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If you’re worried that you or one of your loved ones may be showing symptoms of depression, note that you are far from alone. And, it may be worth talking to a mental health professional.
Depression is common. In fact, about one in five American adults will experience depression at some point in their lives.
Read on to learn how Mark Behavioral Health addresses and treats a variety of depressive disorders at our South Florida mental health treatment facility.
There are several different types of depressive disorders that we treat at Mark Behavioral Health, in addition to other mental health disorders.
Major depressive disorder, sometimes referred to as clinical depression or major depression, is the most common type of depressive disorder in the United States.
Major depression affects people of all ages and from all walks of life, with different symptoms and varying levels of intensity.
To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a person must exhibit as least 5 of the symptoms of depression for at least 2 weeks, as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses (DSM-5).
These symptoms include:
Someone can have different symptoms than these or additional symptoms, but they must have at least five for an official diagnosis.
Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a type of prolonged depression that can last for several years.
The signs and symptoms of persistent depressive disorder are not always consistent and can disappear for up to a couple of months, but the person is generally always unhappy, in a depressed mood, and with a negative outlook on life.
This type of depression often goes undiagnosed as its symptoms, such as gloominess and pessimism, are usually perceived as personality traits as opposed to a chronic mental illness.
In addition to major depressive and persistent depressive disorder, there are other depressive disorders that apply to more specific situations and symptoms.
Other depressive disorders include:
There is no single cause or causes of depression, and more research is always needed and being done on this subject.
Most research has found that there are generally two categories that causes for depressive disorders fall into, those that are genetic and those that are environmental.
Some risk factors for depression are out of a person’s control, such as their genes and gender, while others involve lifestyle choices that can be addressed to reduce the risk of developing depression.
Risk factors for depressive disorders include:
The symptoms of depressive disorders can vary a lot in intensity and can also come and go over time.
People may have a hard time recognizing or acknowledging the emotional or physical symptoms of depression in themselves, which is why it is helpful to know the signs to look for in our loved ones.
Symptoms of depressive disorders include:
When depressive disorders are left untreated, a person may find that they start to lose interest or productivity in many areas of their life.
At this point, they may find it difficult to maintain their former responsibilities.
Side effects of untreated depressive disorders include:
You can find the following treatments for depression at Mark Behavioral Health, utilizing evidence-based practices to promote positive outcomes.
The primary service that we offer at Mark Behavioral Health for treating depression and other mental health disorders is residential inpatient treatment.
The length of stay will depend on your needs, and treatment plans are always customized for each person.
During a residential stay, you will live onsite with others who are also in treatment. You will participate in individual treatments and support groups that allow you to interact with others and share your stories.
Some people who come to us are in need of crisis stabilization before they can begin residential treatment, as a way to return to a healthier mental state before continuing with treatment.
These services help you to get stable in a less intensive environment than would be found in a hospital and without the need for law enforcement involvement.
Mark Behavioral Health offers both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which are some of the most effective therapies for many mental health disorders.
These therapies can aid you in understanding your emotions and how to manage and regulate them in healthier and more productive ways.
Trauma-informed care is an integral part of our therapies and treatments at Mark Behavioral Health, especially for individuals who have experienced sexual trauma or abuse.
This approach to therapy and care takes on an understanding of your history and past trauma in a way that allows providers to treat you more directly and compassionately.
Everyone faces grief at one point or another in life, and grief or bereavement therapy can help you learn to manage and cope with your losses.
Our grief and loss therapy is available to all residential clients of our facility, and is available with a trauma-informed care approach as well.
Our specialized wellness services focus on the overall well-being of our clients through workshops and various holistic treatments.
Through these wellness services, residents are encouraged to eat well and move their bodies, as nutrition and fitness can both have huge impacts on a person’s mental health.
There are several resources available to people living with depression who are seeking information, advocacy, or help in finding treatment nearby.
Top resources for people facing depression include:
For additional resources locally, you can also speak with your primary care physician or another health care provider that you trust.
Please reach out to Mark Behavioral Health if you have questions about mental disorders or are in need of residential mental health treatment for yourself or a family member.
We provide services to a wide range of areas in South Florida, and we are dedicated to helping people improve their mental health and feel good again.
No matter what you are going through in life right now, we would love to be the ones to help you or your loved one get back on your feet.
Contact us now to learn more about the highly targeted mental health care we provide.
The most common depressive disorder is major depressive disorder, which is characterized by a depressive episode with persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness that lasts for more than 2 weeks.
Other common depressive disorders are atypical depression, persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
A depressed person can live a normal life, but depression can be incredibly debilitating and affect people in nearly all areas of their lives.
This is why it is essential to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one if your are experiencing signs of a depressive disorder.
Different people may benefit from different treatments depending on whether they have mild, moderate, or severe depression.
The most effective treatment approach has shown to be a combination of psychotherapy and medications like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Others with severe depression may need more supervision and a more individual approach, where residential treatment may be the best option, or more intensive therapies like brain stimulation therapy or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
People with major depressive disorder often seek professional treatment or make lifestyle changes to help them cope in healthy ways.
With the right tools and regular counseling, it is absolutely possible to live the life you want with a major depressive disorder or other mental health condition.
No, you cannot cure depression completely, but people can experience positive outcomes with treatment and experience prolonged periods of happiness.
There is always a possibility that depression can return, which is why it can be good to maintain therapy or treatment even during times when you feel good.
