Depression is more than just occasionally feeling sad. It’s a serious mental illness that can negatively affect almost every aspect of a person’s life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a leading cause of disability for people around the world. Major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder are the two most common types of depression. Those who suffer from major depressive disorder have feelings of intense sadness for at least two weeks, while people who have persistent depressive disorder experience less severe symptoms for two years or longer.
Depression can be a debilitating mental illness, but fortunately, it’s highly treatable. At CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia, we help people who are battling depression improve their lives through evidence-based programming. With our support, you can learn how to manage disruptive symptoms so that you can be the healthiest, happiest version of yourself.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
People struggle with depression in many different ways. Depending on certain individual factors, such as health history, age, and personality traits, a person’s symptoms may vary in severity, duration, and frequency.
Typical signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of intense sadness, emptiness, or anxiousness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Drastic changes in weight or appetite
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Feelings of self-blame or regret
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Irregular sleep patterns like sleeping excessively or not enough
- Engaging in self-harm behaviors
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
For some people, depression can make fulfilling their daily responsibilities nearly impossible. If you are exhibiting the warning signs of depression, don’t put off finding the care you deserve. Professional treatment can help you overcome emotional distress and reclaim your life.
Depression Causes & Risk Factors
Depression is one of the most common and complex mental health disorders affecting people in the U.S. today. While depression generally begins during adulthood, symptoms may appear at any age.
There is no single cause of depression, but experts believe that numerous factors, including brain chemistry, hormones, genetics, and biological differences, may contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing the mental illness.
Risk factors for depression include:
- Family history of depression
- Poor nutrition
- Traumatic or stressful life events
- Personal history of other mental health concerns
- Chronic or serious medical conditions, such as heart disease or cancer
- Substance use disorders
Effects of Depression
Depression can impact how a person thinks, behaves, and feels. When left untreated, it can lead to severe emotional and physical challenges.
Common effects of depression include:
- Lack of self-esteem
- Physical illness
- Employment issues
- Isolation or social withdrawal
- Poor self-care
- Onset or worsening of other mental health concerns
- Addiction or substance use
- Strained relationships with family or friends
Depression Statistics
Statistics about the prevalence of depression can be eye-opening. According to WHO, an estimated 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Statistics provided by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) reveal the significant impacts of depression on Americans specifically:
- In a given year, major depressive disorder affects approximately 17.3 million adults.
- More women than men struggle with major depressive disorder.
- Of children and teens ages 3-17, 1.9 million have been diagnosed with depression.
Therapies Used in Depression Treatment
At CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia, we create a personalized treatment plan for each person in our care. We understand that depression affects everyone differently, and we are committed to delivering services that meet your specific needs.
When you seek treatment from our team, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment that will help us get to know you better. Depending on the level of care you participate in, your treatment plan may include:
- Basic medical care
- Medication management services
- Detoxification services if you have a co-occurring addiction
- Family, group, and experiential therapies
We will help ensure your success during treatment by only incorporating the modalities that can offer you the greatest benefit. Your care might include elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and supportive therapies, 12-Step programming, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and art therapy.
Benefits of Depression Treatment
We acknowledge that depression can cause people to feel hopeless, and we are here to remind you that your future is bright and full of promise. At our depression treatment center, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing people with the encouragement, insight, and resources they need to get on a path to better health.
In addition to an empathetic staff, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with peers who understand what you’re going through. The meaningful bonds people are able to build during treatment can be an invaluable source of support on their journeys to healing.
Choosing the Right Depression Treatment Center
If you aren’t sure what to look for during your search for a depression treatment center, you may want to ask the following questions when considering available options:
- Is the admissions process efficient?
- Does the treatment center provide individualized care?
- What type of professionals will I engage with?
- Will I receive additional support once programming is over?
When it comes to finding treatment for depression, locating a provider that offers customized care is essential. At CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia, located in Columbia, Missouri, we deliver a personalized experience from the start. From the admissions process to aftercare planning, we will provide you with focused care so that you can get the most out of your time with us.
To learn more about depression treatment at our hospital, please reach out to our team today. We can determine whether our services are the right fit for you and which level of care you can benefit from. Asking for help is a brave first step toward healing, and we can provide the support you need to continue on your journey confidently.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia.
