Depression is a form of mental illness that is characterized by persistent sadness, low energy levels, and a wide range of other distressing symptoms.
Two of the most common types of depression are major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. People who have major depressive disorder experience severe symptoms for periods of about two weeks. Those who have persistent depressive disorder experience symptoms that are typically less severe but last for a period of at least two years.
As described on the Mayo Clinic’s website, depression is much more serious than having a case of “the blues.” All forms of depression can have a significant negative impact on a person’s ability to live a healthy, productive, and satisfying life.
The good news is that depression is a treatable condition. With the right treatment, people can learn to manage the symptoms of depression and experience improved quality of life.
Tower Behavioral Health provides treatment for adults and adolescents who have been struggling with the symptoms and effects of depression. Our depression treatment services include personalized care and comprehensive support within a safe and welcoming environment for adults of all genders.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
The signs and symptoms of depression can vary considerably depending on a person’s age, personality, history, and various other individual factors. Some people may exhibit just a few signs of depression, while others can experience several symptoms of depression.
Common signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia (inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
- Changes in appetite and resultant weight loss or gain
- Diminished energy and persistent fatigue
- Inability to focus, concentrate, or make decisions
- Frequent unexplained absences from school or work
- Overwhelming sense of sadness, hopelessness, or despair
- Failing to pay bills, complete projects, or otherwise meet personal responsibilities
- Inattention to hygiene or grooming
- Dramatic mood swings, including excessive outbursts of anger or sadness for no apparent reason
- Frequent thoughts of death and dying
- Loss of interest in hobbies, activities, or topics that were previously of great importance
- Pulling away from family and friends
Anyone who exhibits any signs of depression or experiences any symptoms of depression may be in grave danger and should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare provider.
Completing a thorough assessment and receiving an accurate diagnosis of a depressive disorder are two important parts of the depression treatment process.
Depression Statistics
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have reported the following depression statistics:
- Throughout the world, more than 264 million people struggle with depression.
- In the past year, more than 17 million adults in the United States (or more than 7% of Americans age 18 and older) experienced at least one major depressive episode.
- Among adults, depression is most common in the 18-25 age group. More than 13% of adults in this demographic group experienced at least one major depressive episode in the previous 12 months.
- The past-year rate of depression is higher among adult women (8.7%) than among adult men (5.3%).
- In the past year, more than 33% of adults who had depression did not receive treatment.
Potential Effects of Depression
The nature and severity of the effects of depression can vary significantly from person to person depending on a host of individual factors. In general terms, though, failing to receive necessary depression treatment can put you at risk for significant harm to your physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Potential effects of depression include:
- Academic setbacks, including failure and expulsion
- Poor performance at work, which can lead to job loss and chronic unemployment
- Financial difficulties
- Medical problems due to poor self-care
- Onset or worsening of other mental health concerns
- Substance use and addiction
- Diminished relationships with friends or family members
- Withdrawal and isolation
- Low self-esteem
- Loss of hope for the future
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Suicidal behaviors
When you get the type and level of depression treatment that’s right for you, you can reduce your risk for future negative effects of depression. Your time in a depression treatment center can also be an opportunity for you to begin to heal from any of the effects of depression you’ve already experienced.
Benefits of Depression Treatment
Inpatient depression treatment at Tower Behavioral Health is a short-term experience that yields many long-term benefits.
For example, struggling with the symptoms of depression can be an isolating experience. One of the many important benefits of depression treatment is that it will help you realize that you are not alone, that others understand what you’ve been experiencing, and that meaningful assistance is available.
At our depression treatment center, you’ll be able to temporarily step away from the stresses and distractions of daily life so that you can devote your full focus to learning how to manage the symptoms of depression.
When you receive inpatient depression treatment at Tower Behavioral Health in Reading, Pennsylvania, you will work in close collaboration with a team of compassionate professionals who are committed to providing the personalized services that are right for you.
In addition to helping you make significant progress during the time you’re in our care, your depression treatment team will also develop a detailed discharge plan to guide your continued success after you’ve returned home or stepped down to a lower level of care.
Therapies Used in Depression Treatment
Personalized care is a hallmark of inpatient depression treatment at Tower Behavioral Health.
Prior to receiving depression treatment, you will complete a thorough assessment to ensure that we have identified and are prepared to address the full scope of your needs. The information gathered during this assessment will guide the development of your personalized depression treatment plan.
Depending on a variety of individual factors, your personalized depression treatment plan may include:
- Medication management services
- Individual therapy
- Multiple types of group therapy
- Family meetings
- Music, art, and dance/movement therapies
- WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
Treatment for depression at Tower Behavioral Health may incorporate several therapeutic modalities, including:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing
When you participate in inpatient depression treatment at Tower Behavioral Health, you will also receive a detailed discharge plan. This personalized plan will identify the services and resources that can support your efforts to maintain and build on the progress you make while you are in our care.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Tower Behavioral Health.
