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Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition that causes feelings of emptiness and sadness and may involve severe symptoms such as suicidal ideation.
At Bedrock Recovery Center, we offer a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed approach to treating depression for lasting results, with medical and clinical care provided by our team of compassionate health professionals including an onsite psychiatrist, psychiatric and registered nurses, and master’s-level therapists.
In addition to today’s best treatments for depression, our residential mental health program offers comfortable accommodations, including semi-private rooms, with plenty of opportunities for participating in activities to boost wellness and balance the mind and body, including yoga, meditation, group exercise classes, movie and game nights, and more.
Recovering From Depression At BRC
Evidence-based treatment at BRC includes medication management, stabilization support, individual and group therapies, and, for clients requiring it, dual diagnosis treatment. A dual diagnosis of depression and a co-occurring substance use disorder is common and responds best to treatment that addresses both conditions at the same time.
Shortly after arriving at BRC, you will receive a mental health evaluation and assessment to determine your unique care needs and recovery goals. You and your care team will work together to meet these needs and goals through an individualized treatment plan that will most likely include therapy, medication, and holistic treatment options.
Medication
You may come to BRC already taking a prescribed antidepressant medication, or you may require our psychiatric team to determine which medication is best for you. Our team may also adjust the dosage of your medication or switch medications to ensure you receive the desired treatment outcomes with no or the fewest side effects.
Medications that are often used in the treatment of depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline; serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine; tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs); atypical antidepressants such as bupropion and mirtazapine; and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Mood stabilizers or antipsychotics may also be used.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy is considered an important part of depression treatment. At BRC, we offer evidence-based therapies proven to help people achieve lasting recovery.
Our therapy options include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- group therapy
- family therapy
These behavioral therapy interventions can help you identify and address unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors so that it becomes easier to make choices that contribute to your well-being. Therapy in family and group settings can help you connect with others, strengthen key relationships, and develop relationship-building skills.
Other Treatment Options
We also offer psychoeducation throughout our treatment programs, as learning about depression and recovery has been proven to help people with depression adhere to treatment and improve their overall psychological and social functioning.
Wellness and social activities at BRC like yoga, sports, and movie nights also help achieve these recovery aims.
Learn More About Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
Clinical depression is a mental health condition that can affect people of all ages. This mood disorder involves numerous symptoms that can make day-to-day life very difficult.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are five types of depression, although there are other instances in which a person may experience symptoms of depression or depressive episodes.
Major Depression
Major depression, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is indicated by a depressed mood that lasts for at least two weeks and interferes with the person’s school or work, relationships, and other aspects of daily living.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that fluctuates as the seasons change. Most commonly, depressive symptoms peak during the fall and winter months and begin to dissipate in the spring, but people can experience SAD any time of year.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder, involves experiencing low-level depression for a long period of time, or at least two years. Dysthymic disorder also involves at least two other symptoms of depression, such as loss of interest in activities and low self-esteem.
Perinatal Depression
Another form of depression is perinatal depression, a form of depression that occurs during or following pregnancy.
If the depression occurs before the baby is born, it is called prenatal depression. If the depression takes place after pregnancy, it is referred to as postpartum depression.
Psychotic Depression
Depression with symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions, is a severe form of depression. Psychotic depression typically requires hospitalization for recovery.
Diagnosing Depression
To help determine if a patient has depression, a doctor may provide a depression screening as part of a routine checkup. A referral may be made to a psychiatrist or mental health treatment program.
A diagnosis of depression is based on the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which provides common symptoms and other pertinent information.
Signs & Symptoms Of Depression
Symptoms of depression may vary and may be recognizable to loved ones.
Signs and symptoms of depression include:
- loss of interest in once-loved activities
- thoughts of death
- feelings of guilt
- weight gain or weight loss
- low self-esteem
- poor hygiene
- fatigue
- irritability
- a marked decrease in quality of life
- a suicide attempt
Risk Factors
Several risk factors may help a person identify if they are experiencing depression and need to get help.
Risk factors for depression include:
- a family history of mental illness
- substance use
- co-occurring disorders such as an anxiety disorder or personality disorder
- trauma
- major life changes
If left untreated, depression may worsen and lead to suicide attempts.
Depression Statistics
Depression is common, but treatment can help people with this diagnosis live healthy, full lives.
Recent statistics related to depression include:
- A 2023 Gallup poll showed that 29 percent of respondents had experienced depression in their lifetime, with nearly 18 percent currently living with depression.
- In 2020, 21 million adults and 2.9 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the U.S. experienced at least one major depressive episode.
- In 2021 48,183 suicide deaths occurred in the U.S.
Find Treatment Today
If you are in need of treatment for depression, please contact Bedrock Recovery Center today to learn more about our program.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/depression.htm
- National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html
- National Library of Medicine: StatPearls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559078/
- Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181770/
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression