Did you know that access to depression treatment is essential for many Americans? Depression — also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder — is one of the country’s most common mental health disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 21 million American adults had at least one major depressive episode. That’s more than 8% of all U.S. adults.
Clinical depression is characterized by a sense of apathy, exhaustion, low energy, and overall sadness. Everyone experiences depression differently, however. For some, depression may even include feelings of anger, frustration, nervousness, or worry. Depression also often occurs alongside other mood symptoms, like anxiety. Searching for a depression therapy program in Jonesboro, AR? Reach out to Alleviant Jonesboro today by calling 870.657.0337 or contacting our team online
What Is a Depression Treatment Program?
First of all, struggling with depression isn’t a sign of weakness. This condition is not something someone can “snap out of.” It’s a mental health disorder that requires professional treatment. For most clients, a depression treatment program that’s customized for them can help improve their daily living.
Many effective depression treatment programs include both psychotherapy and medications in their components. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a treatment that can help significantly, either alone or in combination with medications. Antidepressant medications, typically given as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), can help reduce depression symptoms, especially in clients struggling with severe cases of depression. However, not all clients need both forms of therapeutic care.
How Does Therapy for Depression Work?
Several approaches to psychotherapy have been shown to help clients struggling with depression. Psychotherapy can help these clients to:
- Develop skills to cope with symptoms and identify or prevent future episodes of depression
- Identify unhelpful thought processes or negative behaviors that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Pinpoint and deal with situations that contribute to their depression
- Set realistic goals for the future
Two of the most common evidence-based forms of therapeutic care used in depression treatment programs are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT is a therapy in which clients learn to identify and manage negative thoughts and behavior patterns contributing to their depression. In interpersonal therapy, clients learn to improve their relationships with others by improving how they express their emotions and solve problems. Overall, psychotherapy can help clients learn ways to better cope with stress and, therefore, better manage their depression symptoms.
When Should You Consider a Depression Treatment Program?
If you or a loved one think that medications and psychotherapy for depression can help you deal with symptoms that make daily living difficult to get through, you really should consider looking into it. Studies show that therapy, in particular, can be a powerful treatment for depression. Increasing your quality of life can do so much more than just allowing you to live your life without depression symptoms dragging you down. It can improve your relationships, your self-image, and even your lifespan.
Hesitant to take prescribed medications for depression? You can start with psychotherapy sessions first. However, consider that psychotherapy alone may not be enough to treat severe depression. Most of all, it’s important to remember that there is no established cure for depression. Treatment of this condition is just learning how to maintain lifelong management of its symptoms.
Ready To Learn More About Alleviant Jonesboro’s Depression Treatment Program?
Depression doesn’t have to be something you or someone you care about has to endure. Support is available. Contact Alleviant Jonesboro today if you’re looking for a depression therapy program in Jonesboro, AR. Reach out to our team online or call 870.657.0337.