Depression is a mental health disorder that you cannot wish away. It will not go away even if you are surrounded by things you love and the experiences you enjoy. Understanding the effects of depression on the brain may give you some insight into what it is and how it is limiting you and your future. Our team at Harmony Hills can provide you with outstanding treatment and support to help you get back on your feet.
What Is Depression?
To understand the effects of depression, it is important to understand what this disease is. This condition, which is a type of mood disorder, impacts the way you behave, think, and feel. It makes you feel hopeless and helpless. It can make you feel sad for long periods of time, often even years. Most people only experience mild depression during their lifetime, but severe episodes can happen to many individuals. These last longer and create more intense symptoms.
Effects of Depression on the Brain
The effects of depression can be seen in three areas of the brain. That includes the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. The hippocampus controls the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. When there is too much cortisol produced by the body, this can create an imbalance, which leads to slowing and shrinking of the neurons in the brain, creating memory problems.
The amygdala is another area of the brain impacted by depression. This area helps to regulate our emotional responses. In depression episodes, it grows in size and is more active due to the high level of cortisol present. This can cause problems with sleep and activity patterns.
The prefrontal cortex, which is at the very front of the brain, controls your emotions, memory formation, and decision making. With too much cortisol in the brain, this area gets smaller. That means you feel more sadness and despair.
How a Treatment Program Can Help
If you have depression, you may not think anything can help. However, for many who need depression treatment in FL, therapy can help. What we know about the effects of depression on the brain is that balancing out cortisol and other types of chemicals in the brain can help to reverse most of the shrinking and improve the overall function of the brain. This can reduce the symptoms you experience.
Additionally, working with a professional at a mental health treatment program can help you deal with the factors causing stress for you. This can help you to regain more control over the production of cortisol itself.
Guidance for the Effects of Depression
If you need a depression treatment program in FL, you can count on our team to provide it. We offer a range of programs to help you manage depression, other mental health disorders, and substance use disorder. Reach out to us for help with any of the needs you have.
- Drug and alcohol detox programs
- Individual therapy program
- Residential treatment programs
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
When you are ready to reclaim your health and reduce the effects of depression on your brain, you can feel better and see a better future ahead of you. The key is to recognize you don’t have to live like this.
The effects of depression differ for everyone. If you feel as though you are no longer able to function as you did or you are unhappy with your life, reach out to learn more about our depression treatment program. At Harmony Hills, our team is here to support and guide you in overcoming this challenge. Reach out to us now at 855.494.0357 to find help.
