Most people know what it is like to experience ‘the blues.’ It is normal to feel down sometimes, but when that feeling persists for a long time or starts becoming seriously disruptive, it could be time to seek help from a depression treatment program. Millions of Americans will experience symptoms of depression at some point during their lives, and for some, depression can be a recurring condition that requires treatment and management.
The good news is depression is treatable, and with the help of medications, counseling, and therapy, it is possible to experience relief. Understanding what depression is and how it is treated can help empower you to seek help for yourself or a loved one. Call Northpoint Seattle at 888.483.6031 to learn more about depression and how we treat it.
Treating Depression: What Is Depression and How Can It Be Effectively Treated?
Depression is a common and potentially very serious mental health condition. People who are experiencing depression may have some of the following symptoms:
- Feeling sad or ‘down’
- Lack of energy and fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame
- Sleep disturbances, both insomnia and sleeping too much
- Changes in eating habits and appetite
- Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Thoughts of harming oneself, death, and suicide
These symptoms can be caused by other health issues, so it is important to make sure that you or your loved one are checked over by a physician to rule out a physical illness.
Depression is treatable, and there are more medications and types of therapy than ever before. Most treatment programs for depression will include both medicine and counseling, but of course, this will depend on the needs of the individual. There are many types of programs available to treat depression. Some of these are:
- General therapy and medication – For people whose symptoms are less severe, treatment plans which focus on less intensive outpatient care can work well. These plans generally involve meeting with a medication provider and a therapist at regular intervals.
- Intensive outpatient care – This type of program is meant to help patients whose symptoms are more severe but who do not need to stay overnight in an inpatient setting. Patients will attend programming at the treatment center several times a week, where they will participate in individual and group therapy and receive medical care for their symptoms.
- Inpatient care – For some patients, a treatment program where they are able to stay at the treatment center or hospital is best. Patients receive much of the same type of treatment as in an intensive outpatient program, but they stay overnight at the treatment center.
Finding a Depression Treatment Program That Will Work for You
There are so many different types of programs, so how can you find the one that will work best for you or your loved one? There are several factors to consider when searching for a depression treatment program. Some of these are:
- Any co-occurring disorders or other health issues, such as substance abuse or physical illness
- Insurance coverage
- Making sure that the program and its staff are properly licensed and accredited
Each treatment program is different, so the best thing to do is to contact the program directly and speak to a staff member about your specific needs.
Northpoint Seattle: Depression Treatment for Individuals and Families
At our treatment centers in Bellevue and Seattle, Washington, our patients receive cutting-edge care in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Northpoint Seattle is committed to helping individuals and families heal and begin the recovery process. If you or someone that you care about has been struggling with depression, you do not have to fight alone. Reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 888.483.6031 or via our online form.