Depression is a mental health condition that can leave you feeling sad, lacking energy and becoming withdrawn from friends and family. Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital provides treatment for depression for adults age 18 and older so that you can regain control of your symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
There are a number of symptoms that could indicate that someone is suffering from depression. The types of symptoms each person experiences can vary but may include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia)
- Lack of energy
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
- Becoming socially withdrawn
- Trouble concentrating
- Self-harm
- Thoughts of death
- Planned or attempted suicide
Depression Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of depression isn’t entirely known. However, there are various risk factors that might contribute to its development.
Risk factors for depression include:
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Stressful life events
- Having a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with depression
- Chronic or disabling medical conditions
Depression can also co-occur with other mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and substance use disorders. It is important that your depression treatment plan addresses all co-occurring conditions as well.
Effects of Depression
The effects of depression can vary from person to person and range in severity. Left untreated, depressive episodes can result in impairments in many facets of life.
Potential effects of depression include:
- Social impairment and isolation
- Difficulty maintaining a job
- Financial trouble
- Academic setbacks
- Physical illness
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Suicidal behavior
Even seemingly mild effects of depression should be taken seriously. Without treatment, depression can continue to worsen and lead to a higher risk of death from suicide.
Therapies Used to Treat Depression
Prior to receiving therapy for depression, you will participate in the admissions process at your treatment place. At Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, our admissions team will work with you to determine which therapies will be the most beneficial based on your unique concerns and treatment goals.
Your depression treatment plan might include individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions and family sessions. By participating in group sessions in addition to one-on-one sessions, you have the chance to practice the skills you learn, share your experiences with depression with others and grow your support system.
No matter what sessions you participate in, your treatment services will be completely personalized. Your plan might include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, recreational therapy and art therapy.
Benefits of Receiving Depression Treatment with Us
When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital as your depression treatment place, you will receive care that is customized to meet your unique needs. We are equipped with a team of experts that includes psychiatrists, licensed therapists, registered nurses, general practitioners and dietitians who are committed to helping you overcome your depression symptoms.
When you enter Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, you can expect to find a depression treatment place that is clean, safe and welcoming. We have created a space where you can get away from the distractions of daily life and focus on receiving the depression treatment you need.
At Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, we don’t focus just on your depression treatment plan, but on your aftercare plan as well. We will do everything we can to make sure that you have a smooth transition back to your daily life and the resources you need for lasting wellness.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital.