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Understanding Depression
Major Depressive Disorder, or depression, is one of the more common mental illnesses, consisting of continuous feelings of overwhelming sadness, a loss of interest in things the person once participated in, and incredibly low energy.
Because of the weight people often feel when struggling with depression, this condition can cause significant problems in one’s life.
Though not every person is the same, in general, symptoms of depression are characterized by the following:
- Low moods or sadness that persist over periods
- Loss of interest
- Loss of pleasure
- Increase or decrease in weight and appetite
- Insomnia
- Excessive sleeping
- Feeling worthless
- Guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Difficulty concentrating
Similar to anxiety disorders, depression can be caused by genetics, biological factors, environmental factors, medical conditions, or substance abuse.
Understanding the underlying cause of depression helps our treatment teams determine the best route when creating your treatment plan.
- Biological factors may cause the brain not to produce the correct amount of neurotransmitters. In this case, using different medication forms may help to boost neurotransmitter production. If depression is caused by genetics, meaning a family member or loved one also struggles with depression, then we can look into different therapeutic options.
- Various life events, such as trauma, may have led to depression. In this case, our team will connect with trauma specialists to ensure that the underlying condition is treated alongside the depression.
- When depression is caused by substance use or when it co-occurs, this is known as a dual diagnosis disorder. In this case, both the addiction and the depression need to be treated at the same time. Unfortunately, many people turn to substances to address their depression symptoms, but the substance use only makes the depression worse. On the flip side, men and women who become addicted to drugs often experience depression as a side effect, which then makes drug use worse — hence the addiction cycle.
Depression Treatment in Atlanta, GA
At Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, we offer several outpatient treatment options to our clients with depression. Our programs are designed to meet each client’s unique needs, so no two schedules are the same.
Though we are not an inpatient facility, we partner with the best in the business. If our clients feel they require more intensive care, we prioritize finding them that care.
Once inpatient care is complete, we welcome our clients back with open arms to begin their outpatient journey.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Our PHP track is the most comprehensive level of care that we offer, and it requires clients to participate in treatment for five days a week, four hours each day.
This time is used for various options, from individual therapy sessions with your assigned counselor to group therapy sessions with peers in the same situation. Our evidence-based modalities connect clients with caring individuals while retraining negative thought patterns (often through cognitive behavioral therapy).
Other treatment options that may be included in your PHP are:
- Family therapy provides clients a chance to work with their loved ones, establish boundaries, and educate important people about depression
- Medication management involves the use of different medications, like antidepressants, to boost neurotransmitter production in the brain. We offer services that provide medication and monitor your progress with that medication.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses negative thought patterns and behaviors, helping clients transform them into positive habits.
- Holistic approaches teach healthy habits and life skills, such as yoga, horse therapy, meditation, mindfulness, or nutritional counseling.
- Aftercare planning helps to prevent the risk of relapsing.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), done individually or in support groups, helps clients manage emotions, cope with situations, and improve their relationships with others.
- Exercise and nutrition planning is one of the best ways to improve overall brain and body health is to prioritize exercise and nutrition. Exercise naturally boosts feel-good neurotransmitters within the brain, and eating healthy foods promotes overall health among our clients. Learning to prioritize your health as a new coping skill leads to long-term recovery.
Utilizing a combination of these types of therapy with holistic services allows our treatment teams to address the whole person. We aren’t in the business of simply treating depression’s side effects. We aim to help clients create plans to live long, healthy lives.
PHP is the best program for men and women who have never received treatment. It is also highly recommended for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Because depression is often associated with substance abuse, seeking treatment for both conditions at the same time is necessary.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Some people cannot commit 20-plus hours to weekly treatment, which is okay. At Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, our goal is to fit effective treatment into our clients’ lives, not the other way around.
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of only a few hours of treatment per week, around three days per week. We have daytime and evening options. This program was created for men and women who need to work and care for their families during the day.
It is also an excellent option for those who have already completed residential treatment or PHP and are looking to gradually step down their support.
This program is highly customizable and may include services like:
- Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Psychodrama
- Experiential Therapy
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy
- Rapid Resolution Therapy
- EMDR
- CBT
- DBT
- Holistic Services
- Trauma Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Individual TherapSimilarar to the goal is to provide depression treatment programs that promote overall well-being while remaining within the confines of each client’s schedule.
Outpatient Treatment
Our general outpatient program is the lowest level of care we offer our clients. We don’t typically recommend this level of care for clients as their first step. Outpatient, which only requires a few hours a month, is best for men and women who have already completed inpatient treatment, PHP, or IOP to treat depression. Then, we recommend our outpatient services as ongoing care.
Typically, clients seeking outpatient help will have access to individual therapy and support groups to remain connected with men and women like them.
Why Choose Us
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms of depression, now is the time to call us for an assessment. Our clinicians are highly educated and skilled at helping men and women overcome their depression.
Our depression treatment center is the best in the business because it develops positive coping skills, addresses the root cause or triggers, and creates a community of understanding and caring individuals. Call us today at 770-564-4856 so that we can begin walking this journey with you.
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