An Overview of Depression and Treatment Options
Depression significantly differs from normal feelings of sadness or grief. People go through difficult times in life and negative feelings come and go. It is not uncommon to hear people describe themselves as being depressed when grieving a loss such as from a breakup or the death of a loved one. They might also feel this way following significant changes in life, such as childbirth or moving to a new city.
In some cases, the feelings they have are normal grieving responses. However, sometimes, they might be signs of a depressive disorder. One must understand the difference between depression and grief to provide the best care possible for those that struggle with either or both.
Harmony Place offers depression treatment in Los Angeles, California, for those who struggle with their mental well-being.
What Are the Signs of Major Depressive Disorder?
While sadness and constant tiredness or lethargy could be signs of depression, there are other things to look out for. Most people with depression make efforts to conceal their symptoms from their families and others around them. On the other hand, some do not recognize that they are depressed. Depression can be diagnosed based on how long a person has been faced with the signs and symptoms attributed to depression.
Some of the significant signs that could be seen in persons struggling with depression include the following:
Constant Feeling of Tiredness
People who have difficulty sleeping are a lot more likely to develop depression than those who get enough sleep. Alternatively, a lack of sleep or insomnia can be a sign of depression. Sleeping too much can also be a sign of depression.
Withdrawing from Friends and Family
People with depression sometimes disappear for long periods without communicating with their friends and family. This could be because they feel ashamed of their vulnerability, are scared to show “weakness,” or simply because they cannot muster enough energy to engage in conversations.
Change in Appetite or Diet
Certain people with depression turn to food for solace, while some have a decreased appetite because they no longer feel any form of interest in or zest for life.
Strange Body Pains
Although MDD is a mental disorder, there may be physical affectations in people who have this disorder. They often complain of joint pain, back pain, muscle aches, headaches, and digestive issues that come out of nowhere and do not respond to treatment.
Being Easily Distracted
People with depression usually find it hard to concentrate on the things they have to do and often find themselves losing their train of thought or getting lost in conversations. It is possible that they also present with memory loss.
Increased Levels of Drug and Alcohol Use
When individuals have symptoms of depression, they sometimes feel the urge to numb their feelings of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness. This makes them more susceptible to becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. Also called “self-medicating,” this is a common maladaptive coping mechanism for mental health disorders.
Recurring Suicidal Thoughts
Someone who suffers from depression sometimes may begin to joke about death or dying. They may begin to talk about suicide or death more often than usual. It does not matter if they plan to act on these thoughts or not.
Sometimes the symptoms of depression are subtle and hard to notice until one day, they realize that their home is cluttered and disorganized. Or they have not been to work for days or even showered.
How to Treat Depression?
Depressive disorders sometimes come with deep feelings of hopelessness. There are several forms of therapy that can be used to deal with depression and facilitate recovery. Depending on the underlying causes of depression, one type of therapy might be better than another.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for people suffering from depression and other mental conditions.
Psychotherapy is frequently used combined with pharmaceutical treatment. There are numerous types of psychotherapy, and some people respond better to one than another. Finding the one that properly addresses the patient’s needs and poses the least threat is essential.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
During CBT, a therapist will work with the patient to uncover unhealthy patterns of thought and identify how they may be causing them to have harmful behaviors, reactions, and beliefs about themselves.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT focuses on validating or accepting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors rather than fighting them.
What to Look for in an Addiction and Depression Treatment Center?
Being diagnosed with a depressive disorder is not a death sentence, with the right care and guidance, most people get back on their feet and live their lives to the fullest. Finding the treatment center that best suits one’s needs is also as important as seeking help on time.
There are some things to bear in mind when trying to decide where to receive therapy. Some of these things are:
- The qualification of staff members at the treatment center
- The types of therapy for therapy and counseling for depression that are provided
- If they offer an individualized inpatient depression treatment program
- The level of involvement of the patients and their families with the inpatient depression treatment program
Get Depression Treatment in Los Angeles Today
Like most addiction and mental health treatment centers, Harmony Place employs evidence-based practices to provide intensive and individualized care to those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. Individuals diagnosed with co-occurring addiction and depression disorders can get the help they need in our dual-diagnosis treatment program.
Aside from that, we take pride in our meticulous outpatient care. We strongly encourage clients to continue with Los Angeles outpatient treatment and sober living. This is why Harmony Place offers an extended outpatient treatment program as well as transitional housing with a focus on productive recovery.
Contact us today to begin your depression treatment program.