Depression falls under the category of mood disorders. In many cases, it can be severe and cause symptoms that affect how you feel and think.
Depression often affects how people handle daily activities. When people have a depression disorder, it can take hold of them and affect their sleep patterns, how and when they eat, and how they perform at their job.
Types of Depression
Though many think that depression is a specific diagnosis, the fact is that it takes many forms. The term “depression” is an umbrella term for a variety of different types of mood disorders. Not everyone with depression has just one of these types. In fact, people may often have multiple forms, which can have an even greater effect on their lives.
A few examples include:
- Mild, moderate, and severe depression
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Dysthymia
- Psychotic depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Any individual that has one or more of these conditions will have their own version, and there will be different ways of dealing with them. There are a number of ways to assist people in their journey out of depression and into better mental health.
Dual Diagnosis
Some people with depression also struggle with substance abuse problems. For these individuals, it is important to receive treatment for both issues. There are a number of programs and rehabilitation centers that can assist in this process. For many people, a substance use problem often goes hand-in-hand with mental health. When one has a dual diagnosis, it is impossible to effectively treat the two separately. However, the right rehabilitation center and medical team can attack both issues and help you back on your feet.
Different Therapies
There are two different treatment options that are considered the most effective: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). These two treatment options can be used in tandem or separately. Keep in mind that these are not a solution to depression, especially when treating one diagnosis independently.
Depression is something that many people live with, and it can be worked on. It is part of the human condition and affects everyone at some point and this is entirely normal. As humans, we have good and bad times. It is simply a matter of weathering the bad times without feeling they are uncontrollable.
CBT
The most effective form of treatment involves a deep dive into one’s personal life and issues. This may mean anything from discussing childhood trauma to current problems with a spouse or work. There may even be times when the conversation involves a variety of thoughts and feelings. It is important to remember that these kinds of thoughts are vital to the healing and therapy process.
MAT
This treatment is often used in conjunction with CBT. Although medication has been proven to be quite helpful with many forms of depression, it is imperative that things are not simply medicated away. Consider the fact that depression is caused by trauma, such as PTSD. You will not get over it with simple medication. In fact, the more vital part of the treatment will be talk therapy with supplemental MAT. There are a number of medications that can be prescribed.
When a doctor prescribes medication, it will often be a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These are a class of drugs that are typically used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other conditions.
The five most common medications are:
- Citalopram, often prescribed as Celexa
- Escitalopram, often prescribed as Lexapro
- Fluoxetine, often prescribed as Prozac
- Paroxetine, often prescribed as Paxil
- Sertraline, often prescribed as Zoloft
A medical professional will make sure that you are on the correct medication, the correct dosage, and the right mix of any combination. It may take time for the medicines to work, and they may not work right away. There are often side effects associated with these medications, but for many people, the benefits outweigh them.
When Someone Shows Signs of Depression
There are a number of signs to look out for to determine whether a loved one has depression. Remember that they do not have to show every sign to be experiencing depression. If you are unsure, you may want to address them directly to gauge how they are feeling.
A few signs of depression include:
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of energy
- Issues with sleep
- Lack of concentration
- Confidence issues
- Suicidal thoughts
Seeking Help
Someone that has these issues and refuses to address them may need further assistance. Therefore, should you believe them to be a danger to themselves or others, contact help immediately.
There are a number of places to contact for information and assistance. One of the best services to call is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at (800) 662-4357.
They will be able to help determine what is needed and point you in the right direction. At the same time, if you find that you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. They are available 24/7.
Nearly everyone endures depression at some point. However, in 2022, the percentage of people who reported depressive thoughts rose to nearly 41%. If you find yourself more depressed than normal, you may be in need of assistance. Consider what may be happening in your life that could be causing these feelings. Talk with your friends and family and see if meeting with a medical professional is the right option. In some cases, you may find that you need specific treatment and possible hospitalization. However, even if your problems seem insurmountable, there are always options available to you. The Phoenix Recovery Center is at the forefront of mental health treatment and can provide the programs you need. Whether it is depression, dual diagnosis, or substance abuse, we offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Call The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
