Millions of people experience depression, sometimes along with substance use disorder (SUD). Unfortunately, people often avoid depression treatment and rehabilitation for SUD. However, if left untreated, these conditions can ruin one’s life. Treatment can help you heal and recover. Call Profound Treatment to get started today.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that has become extremely prevalent. It significantly impacts a person’s life, impairing their ability to function and fulfill their day-to-day responsibilities. Some think depression only causes feelings of sadness, but it extends far beyond that. It deeply influences a person’s emotional state, thought processes, and well-being.
Major Depressive Disorder and Its Impact on Health
As mentioned, depression can significantly impair one’s health due to the physical and mental discomfort it causes. These changes may increase one’s risk for the development of chronic conditions, abusing substances, or self-destructive behaviors, including the risk of suicide. Recognizing the signs and understanding this – and other mood disorders – is one way to better prepare for combating such conditions.
Understanding Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect one’s emotional state. That includes clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, to name a few. They can also cause physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches, and in severe cases, they can lead to substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression
The signs and symptoms of mood disorders vary depending on the condition. Depression – also referred to as clinical depression or major depressive disorder – is complex, and as such, it can cause many symptoms varying in intensity, including:
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and low mood
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficult remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
- Frequent thoughts of death and/or suicide
Emotional Signs: Sadness, Anhedonia, and Mood Changes
As mentioned, sadness can be a key indicator of depression. Mood changes and anhedonia – the inability to feel pleasure from activities typically pleasurable – are also telltale signs. Of course, these can be associated with other mental health conditions, which is why reaching out to a mental health professional is critical.
Physical Signs: Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue
Like other mood disorders, depression can also manifest through a variety of physical symptoms, including:
- Headaches or digestive problems
- Excessive sleeping or insomnia
- Diminished energy levels and persistent fatigue
- Changes in appetite or significant weight changes
The Role of Stress in Depression
There are several causes of depression, but stress can be a potent trigger. Stress, especially chronic stress, can decrease mental and emotional well-being. It’s not uncommon for a stressful event to precipitate depressive episodes and contribute to a more significant problem.
Types of Depression
Like mood disorders, depression includes a variety of conditions. Some of the most common types of depression include:
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occurs when the season changes, typically at the beginning of fall and throughout winter
- Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth, typically causing severe mood swings, exhaustion, and feelings of inadequacy.
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), previously known as dysthymia, causes long-term, less severe symptoms.
Depression Treatment: Understanding Your Options
Learning about and understanding depression and other mood disorders can be discouraging, but they are treatable. Therapy and other interventions for treating depression may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches one to recognize and change harmful thinking patterns.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps clients accept themselves and their emotions judgment-free.
- Family therapy and involving loved ones can help clients feel supported and can address family dysfunctions.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be useful when treating depression and substance abuse, as it can help manage triggers, cravings, and depression symptoms simultaneously.
- Antidepressants function by increasing levels of neurotransmitters, like serotonin and adrenaline, in the brain. Of course, as with any medication, there are potential side effects associated with antidepressants.
Exploring New Options for Depression Treatment: Ketamine Clinics in California
Another depression treatment that has come to light in the last decade or so is ketamine. A dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, research provided potential benefits of ketamine use for depression treatment, and in 2019, the FDA approved a form of the drug for such purposes. With many ketamine clinics throughout California, this may be a new option worth exploring. However, for those with SUD, such treatment could be dangerous as the euphoric effects can be triggering.
The Role of Lifestyle in Managing Depression Treatment
Along with therapy, medications, and other potential treatment options, life significantly influences depression, too. Individuals must learn effective coping tools and techniques, community and support networks, and other health habits to manage their moods. That may look like:
- Practicing mindfulness-based techniques like yoga, journaling, and meditation
- Joining a support group for anxiety, depression, addiction, or other concerns
- Educating friends and family about depression and what they can do to help
- Reducing stress by eliminating stressors, setting boundaries, and engaging in hobbies
- Making healthy life changes, like exercising, eating nutritiously, and getting enough sleep
Depression Treatment and Recovery Options in Los Angeles
There are many depression treatment and recovery options for individuals in Los Angeles, depending on your needs and situation. Some of the facilities consist of:
- Inpatient programs that dive deeper into treatment, provide 24/7 support, structure and routine, and a supportive environment for comprehensive care.
- Outpatient treatment programs offer flexibility, allowing clients to integrate treatment into their daily lives. These programs allow people to keep working, remain at home with family, and fulfill other day-to-day responsibilities.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), like inpatient, provide structure and recovery. They offer more intense care than outpatient programs but are less insensitive than inpatient treatment.
Why Choose Profound for Depression Treatment Center in California?
There are many programs to help your struggle with depression, but we encourage you to consider us at Profound Treatment. Our expert staff and clinicians provide patient-centered care, compassion support, personalized treatment plans, and a holistic approach to managing depression. Call or visit our website to learn more about our programs today.
Millions of people struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions every year. One of the most prevalent of these conditions is depression, also known as clinical depression and major depressive disorder. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, anhedonia, and intense mood swings. Unfortunately, many people use substances to try to cope with depression, but this ultimately leads to dependency. The best way to heal and recover from depression and addiction is to seek treatment. At Profound Treatment, we provide a variety of programs for depression treatment. Our compassionate and comprehensive approach can help you heal and recover. Call (310) 340-2609 to learn more today.
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