Depression rehab is one way to help deal with feelings of helplessness and extreme sadness. Knowing when to seek help is the key to getting your life back.
All of us experience feelings of sadness and have symptoms of depression, but it can be difficult to determine whether we need depression rehab or not. Setbacks in your life can cause you to feel overwhelmed or hopeless, and while regular bouts of sorrow are normal, it’s important to recognize when depression is making you withdraw from life.
What Is Depression?
Clinical depression can be described as negative feelings that alter the way you think and act in normal situations. In the United States, nearly 9% of the population has experienced some form of a depressive episode in their lifetime. Those suffering from clinical depression often no longer find joy in hobbies, interests and people they once turned to for pleasure. Other forms of depression include seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder and postpartum depression. Each type has its own root cause. Some medications can also cause depression, including beta blockers, corticosteroids and cholesterol medications.
Depression is different from sadness. Sadness typically lasts a few days, while depression lasts much longer and can alter all parts of your life, including how you interact with people. Many people who suffer from depression agree they no longer feel like they used to. Depression is an illness that can affect individuals of all ages, and it can often affect whether an individual reaches out for help.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can manifest itself as one or more of the following symptoms:
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue
- Physical signs such as headaches or stomachaches
- Loss of interest in previous hobbies
- Uncontrollable crying
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Thoughts of death and suicide
When Does Sadness Cross Over Into Depression?
Sadness is a natural reaction when bad things happen, such as failing to get a job you’ve applied for or having to cancel your plans due to rain. Sadness is generally a temporary emotion that fades away quickly. It can turn to depression if you feel sad most days, or if your sadness is making it difficult to concentrate or make decisions. It’s common for sadness to turn into depression if you’ve experienced one setback after the other or had a major life change that affected you negatively.
Effects of Depression
If left untreated, depression can affect both your emotional and your physical health. Depression increases your risk of heart attack and cardiovascular diseases. It can also cause lowered libido, extreme fatigue and a weakened immune system. Individuals with depression may also experience digestive issues that can lead to malnutrition or weight gain.
Is There Rehab for Depression?
Rehab is most commonly associated with drug and alcohol addiction, but there are mental health centers that provide assistance for those suffering from depression and other mental health issues. Both outpatient and inpatient care is available for those who need assistance, and the best choice depends on how serious your condition is. Your physician can help you decide which treatment is best suited to your situation.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is any mental health treatment that takes place in a doctor’s office or other clinical setting that doesn’t involve staying overnight. The patient spends a structured amount of time during the day in meetings and therapy. The treatment can last several weeks or several months, and like drug and alcohol rehab, it may be long-lasting.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is recommended for those whose symptoms are so severe that they’re at risk of hurting themselves. Getting help quickly is critical to the well-being of the individual, and in some cases, family members may have to admit a loved one against their will to ensure safety.
Typically, inpatient treatment begins with stabilizing the individual’s moods through medication, therapy and evaluations. The actual treatment program is customized to each individual situation and may be a combination of different methods. Therapy includes sessions with a psychologist. With both types of treatment, an individual discovers the root of their depression, learns coping skills and works towards recovery.
Should You Take Care of It on Your Own?
Depression can be debilitating, and it can often be difficult to manage the symptoms on your own. There are a few things you can do to relieve mild symptoms at home. These coping skills are helpful during the recovery process. If the following self-care methods don’t work, it’s important to reach out for help.
Exercise
Get your body moving. Exercise releases endorphins, which can increase happiness and relieve symptoms of depression. Just a few minutes of exercise a day can alleviate sadness and make you feel better.
Choose Positive Thinking
Depression often results in a negative way of thinking. Thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this” become commonplace. Get in the habit of challenging these thought patterns. Make a conscious decision to seek the good in things.
Diet
The saying that you are what you eat is true, and when you’re depressed, it’s easy to eat poorly. Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Eat healthy fats like avocados, and get plenty of protein. Eliminate sugar and processed foods, and learn not to eat simply because you’re feeling down. Be sure to drink plenty of water to flush your body of toxins.
Sleep
Develop a bedtime routine to ensure you get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Sleep is vital to staying alert and improving your energy and mood.
Are Your Symptoms a Sign of Something Else?
Some health conditions, like anemia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome and diabetes can manifest themselves as depression. If you’re feeling down and sleeping excessively, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions.
How to Know If You Should Seek Professional Depression Rehab
If you have multiple symptoms of depression that last for more than a few weeks, it’s important to seek medical help, especially if these symptoms interfere with everyday life. The good news is depression is treatable.
If you feel your sadness has turned to depression or you’re having a hard time managing feelings of helplessness, it may be time to reach out for help. For more information about your treatment options, contact the caring counselors at Restore 24/7 at (877) 594-3566. We can help you choose the best path to get you on the road to recovery.
