Depression Treatment Centers

What Is Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)? 

Also known as unipolar depression or major depressive disorder, depression is a common mental health disorder classified by intense and prolonged feelings of loneliness, unhappiness, and loss of interest. Depression goes beyond the normal feelings of sadness that everyone experiences on occasion and is often associated with chemical imbalances in the brain. 

Depression may be brought on by hardship, trauma, or loss, but it can also be present in people who lead normal lives with little to no trauma. The symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe but are typically treatable. 

Common unipolar depression symptoms include: 

• Sadness or irritability that lasts for most of the day 
• Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more often than normal 
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt, are often linked to things that wouldn’t cause these feelings before 
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions 
• Loss of interest in activities that the person once enjoyed 
• Changes in appetite and weight loss/gain 
• Feelings of restlessness and unease 
• Lack of energy and increased fatigue or tiredness 
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors 

Without the help of an inpatient or outpatient facility for depression, people with severe symptoms of depression are more likely to give in to suicidal tendencies. One’s overall quality of life, including life at school, work, with family, and among friends, can also be greatly diminished by an untreated mental disorder like depression. 

Where Can People Go If They Have Depression? 

If someone is dealing with depression and is looking for specialized care, they can explore depression treatment centers, like those in the Banyan Treatment Centers family. These centers offer comprehensive support and treatment for a wide range of mental health disorders, including clinical depression or major depressive disorder. 

Here are some steps you can take to find depression treatment: 

• Research: Start by researching depression treatment centers, like Banyan Mental Health, online or through referrals from healthcare professionals. 
• Contact: Reach out to these centers directly through their website or phone to inquire about their programs and services. 
• Assessment: Once in contact, you'll undergo an assessment to determine the best treatment approach for your depression. 
• Treatment plan: Based on the assessment, the center will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, and other supportive services. 
• Inpatient or outpatient: Choose between inpatient (residential) or outpatient programs based on the severity of your depression and personal needs. 
• Support: Engage in individual and group therapy sessions, possibly incorporating holistic therapies. 
• Aftercare: Plan for aftercare, which may involve ongoing therapy, telehealth treatment, or support groups for long-term recovery. 
• Family involvement: If desired, include family members in therapy and education to build a strong support system. 
• Insurance and payments: Ensure the center accepts your insurance or explore available payment options. 

By following these steps and seeking help from depression treatment centers, individuals can access specialized care and support tailored to their needs. 

What Kind of Therapy Do People with Depression Need? 

There is no single type of therapy or treatment modality that’s used to treat individuals with depression, rather a wide range of therapies may be used to address symptoms. Therapies commonly used to treat depression include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT) 
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) 
• Supportive therapy 
• Group therapy 
• Family or couples therapy 

Choosing therapy for depression treatment should always be done in consultation with a mental health professional who will consider the individual's specific symptoms, history, and preferences. Often, a combination of therapies may be most effective in treating depression. 

How to Handle the Symptoms 

If you are experiencing frequent mood changes that are seriously affecting your everyday life, you should seek mental health treatment. During treatment, you can engage in individualized therapy that will teach you how to cope with your illness. In some circumstances, medication for depression can be extremely beneficial and eliminate the symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment approach for dealing with depression, and this method teaches individuals how to take control of negative thoughts and reverse them. You will learn how to recognize the positive moments in your life and how to react to certain negative moments. Another way you can cope with your depression is to stay active and participate in healthy behaviors that will increase your energy levels such as exercise.