More than nineteen million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. This staggering statistic shows how pervasive depression is in our society. People of all ages and all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression. That is the main reason why it is so crucial to seek professional treatment for depression, such as the depression treatment program at Baltimore Detox Center.
Our Baltimore Detox Center team sees that anxiety and depression are usually intertwined. Therefore, it is essential to not only provide depression and anxiety treatment but addiction treatment as well. This approach, known as dual diagnosis treatment, can lead to lasting positive outcomes.
What Is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care. If left untreated, depression can be devastating for those who have it and their families. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis, you can and do get better. Some people will only experience one depressive episode in a lifetime, but for most, depressive disorder recurs. Without treatment, episodes may last a few months to several years.
There are many potential causes of depression, including:
- Trauma – When people experience trauma at an early age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains respond to fear and stress. These changes may lead to depression.
- Genetics – Mood disorders, such as depression, tend to run in families.
- Life circumstances – If you experience negative changes in a relationship, financial problems, or housing issues, depression can result.
- Brain changes – Imaging studies have shown that the frontal lobe of the brain becomes less active when a person is depressed. Depression is also associated with changes in how the pituitary gland and hypothalamus respond to hormone stimulation.
- Other medical conditions – People who have a history of sleep disturbances, medical illness, chronic pain, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are more likely to develop depression.
Most significantly, drug and alcohol abuse influence depressive disorders. It is crucial to seek treatment for both depression and addiction.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Depression is much more than feeling down. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Lack of concentration or interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Loss of energy
- Hopelessness or guilty thoughts
- Sudden outbursts of anger or mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts
If you or someone you care about is considering suicide, call 911 immediately. For more long-term depression treatment, contact our Baltimore Detox Center team today.
How Is Depression Treated?
There are many forms of treatment for depression. Depending on the severity of the depressive disorder, treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, includes cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and group therapy.
- Medications including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic medications can be used to treat depression.
- Exercise can help with prevention and mild-to-moderate symptoms.
- Light therapy, which uses a lightbox to expose a person to full-spectrum light in an effort to regulate the hormone melatonin, is another treatment method for depression.
- Alternative approaches, including acupuncture, meditation, faith, and nutrition, can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- In some severe cases, residential treatment can be an option for depression treatment.
Discover More About Our Depression Treatment Program Today
Although depression can make you feel like there is no hope, our Baltimore Detox Center team wants you to know that depression can be treated. Our depression treatment program is designed to help people who are fighting depression and anxiety or addiction as well. Contact our team today by calling [Direct] or completing our confidential online form. Take back control of your life now with help from Baltimore Detox Center.