BOLD Blog, Depression, Outpatient Treatment

Everyone feels down from time to time. But depression is far different than just feeling sad. Depression, also called “major depressive disorder,” is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and act. 

Depression is not a choice you make. It’s a treatable medical illness. And if you or someone you love is struggling with this common mental health issue, there’s no need to feel guilty. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

You or your loved one are not alone. And the sooner you get help, the better. 

Unfortunately, because of the negative stigma around mental health in our society, you may chalk these symptoms up to something else. But don’t talk yourself out of something you label as “nothing.” 

Depression can significantly harm your relationships, career, and health. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness. Admitting you need someone to guide you through your mental health struggles is a sign of strength.

Causes of Depression

Like many other mental illnesses, depression is a complex disease. Because of this, experts don’t know exactly what causes it, but have narrowed it down to a few likely factors:

• Genetics: If you have blood relatives who suffer from depression, you are more likely to inherit the disease. 

• Biology: Research reveals people with depression have physical differences in their brains compared to those without depression. While these findings are still in the early phases, they may lead to more conclusive causes of depression. 

• Chemistry in your brain: Your brain is full of neurotransmitters. And if they function improperly, it could lead to you developing depression. Some treatments for depression, such as psychotherapy and medications, help you rewire your brain chemistry to help these neurotransmitters function better, aiding in your recovery.

• Hormones: Our bodies and the hormones within are constantly fluctuating. If you are sensitive to hormone changes, you may be more susceptible to depression. This is especially true for some women during pregnancy, after they give birth (postpartum depression), those going through menopause, or men and women with thyroid problems. 

• Environmental factors: We all know life can be challenging. If you’ve experienced abuse, trauma, the loss of a loved one, or a significant life change such as divorce, you’re more likely to develop depression. 

• Medical conditions: If you suffer from sleep disturbances, chronic pain, anxiety, ADHD, or other medical illnesses, you may be more susceptible.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms of depression, it’s time to reach out for help.

Related Post: Getting Help for Depression: How to Find the Right Therapist

Treatments for Depression

When you suffer from depression, it can feel like you’re trapped in a never ending cycle of unending sadness with no hope of recovery. 

But that’s not true. Recovery is possible. 

The good news about depression is that it is treatable. Whether you decide to try psychotherapy, an intensive outpatient program, medication for depression, or a combination of any of the above, there are plenty of proven-effective options for you. 

• Lifestyle changes: One of the most practical treatments for depression is through everyday lifestyle changes. 
  • Regular exercise has been proven as a highly effective way to treat depression.
  • Changing your nutrition to include healthier, more nutrient-rich foods is also another excellent option.  
  • Ensuring healthy, regular sleep patterns goes a long way in improving your symptoms of depression.
  • Reducing stress through yoga or other meditation practices can help.
• Medication for depression: Antidepressants and mood stabilizers can effectively help reduce the symptoms of depression. But, unfortunately, they may not address the underlying problem. Talk to your doctor about combining medication for depression with other treatment options such as therapy and lifestyle changes.
• Psychotherapy: Also known as “talk therapy,” psychotherapy is a proven, effective treatment for depression. While the negative stigma around mental health may lead you to believe simply talking about how you feel isn’t going to help, you’d be wrong. 

Psychotherapy helps you identify your emotions, feelings, and actions and effectively form new ways of coping. (can we put in a link to our providers somewhere here?)

• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): IOP’s are very helpful treatments for depression. Basically, an IOP is a customized therapy program that is more intense than regular psychotherapy. IOPs are designed to treat your specific mental health concerns. They can include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, or a combination.

Our Intensive Outpatient Program in San Diego includes nine to fifteen hours of psychoeducation, group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management (if needed). 

Hospitalization: If you suffer from severe depression and an intensive outpatient program won’t provide enough support, you may need hospitalization or inpatient treatment. After completing an inpatient treatment program, an intensive outpatient program in San Diego may be the right choice to continue your recovery.

Your Best Options for Treating Depression During Pregnancy

Don’t Wait to Get Help

If you feel like you can’t get through your feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness, you’re not alone. We’re here for you.

At BOLD Health, we specialize in some of the best Intensive Outpatient Programs in San Diego and beyond, individual therapy and psychiatry in San Diego. We help men, women, and adolescents overcome their mental health struggles by empowering them with the tools and resources they need to live happier, more fulfilling lives.

Whether it’s you or a loved one suffering from depression or other mental health concerns, don’t be afraid to contact us. There’s never been a better time to get help than now. Getting the best treatment from a top-notch Intensive Outpatient Program in San Diego could save your life or the life of someone you love.