Depression Treatment Program

For most people, feeling sad or down once in a while is just part of life. Perhaps you’re adjusting to a major life change, or you aren’t getting out of the house as much as usual. Having occasional bouts of sadness that go away within a few days is totally normal. But what about when the sadness doesn’t go away or only seems to get worse? In this case, it is likely that you are suffering from some sort of depression, and you need to seek help in order to get the treatment that you need to feel better. Learn more about depression and the treatment available here at Mind Body Wellness.

What is Depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the US today, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t serious. Having depression means more than just feeling sad; it means experiencing changes to your mood that make it difficult for you to enjoy your life. Depression causes major changes to the way that you think and feel, which can make fulfilling even the simplest tasks, like going to work or even just taking a shower, feel at times impossible.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

During depression treatment, our center sees many different people from all walks of life. For each of these clients, the signs and symptoms of depression are often a little bit different. Sometimes this can make it difficult for someone to be able to tell if they need help. In general, if you have any of the following symptoms, you would likely benefit from depression treatment:

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness for more than two weeks
• A loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies you usually enjoy
• Changes to your sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
• Significant changes in your appetite (noticeable weight gain or loss)
• Feeling fatigued for no reason
• Feeling guilty, or that you are worthless
• Problems concentrating or remembering things
• Thinking about hurting yourself, or committing suicide

Types of Depression

Many people who come to our depression treatment are surprised to learn that there is more than just one type of depression. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to having access to the most effective treatments possible. The most common types of depression include:

Clinical Depression/Major Depressive Disorder

This is the technical diagnosis for people with general depression. This means that your depression has not been caused by another outside factor like pregnancy or another underlying mental health condition.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

People who are diagnosed with this condition experience a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. They can still have periods of normal moods, but they invariably find themselves depressed more often than not.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Women who experience major depression during their pregnancy or after giving birth are diagnosed with postpartum depression. PPD needs to be treated as soon as symptoms are recognized, as it can seriously affect a woman’s ability to care for herself and her baby.

Psychotic Depression

People who have depression in combination with some kind of psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations, are typically diagnosed with psychotic depression. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This type of depression happens to people during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Then, when spring and summer come along, the symptoms wear off and often return again the following winter.

Depression Statistics

Over nineteen million Americans have had at least one major depressive episode during their life. Additionally, about thirteen million of these people had an episode severe enough that it impaired their ability to live a normal life. Consequently, one-third of depression sufferers did not seek care for their symptoms. And in 2019 alone, nearly fifty thousand people with depression ended up committing suicide. That is why it is so important to seek help when you are experiencing any symptoms that may indicate depression.

How is Depression Treated?

The most effective way to treat depression is with a combination of talk therapy and medication. The important thing to consider when looking for depression treatment is finding a facility that offers personalized treatment plans, like Mind Body Wellness. Medication in the form of antidepressants helps to treat the way that depression changes your brain. When you are depressed, certain areas of your brain don’t have as much activity, which inhibits your ability to feel pleasure or happiness. There are quite a few different antidepressant medications available, so you may end up having to try a few of them before you find the one that gives you the best relief from your symptoms.

Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist or counselor to talk about your symptoms. This can help you to identify negative thoughts or emotions that may be contributing to your depression, and you will also learn useful ways to cope with depression in a healthy way.

Begin Treatment for Depression Today

If you are suffering from depression and are looking for treatment, Mind Body Wellness is here to help. Contact us today or visit our admissions page to learn more about our treatment options, and we can schedule your initial consultation. With so many effective treatment options available and compassionate staff, there is no reason for you to suffer from depression any longer. Let us help you to find your happiness once again, and get back to living a fulfilling life.