combination of medications, supplements, psychotherapy, meditation, or other holistic practices, we'll peel back the layers of your depression and rediscover the vibrant, resilient, and whole person underneath.
By exploring the root causes of your disconnection and emotional pain, we'll work together to create a personalized plan for meaningful healing and change.
Whether it's learning to set healthy boundaries, practicing daily self-compassion and affirmations, asserting your needs, or connecting with spirituality, there are many different paths to overcoming depression and reclaiming your true self.
At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we believe that you deserve to live a life filled with more happiness, joy, and authentic expression – and we're here to help you every step of the way.
Here's a bit more information about what you can expect when you work with us:
Depression Treatment: Medication Management 💊
If appropriate, we may suggest medications to help alleviate your depression symptoms. Dr. Ambardar believes in using psychiatric medications thoughtfully, starting with the lowest effective dose to help manage your mood.
In addition to well known antidepressant medications like Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac, we may suggest newer depression medications like Trintellix and Auvelity or mood stabilizers like Lamictal and Topamax.
Every patient's history and response to medication is different and we luckily have a large toolbox of helpful medications to choose from.
In the last decade, we've also seen advances in precision psychiatry with at-home gene testing emerging as a way for patients and psychiatrists to better understand which medications may have fewer side effects for you.
If you're interested in taking advantage of optional gene testing, it can also assist us in making dosing recommendations. For instance, gene testing might uncover that you metabolize medications quickly and require higher doses, or it could indicate that you metabolize medications more slowly and would benefit from lower doses.
At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, gene testing and other advanced functional lab work is always optional and is not required or needed before starting effective depression treatment and medication management. However, in some cases, like treatment resistant depression, the ability to more precisely tailor treatment to the unique individual can be quite helpful. A 2020 study does support the utility of gene testing in improving the efficiency of depression treatment.
Dr. Ambardar may suggest various forms of therapy, such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Inner Child Work, interpersonal therapy, solution-focused therapy, outdoor walking therapy, meditation, or art and journal therapy.
These therapies can help you identify and change negative, self-critical thoughts and behaviors, improve your personal relationships, and develop a gentle, loving, relationship with yourself. Our goal in therapy is for you to leave each session feeling lighter, brighter, and more supported in your journey.
Self-Compassion: The Magic Ingredient in Therapy 🦄
When you're feeling depressed, it's common to have negative, self-critical thoughts and feelings. Studies have shown however that treating yourself with kindness and understanding during these times can do wonders for your mental health. This is where self-compassion comes into play.
Self-compassion is the magic key to unlocking a loving relationship with yourself and easing the burden of depression. When it comes to mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, trauma, and shame, practicing regular self-compassion is a powerful tool for transformation and healing. By consciously choosing to be gentle and loving towards yourself, you will:
Develop resilience against depression and anxiety
Create a nurturing inner environment that promotes emotional healing
Break free from the cycle of self-judgment that often perpetuates depressive states
Navigate future challenges with greater ease and self-acceptance
The opposite of self-compassion – self-criticism and harsh self-judgment – can worsen depression and anxiety. When you constantly berate yourself for your struggles or perceived shortcomings, you fuel feelings of inadequacy and despair, making it harder to feel good about yourself and find hope and healing.
By learning how to recognize and replace these negative thought patterns with loving self-compassion, you can transform your inner landscape and pave the way for lasting happiness. The good news is that self-compassion is a therapeutic skill that can be taught and learned.
Depression Treatment: Nutraceuticals and Supplements 🌿
In addition to therapy and medication, pharmaceutical-grade supplements and nutraceuticals can be helpful adjuncts to help ease depression symptoms.
If you are open to getting more advanced lab work done, we can gain a deeper understanding of what micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins your body may need for more optimal functioning. We may then recommend helpful supplements such as:
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which have been shown to have anti-depressant properties.
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which are involved in the production of neurotransmitters and can help alleviate depression symptoms.
Nutraceuticals, supplements, and botanicals can be used as adjuncts to help treat Depression
Depression Treatment: Botanicals 🪻
Certain helpful botanicals and herbal remedies can also be incorporated into your treatment plan:
For example, Saffron, a spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower, has shown promise in reducing depression symptoms.
Another botanical, Rhodiola rosea, which is an adaptogenic herb, may help improve mood and reduce stress-related fatigue.
Depression Treatment: Lifestyle Modifications 🥗
Dr. Ambardar can also work with you to help identify lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your depression and recommend small changes to help support your well-being.
These may include suggestions to stay away from toxic, critical people, gentle exercise (walking or stretching), balanced nutrition (less saturated fat and sugar), stress management techniques (e.g., meditation and Kundalini Yoga), better sleep hygiene, and nurturing more positive social connections.
Begin Your Healing Journey out of Depression Today
At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we believe that seeking help for depression is a sign of strength, not weakness. Throughout your healing journey, we'll provide a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can openly express yourself, gradually rediscover who you truly are, and feel less burdened.
Recovery from depression is absolutely possible, and we're dedicated to helping you rediscover a sense of enjoyment, meaning, hope, and happiness in your life.
Are you ready to break free from depression's grip and rediscover your true, authentic self? Contact Dr. Ambardar today and take the first step towards feeling happier.
