The number of Americans coping with depression is staggering. Depression is one of the most common and severe mental health issues facing people of all ages. Finding mental health treatment is one way to both prevent depression and treat it should it arise. Clinical depression is a condition that causes prolonged feelings of sadness that prevent a person from functioning normally. Our depression treatment program in Florida can offer options, hope, and a plan.

Whether you are looking for inpatient or outpatient treatment for depression, Harmony Hills has the people, programs, and activities to help you recover. Our Olympic-sized swimming pool, basketball courts, and ranch-style layout provide the perfect environment for healing. For more information about our Florida mental health treatment programs, contact Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357.

What Is Depression?

Sadness is a part of life and everyone experiences loss and disappointment at specific points. However, depression is more than simply feeling down. It is a mental health issue characterized by a persistent low mood. However, it may be challenging to understand what exactly that means. Depression causes individuals to no longer experience pleasure in activities or associations with others. It leads to lethargy and an intense sense of shame and anger turned in on oneself.

Clinical depression is pervasive sadness that doesn’t fade away in time. Depression causes changes in appetite, sleep, self-esteem, relationships, and pain management. In addition, it affects the mind and the body in ways that other people often misunderstand. Depression affects different people differently, depending on individual brain chemistry and life circumstances. Some people react to depression by lashing out at people close to them, while others hide their distress. Seeking treatment for depression can help people repair relationships with the people they love.

How Do You Know If You’re Depressed?

The first step in getting treatment for depression is to identify the symptoms. A licensed mental health professional will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They will also want to know about any substance abuse issues or trauma you have experienced. In some cases, a physical exam and lab tests may be necessary to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

There are several types of depression, each with its own set of symptoms. For instance, the types of depression include:

• Major depressive disorder – This is the most common type of depression. It is characterized by a loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and feelings of worthlessness.
• Persistent depressive disorder – This type of depression is characterized by a low mood that lasts for at least two years. It may also include symptoms of major depressive disorder.
• Bipolar disorder – Though not technically a type of depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of mania and depression.
• Seasonal affective disorder – This type of depression is characterized by a change in mood in response to the seasons. It is more common in winter when there is less sunlight.
• Postpartum depression – This type of depression occurs after a woman gives birth. It is characterized by fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and feelings of worthlessness.

Over time, and with the help of a specialized depression treatment program in Florida, it is possible to begin healing from any form of depression.

What to Expect from Our Depression Treatment Program in Florida

People with untreated depression often experience intense feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Depression can cause low self-esteem and attachment issues. People with severe depression may battle suicidal thoughts or ideations. Seeking treatment for depression may seem inconvenient, but it can offer people a chance to get their lives back. For many people, finding the right depression treatment program is the first step toward living a happy, meaningful life.

How Does Depression Lead to Chemical Dependence?

People suffering from depression sometimes turn to mind-altering substances to temporarily relieve their symptoms. Certain medications prescribed by doctors appear to treat the symptoms of depression by masking symptoms. People often assume that any medication prescribed by a doctor is safe. If they’ve never battled addiction in the past, people don’t think twice about occasionally taking a higher dose than their doctor prescribed. Unfortunately, many of these chemicals have dangerous side effects and end up causing impairments that cause people to need a medical drug detox center. Substance use disorder causes people to seek out harmful drugs to feel normal, and so it often co-occurs with conditions like depression.

Individuals without access to medical care may turn to alcohol or other drugs to relieve symptoms of depression. Self-medication can be dangerous because doctors or mental health professionals can’t monitor it. When a person becomes dependent on a hazardous chemical to feel okay, they stop developing coping skills and problem-solving abilities. Taking certain medications for an extended length of time causes changes in brain chemistry. These changes can increase a person’s likelihood of developing chemical dependence and exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Our dual-diagnosis treatment at Harmony Hills can help guests work through co-occurring addiction and mental health issues. Our staff collaborates with a patient’s regular physician or psychiatrist (when available) to determine the best course of action for mental health and addiction treatment. We specialize in treating the following conditions:

• Depression
• Personality disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Trauma

Every aspect of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment is conducted in our research-based, people-centered treatment center.

Learn More About Our Depression Treatment Program at Harmony Hills

Coping with depression causes immense suffering. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can start healing. Here at Harmony Hills, we offer a variety of mental health therapies to assist with the treatment of depression and other mental health concerns, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• EMDR therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Relapse prevention therapy
• Trauma therapy

Without treatment, symptoms can progress until they are unmanageable and dangerous. A depression treatment program can help set you free. Take the first step toward a happier, more connected life by contacting Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357.