Depression Treatment

Millions of Americans deal with depression every year, and most them will experience severe impairment because of it. This makes depression treatment a public health necessity, and it shows that no one is really alone when dealing with the disorder. Unfortunately, alone is exactly what most people feel like when going through depressive episodes.

Unfortunately, depression doesn’t present itself in a uniform way. Everyone who deals with the disease will feel different burdens and face separate challenges. Transformations at Mending Fences offers a chance for those who need depression treatment to find something that works for them. Take a moment to review the following information to see how we can help.

What is Depression?

Depression is a common mood disorder that negatively affects a person’s thoughts and actions. Also known as major depressive disorder, the disease causes feelings of sadness and can make a person lose interest in things they once enjoyed. Symptoms of the illness can vary by person and over time, but in every case, seeking depression treatment is a vital step.

The importance of treating depression stems from the fact that the disease creates more than just momentary feelings of sadness. Clinical depression occurs when these feelings are long lasting and interfere in normal activities. Individuals dealing with the condition may have trouble working, socializing, meeting responsibilities or even getting out of bed.

Data from a few years ago found that 17.3 million American adults suffer from depression, but this has worsened since that time. In fact, some studies found that rates of the illness tripled during COVID-19 lockdowns. This underscores the fact that anyone can fall victim to the condition. This should make it clear that any stigma linked to depression treatment is unwarranted.

Types of Depression

It’s important to recognize that depressive disorder isn’t just a single illness. There are many types of depression that people deal with. These can have biological or environmental causes, and they can significantly vary in severity both between and within illnesses. These are some of the most common types that lead people to seek depression treatment:

  • Major depression: Feeling of depression during most of the day for the majority of the week. Symptoms typically persist for two weeks or longer.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder: Depression that affects a person for at least two years.
  • Bipolar Disorder: This condition occurs when a person has mood episodes that vary from extreme highs to extreme lows.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): When the winter months trigger major depression.
  • Psychotic Depression: Experiencing major depression alongside psychotic symptoms (e.g. delusions, paranoia).
  • Postpartum Depression: Major depression that occurs in women during the weeks or months following childbirth.

This is just the tip of the iceberg with depressive disorders. This illness can unexpectedly show up due to intense situations, or it could occur related to normal aspects of everyday life (e.g. premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Doctors even recognize atypical depression – which positive events can sometimes temporarily ease.

Regardless of the type in question, anyone experiencing this illness should seek depression treatment. Transformations at Mending Fences offers customized therapeutic plans that focus entirely on the individual needs of each patient. Contact us today so we can help you build a treatment plan that focuses entirely on your unique needs. 

Symptoms of Depression

While there are many types of depression treatments and depressive disorders, the symptoms are relatively uniform. What does vary, however, is the severity of symptoms. For about 65 percent of those suffering from the illness, these cause severe impairment. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to seek help:

  • Feelings of sadness, worthlessness or guilt.
  • Trouble falling asleep or waking up.
  • Fatigue and energy loss.
  • Difficulty thinking or making decisions.
  • Changes in weight and appetite.
  • No longer enjoying favorite activities.
  • Lack of motivation.
  • Unexplained aches and pains.
  • Increased physical activity without purpose (e.g. pacing).
  • Suicidal ideation.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to not wait until they worsen. You should also avoid attempting to self-medicate – as this can lead to substance abuse disorder. While certain drugs can help you overcome these extreme lows, it’s important that you only take them as part of a focused depression treatment plan.

Do I Need Depression Treatment?

Many people who consider treatment for depression are unsure whether their symptoms warrant professional help. Some may feel that intermittent symptoms don’t need treatment, but others may be afraid of stigma or medication. If you’re experiencing depressive symptoms, though, it’s a good idea to seek treatment regardless of your specific situation.

If any of the following are occurring, though, you should make the call immediately:

  • Problems with family, work or relationships are occurring.
  • You’re abusing alcohol or drugs to deal with extreme feelings of sadness.
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation.

These all indicate an immediate need for depression treatment. While all depressive symptoms are harmful, the aforementioned point towards imminent danger to every aspect of a person’s life. Depression isn’t something you should take a “wait and see” attitude towards. It’s a serious illness that should always be treated as such.

How to Find Depression Treatment Today

If you or a loved one is suffering from any depressive disorder, it’s important to find treatment immediately. The severity of symptoms can change quickly, and if this occurs, a person may not be safe around themselves. Even devoid of suicidal ideation, though, it’s impossible to overstate the potential negative effects of depression on a person’s life.

Finding depression treatment is as simple as reaching out for help. Transformations at Mending Fences has a staff of certified professionals who understand the nuances of effective treatment. They’ll work to find the right combination of therapies to provide the best chance of rehabilitation. Contact us today to learn how we can help on your road to improved mental health.

Sources

National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

University of Minnesota
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/09/depression-triples-us-adults-amid-covid-19-stressors

World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression