Why Consider Residential Treatment for Depression?
Depression is one of the least treated and most common mental illnesses in the United States. According to NIH, in 2014 alone, an estimated 15.7 million adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year.1
If you’re struggling with depression, you’re certainly not alone. More importantly, you’re in the right place. We’re here to help you connect with a facility that can help you reclaim your life.
Chronic depression can be debilitating if left untreated. You may have trouble with jobs or schoolwork, or withdraw from your family or friends. You may lose interest in things you once loved doing. You may feel empty, or like a shadow of your former self.
Some people who experience depression may try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Others may experience suicidal thoughts or feelings. Depression is often experienced alongside other mental health disorders, especially anxiety disorders and trauma-related disorders such as PTSD.
Depression is a serious illness that deserves proper treatment. When a person is experiencing a deep depression, they may experience other symptoms as well, such as anxiety or substance abuse disorders. The complexity of each individual case requires that successful treatment centers offer a variety of treatment options to our clients. A professional staff should work together with the patient’s current providers and learn about the patient’s entire medical history. There are many therapeutic processes, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that can be used to address the depression.
Residential treatment is highly recommended for individuals to “take a step back” from the stress of everyday life and focus on getting well.3 It offers you the freedom to focus on feeling better and taking charge of your mental health and recovery.
Treatment Options for Depression
A high quality treatment center will design a personalized and integrated approach to wellness. Every person is different and trained mental health professionals know there is no cookie-cutter answer to depression. At the best facilities, an empathetic staff focuses on treating the whole person – not just the depression.
All potential patients who are going to enter treatment will undergo mental health screening prior to admittance to make certain the professionals understand how to best meet the individual patient’s needs. The medical history of the patient should be studied and possibly contact between the treatment center and previous or current care providers.
Some of the treatment options for depression include:
- Medication: Many people entering treatment for depression find relief from anxiety and other symptoms through medication. It depends on the severity of your symptoms and how you respond to medication. Medication may be used at the beginning of your treatment to reduce anxiety and other symptoms. Meds will be closely monitored by your treatment team and adjusted as needed. Not everyone will need to remain on medication.
- Individual Therapy: Usually, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is provided to help recovering individuals explore their mental health symptoms and triggers. CBT allows the therapist to work with clients in order to help them develop a new perspective and learn coping methods they can use in everyday life.
- Group Therapy: Many patients find it therapeutic to explore and solve their problems in a supportive group of their peers. There are a number of different types of group therapy, depending on each individual’s needs. Group sessions can use therapy to process issues related to depression, trauma, substance abuse, or any related issue. Group therapy facilitators know how to help individuals learn new coping skills and identify their triggers.
- Family Therapy: This is another important aspect of treatment. All patients have people in their lives that love them, but may not know how to support them or cope with the stigma of mental illness. They need to be a part of the healing process, too, in order for the long term recovery to have the best chance at succeeding.
There are a variety of other therapeutic activities available, such as art therapy or meditation.2 These activities should be participated in by patients for whom the activities have been deemed appropriate and likely helpful.
Residential Treatment is Highly Recommended
Residential treatment is highly recommended for individuals to “take a step back” from the stress of everyday life and focus on getting well. It offers you the freedom to focus on feeling better and taking charge of your mental health and recovery.
What Happens After I Finish Treatment?
Just because you finished a residential (or outpatient) program doesn’t mean you’re on your own again. As your discharge date approaches, you may experience some anxiety or sadness as you prepare to move to the next stage of your life. Your treatment team will help you prepare for the transition and connect with your loved ones to create a plan of care for your continued treatment.
Some patients benefit from outpatient programs or day programs to “step down” from residential treatment. Most will choose to see a therapist and psychiatrist on a regular basis. Prior to discharge from the residential treatment program, there should be a plan created that the patient agrees to and also is reasonable and appropriate to meet his or her needs. Most treatment centers can provide you with referrals or appointments for outpatient services and community resources upon discharge.
Getting Help for Depression
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression or another mental health problem, and you’re interested in learning more about your treatment options – get in touch with us. You don’t have to suffer. You have options. Your phone call is 100% confidential and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
