According to statistics, more than 16 million Americans struggle with some form of clinical depression.1 For
some, depression comes in the form of a mild, chronic condition known as dysthymia, while others may encounter a major
depressive episode brought on by continued or acute stress. However, chronic
depression can become severe for many – and clinical depression can become debilitating for many.
In the most serious cases of depression, the ability to function on a daily basis can be compromised, causing
decision-making, social interaction, and even holding a job virtually impossible.
In fact, depression is one of the leading causes of work-related disability in the United States.
In serious cases of depression, physical well-being may also be compromised by suicide, violence, or chemical drug addictions – all of which require the resources, expertise, and time involved in
inpatient depression treatment in order to heal. Despite the many evidence-based depression treatment options available
in the United States, millions of those who need the help of depression treatment don’t get it.
Inpatient Depression Treatment Explained
When it comes to getting dealing with depression, inpatient treatment is one of the most effective forms of depression
treatment available today.2 If there is no addiction that requires time spent in detox, treatment for
depression begins with diagnosis. Doctors and psychotherapists look for additional underlying mental illnesses that may
be causing or contributing the depression. Once these are identified, treatment can begin.
Through individual counseling often involving cognitive behavioral therapy or other approaches, group therapy, and
holistic options like meditation, yoga, and exercise, those suffering from depression can learn how to function within
their illness.
Group or individualized therapy sessions offer the opportunity to work through emotional issues – including phobias,
traumatic events, emotional pain, low self-esteem, or anxiety – that may contribute to the depressive episode. Sometimes
the use of art therapy, basic life skills training, or family involvement in therapy can also be implemented in order to
aid the patient’s inner work.
Along with individual and group therapy, medications such as antidepressants are often conservatively prescribed to
resolve any chemical imbalances that may be causing depression to trigger within the body. Anti-anxiety medications may
also be used for patients experiencing anxiety-related depression or who have a coexisting panic disorder.
Reasons for Inpatient Depression Treatment
Many people who suffer from depression find help through medication and counseling alone. But in cases where
depression is so severe that the patient poses a physical threat to themselves or others, inpatient
depression treatment is often the first line of treatment.
When patients have reached a point of stagnancy or have become so overwhelmed that they no longer can
adequately function or care for themselves, it may also be an indicator that the intensive therapies
available in inpatient depression treatment are appropriate and necessary.
Signs You Need Help
It’s difficult to be objective while in the throes of depression. Many people don’t realize how serious the issue is and
don’t seek the treatment they need. Without the proper treatment, depression keeps the person struggling in a downward
spiral.
Understanding what depression looks like is an important part of recognizing the need for help.
treatment you or your loved one:
- Feeling lost and overwhelmed by everything around you.
- Not leaving your room or house for days at a time.
- Isolating yourself from friends and family members.
- Apathy, lethargy, feelings of melancholy and persistent fatigue.
- The inability to feel happiness or excitement about anything in your life.
- Irregular eating patterns; dramatic weight loss or rapid weight gain.
- Unpredictable mood swings.
- Feelings of regret, self doubt and questioning your own existence and its meaning.
- Bouts of crying and overwhelming sadness that you are unable to explain or deal with rationally.
- Persistent thoughts of sadness and a feeling of helplessness that you can’t explain.
- Thoughts about suicide and dying, or suicidal attempts that have failed.3
Clinical depression is a serious disorder that is much more than just feeling a little down. It is characterized as a
mental illness that permeates every aspect of your life. Those who suffer from clinical depression often feel unable to
function on a daily basis. Getting out of bed feels difficult, and they lose all joy and interest in life. Everything
about how they act, think, and feel is colored by depression when clinical depression is present.
Inpatient Treatment Centers
Inpatient depression treatment takes place in hospitals, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, and mental health
facilities. Speaking with your insurance provider, primary care physician or even county mental health services can help
you understand your treatment options.
The place to begin is with your primary care physician. He or she can help determine whether seeing a mental health
professional is the next step. Once you’ve scheduled a preliminary appointment, the mental health professional will
assess your level of depression and help you decide if inpatient treatment may be appropriate for your case. Many
private facilities are among the world’s best, rivaling even public or university hospitals in their level of customized
care.
Residential Rehab at Michael’s House
Finding Help for Depression
Finding inpatient depression treatment centers is a lot easier than you may think. You’ve taken a step in the right
direction by starting with the online research that led you here. The next step is to call 760.548.4032
and speak to an admissions coordinator about available treatment options. We can help you find inpatient depression
treatment and other mental health services near you. You are not alone. Call us now.
Sources
1 “Facts & Statistics.” Anxiety
and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Accessed July 24, 2018.
2 “Depression.”
NAMI, Aug. 2017.
3 “Depression (Major
Depressive Disorder).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Feb. 2018.
