Depression is a mental illness that affects one’s mood. Although many kinds of depression exist, major depression is one of the most common forms. Other types of depression include persistent depressive disorder (PDD), perinatal depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and depression with symptoms of psychosis.
Major Depression Symptoms
Major depression is a period of low mood that lasts for two or more weeks. To classify as major depression, symptoms must be present nearly every day. Common symptoms of major depression include:
- Persistently low (depressed) mood
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Excessive sleepiness or fatigue
- Difficulty making decisions or remembering information
- Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
- Irritability or anxiousness
Depression varies from person to person. Each person will experience different combinations of depression symptoms with different intensities. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have depression, a medical professional can help you.
Depression Statistics
Depression is very common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 21 million adults in 2020 experienced one or more episodes of major depression. 17%, the majority, occurred in those aged 17 to 25. Major depression is most common among those who identify as two or more races.
Depression can be associated with other conditions, especially for older adults. When combined with other conditions, depression may worsen their symptoms. In addition, other conditions may worsen symptoms of depression.
Depression Treatment
Left untreated, depression can be very difficult to deal with. People with depression often find it challenging or impossible to attend work or school, care for themselves or their loved ones, or perform basic life tasks. Depression is frequently stigmatized, so many people with depression can struggle to ask for help or know what is available to them.
However, treatment is an effective way to manage symptoms of depression. Through decades of study, experts have established multiple science-backed treatment methods. The most effective methods of treatment include psychotherapy and medication. Depending on one’s symptoms and healthcare history, these treatment methods may be taken individually or together.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a category of safe, effective methods for treating major depression. Common forms of therapy for major depression include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Mindfulness therapy
Different forms of therapy will be more effective than others. Effectiveness can vary, typically depending on your symptoms, existing medical conditions, and trauma history. Speak to your healthcare team to learn which types of therapy may be most effective for you.
Medication
Medications used for treating depression are known as antidepressants. There are many forms of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants. If you believe medication may be helpful for you, speak to your care team about your options.
Alter Wellness Care’s Program
Alter Wellness Care, located in Laguna Beach, California, offers holistic, evidence-based treatments for major depression and other mental disorders. Our treatment programs include a variety of options to ensure that anyone, regardless of their needs or time commitment, can access care. They include two intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and one partial hospitalization program (PHP).
Our Intensive Outpatient Programs
Our IOPs are designed for those who are seeking programs with higher degrees of structure and support. We offer both short- and long-term stays. There are two levels of IOP care, including IOP5 and IOP3.
IOP5 lasts for 40 to 60 days. Clients stay in a local sober living house seven days a week to ensure their safety and comfort. Monday through Friday, clients have access to treatment at Alter Wellness Care several times a day.
IOP3 lasts for 30 to 40 days. Like IOP5, clients reside in a local sober living house seven days a week. This allows them easy access to our treatment center and the support and safety they need. This treatment program offers support at Alter Wellness Care every day Monday through Friday, either in two morning group sessions or two afternoon group sessions.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program
Our PHP is designed for those seeking a medium-length stay and a more flexible structure. The program lasts for 30 to 45 days. While in treatment, clients stay in a local sober living house seven days a week. This sober living house ensures that you are close to the treatment center for easy access and provides you with support and a safe space to stay while you recover.
Treatment at Alter Wellness Care is offered Monday through Friday, three to five days a week.
Our Treatment Options
Alter Wellness Care’s number one priority is your health and well-being. While in treatment in one of our programs, we offer a variety of effective treatment options to support our clients. Some of our treatment options include:
- Psycho-educational groups: Our psycho-educational groups support patients in understanding how their mental illness affects them, as well as how their symptoms and behaviors may affect them and their loved ones.
- Skills development groups: In our skill development groups, a therapist works with group members to create individualized plans for what skills group members seek to learn. Skills focus on managing symptoms and learning effective social strategies.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) groups: CBT is an evidence-based therapy modality commonly used for depression and other mental illnesses. In our CBT groups, clients learn how to understand and intercept harmful thought patterns.
- Support groups: Our support groups allow a safe space for clients to learn interpersonal skills and work together to solve problems.
- Interpersonal process groups: Our interpersonal process groups are designed to help patients process and understand their traumas and address the difficulties that may stem from them.
- Acceptance therapy: Acceptance therapy is an effective way for those with major depression and other mental illnesses to identify what is most important to them and create plans to center that in their lives.
Alter Wellness Care offers holistic, cutting-edge treatment for those with major depression and other disorders. To learn more about your options, call (866) 515-1580.
