When you are struggling with depression, even the simplest of daily tasks that you otherwise take for granted feel overwhelming. Yet, depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADDA) reported that nearly 17.3 million experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017 alone.
At Skyline Recovery Center, we understand what it feels like to live with depression. But we are here to tell you that on the other side of this struggle is the hope for healing and recovery. Our outpatient mental health treatment options are designed to provide the care and structure you need to build the strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow from what you feel is the rock bottom of your life.
What Is Depression?
Major Depressive Disorder
When we speak about depression, we are mostly referring to major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness to the point that it begins to interfere with your daily life and functioning. It becomes difficult to focus on your studies, maintain your job or your relationships, and even basic tasks like hygiene begin to feel overwhelming. While it cannot definitively be said what leads to depression, experts have suggested a few reasons why this happens:
- An imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, especially the chemicals that regulate your emotions.
- Genetics – as depression can run in families.
- External stressors – like past traumatic experiences, and negative environments as well as circumstances.
Depression is typically mistaken for a feeling of sadness – while we all feel down or sad from time to time, it is not always depression. The symptoms of depression are:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness.
- Diminished ability to think, focus, learn, and remember.
- Diminished pleasure or interest in activities you used to enjoy.
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation, where you experience either restlessness or a slowing down.
- Disturbed sleep patterns, where you experience either excessive sleepiness or sleeplessness.
- Increased or decreased appetite, leading to either weight gain or loss.
- Feelings of tiredness and lethargy every day.
- Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or ideation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation, please contact national helplines like 9-8-8 in the U.S. This can be a life-saving move.
Dysthymic Disorder
While MDD is a very intense kind of depression, there is one other condition you need to know about – and that is dysthymic disorder.
Dysthymic disorder is a persistent depressive disorder characterized by less intense symptoms, albeit lasting for a longer period of time, such as two years or more. For instance, you can experience normal mood levels for a period of one or two months before you begin feeling down again. Furthermore, a person with dysthymic disorder can function normally in their day-to-day life, but with a depressed mood.
Tailored Depression Treatment in Orange County, CA: From CBT to Holistic Healing
Depression is among the leading causes of suicide in the world today, and it also lowers the quality of life. However, on the other side of what seems like a never-ending cycle of sadness, there is hope. Depression and its symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, and social support. You collaborate with licensed and trained mental health practitioners to create personalized treatment plans involving the following:
Psychotherapy – Therapy is the cornerstone of depression treatment in Orange County, CA. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and more are used to change the underlying thinking patterns and equip you with coping skills like mindfulness to help you stay focused on the present and keep negativity away from your life.
Group Therapy – Group therapy is an effective tool in treating depression, as depression can make you feel lonely and isolated. In finding that others have also been where you are, you feel less so. You open up and learn from others’ experiences in this journey, which offers perspective, strength, and community.
Medication – Mainly, antidepressants are used to treat depressive symptoms, as they target the neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain. Typically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used to treat depression.
Holistic Therapy – Alternative therapies such as meditation, yoga, art therapy, and aromatherapy are also incorporated into your treatment to complement traditional psychotherapeutic interventions to uplift the quality of your life.
Wellness Programs – Wellness programs involve nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and other techniques to support your physical and mental health, as well as your overall quality of life.
Levels of Care in Depression Treatment in Orange County, CA
The good thing about advancing science and technology is that you no longer have to put your life on hold to seek the care you need and deserve for depression. Orange County offers an array of outpatient treatment options that are both intensive and structured, but also flexible in that you do not lose your footing in the outside world. The levels of care you will find in depression treatment in Orange County, CA are:
Inpatient Treatment – You receive intensive care and structure as well as 24*7 supervision; this is for very severe cases of depression.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – PHP is an outpatient rehab option where you receive intensive care and structure during the scheduled hours of treatment – for up to 8 hours a day and 5 days per week.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – IOP is a step-down from PHP, where you receive treatment for up to 5 hours per day and 3 days per week.
Standard Outpatient Treatment – In standard OP treatment, you attend therapy sessions for 1-2 days per week at your therapist’s clinic. Typically, it is ideal for ongoing support after you have completed rehab.
Special Programs Unique to Orange County, CA for Depression Recovery
When it comes to depression treatment in Orange County, CA, it goes beyond traditional talk therapy and medication. Skyline Recovery is a standout example, as we offer:
Full Continuum of Care – Skyline offers a range of care levels to fit diverse needs – from PHP to IOP to OP for structured transition and sustained recovery, where you receive both intensive care and structure on the one hand, while you also get to maintain your daily life routines and responsibilities on the other.
Evidence-Based Therapies at the Core – At the heart of our treatment are proven therapeutic modalities like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care – these are the crucial tools you need to rewire your thinking patterns and manage your depressive symptoms.
Holistic and Experiential Therapies – Beyond traditional therapy, we integrate alternative methods such as meditation, yoga, art and experiential therapies, offering you creative ways to process your emotions and build emotional resilience.
Medication Management and Psychiatric Support – You will benefit from medication management and psychiatric support, where we use medication in tandem with therapy for enhanced outcomes.
Family Involvement and Healing – We believe that you need to be surrounded by love and support in your journey toward healing, so we involve your family and loved ones so that you can heal together and reinforce yourselves as a family unit.
Referrals, Insurance, and Getting Started with Depression Treatment in Orange County, CA
If you are just getting started with depression treatment in Orange County, CA, then we can understand how confused you can feel. Many questions come to your mind – how will it be, how much it costs – is it really worth it or not? We are here to tell you it is totally worth it. Holistic, personalized depression treatment in Orange County, CA can provide the perfect groundwork for you to heal and find joy again.
To begin your treatment, you can ask for referrals from your primary healthcare provider, family, or friends. You can also Google, “Depression treatment near me,” check out websites of the treatment centers near you, the quality of services they offer, the qualifications of their staff, client testimonials, and so on, before you choose a treatment center that fulfills all your needs.
Now, when seeking out depression treatment in Orange County, CA, you must also know that very few take this step. One of the major barriers is finance. But the good thing is that the U.S. recognizes mental health as an essential health benefit, so your depression treatment costs – both inpatient and outpatient – will be covered by your insurance policy. In fact, outpatient treatment is a more cost-effective option, as your insurance can cover a greater number of sessions.
Even if you do not have insurance, you need not worry. Treatment centers like Skyline Recovery offer cost-effective solutions, sliding scale fees, and other options for out-of-pocket expenses. You only need to contact us at (310) 269-0038 to get started with your treatment right away!
How to Help A Loved One Struggling With Depression?
It can be really heartbreaking to watch your loved one struggle with depression, and it is also common for you to feel frustrated, helpless, guilty, and even sad. The crucial thing here is for you to support your loved one while also taking care of yourself.
Bringing up this topic can also feel uncomfortable, but here are some helpful ways you can bring it up:
- “I just wanted to check with you as I feel like you are feeling down lately.”
- “When did you start feeling this way?”
- “Did something happen that you began to feel this way?”
- “How can I help you right now?”
It is good to use “I” statements – do not be confrontational, but rather, be empathetic and ask open-ended questions so that your loved one can reflect on it and open up. Create an environment where your loved one can feel at ease sharing with you. You will be faced with resistance and defensiveness, so do not feel dejected. These conversations will slowly take root and make a difference.
It will also be helpful to have practical resources available so that whenever your loved one decides to seek help, you can point them in the right direction. Contact mental health professionals near you so that they can direct your loved one accordingly.
Take the First Step: Begin Depression Treatment in Orange County, CA Today!
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, we can understand how challenging it feels. Reach out to Skyline Recovery Center to understand your symptoms and explore the depression treatment options in Orange County, CA, tailored to your needs. Our confidential, no-obligation consultation can direct you to the right level of care – whether it is PHP, IOP, or standard OP care.
Remember, you do not have to face depression alone. There is expert care right here in Orange County, CA, with Skyline Recovery; we see you, and we want to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (310) 269-0038 to begin healing today!