Depression can deeply affect a person’s overall well–being because it causes feelings of hopelessness, despair, and sadness. It can severely impact a person’s ability to function, even with simple, everyday tasks. There are many different symptoms of depression, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, disrupted sleep patterns, and changes in appearance. Depression can also lead to suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm. If you’re battling depression, help is available.
At Shorewood Behavioral Health, located in Madison, Wisconsin, our patient-centered depression treatment is provided by a team of compassionate, highly trained professionals in a safe and welcoming environment. Our team strives to address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of each patient’s well-being. We understand the impact depression can have on your life. Whether you require round-the–clock inpatient care, a structured day program, or outpatient support for depression, we can help you navigate the path to healing.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression include more than just feeling sad or down. A combination of symptoms can vary depending on the individual.
Common signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Loss of interest in regular activities
- Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or emptiness
- Social withdrawal
- Tearfulness
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or making decisions
- Digestive problems
- Appetite changes, including weight loss or weight gain
- Substance use
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Physical aches and pains
- Restlessness or agitation
- Feeling worthless
- Excessive guilt
- Difficulty meeting commitments or functioning at work, home, or school
- Pessimism
- Low self-esteem
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it may be helpful to get treatment right away. A behavioral health professional can provide you with a proper diagnosis and help you get the most effective treatment for depression.
Depression Causes & Risk Factors
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting millions of people in the United States. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or socioeconomic status. Studies show that there is no single cause of depression, but experts believe that many factors, including hormones, brain chemistry, biological differences, and genetics, can contribute to someone developing depression or another mental health disorder.
The typical risk factors for depression include:
- Family history of depression
- Brain chemistry
- Experiencing traumatic or stressful life events
- Having other serious chronic or medical conditions, such as cancer or heart disease
- History of other mental health concerns
- Hormonal changes
- Isolation or a lack of social support
At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we aim to transform the lives of those we serve through our comprehensive depression treatment. By finding support early, patients can determine the root causes of depression so that they can begin to heal and lead healthy lives.
Potential Effects of Depression
If depression is left untreated, it can deeply impact how a person behaves and thinks. It can also lead to serious emotional and physical challenges. The effects may be different for each person who is struggling with depression. Some of the most common effects of depression are:
- Isolation and social withdrawal
- Low self-esteem
- Physical health concerns, like chronic pain and weakened immune system
- Onset or worsening of other mental health concerns
- Sleep problems
- Financial struggles
- Poor performance at school or work
- Worsening of symptoms
- Strained personal relationships
Depression Statistics
The statistics for depression in the U.S. are staggering. According to a 2023 national survey from the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 3 in 10 adults (29%) are diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives and about 18% are currently suffering from depression.
The stigma surrounding depression can keep people from seeking help. It’s important to note that experiencing symptoms of depression does not equal weakness. Depression is a serious mental health concern that requires specialized care from highly trained behavioral health professionals. If you or someone you know is struggling with the symptoms of depression, reach out to our compassionate team today.
Therapies Used in Depression Treatment
Depression is very treatable. In fact, between 70% and 90% of individuals who have depression eventually respond well to treatment. At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we develop a personalized care plan for each patient. We understand that depression affects people in different ways. That is why we are committed to providing customized care that can meet the specific needs of our patients.
We use evidence-based methods that have proved to be effective in the treatment of depression, like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-focused care, and 12-Step programming, to help our patients gain self-awareness and make positive behavioral changes. Our holistic approach emphasizes the whole person, meaning that we focus on all aspects of a patient’s well-being, including their mind, body, and spirit.
Patients in our inpatient program and partial hospitalization program participate in several group therapy sessions each day. These may include process, psychoeducational, goal setting, and activity therapy groups. In our intensive outpatient program, patients take part in group therapy daily. Examples of topics discussed in the group sessions include the effects of trauma, coping skills, setting boundaries, and self-esteem. We also offer experiential therapies such as art and music therapy, and we provide medication management services for patients who are taking medication as part of their treatment plan.
Our team consistently monitors each patient’s progress and adjusts their personalized care plan as needed. Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where our patients can focus on their healing journey and feel at peace during their time with us.
An important part of our personalized care plan for each patient is detailed discharge planning. This helps patients seamlessly transition between levels of care or back to their home communities. The discharge plan helps guide our patients through the next steps of their treatment.
By offering unwavering support at every stage of our patients’ healing journeys, we strive to give them hope, help them strengthen their confidence, and empower them to lead healthier, fulfilling lives.
Benefits of Depression Treatment
By seeking expert treatment at a depression treatment center, you can begin the process of healing in a safe space. Getting specialized treatment for depression can have significant positive impacts in many aspects of your life, including better relationships, increased energy levels, improved daily functioning, enhanced self-esteem, and reduced physical symptoms.
Why Choose Our Madison, Wisconsin, Depression Treatment Center
Finding a reputable treatment center can be essential to the healing process. Here are some key benefits of seeking help for depression at Shorewood Behavioral Health:
- A personalized care plan created with your specific treatment goals and needs in mind
- Evidence-based treatment provided by compassionate and highly trained professionals
- A detailed discharge plan that may include referrals for a lower level of care and resources in your community
- Interacting with peers and professionals who understand what you’re going through
At Shorewood Behavioral Health, each member of our team plays a critical role in delivering personalized care for depression. Our dedicated team includes psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, mental health technicians, activity therapists, and registered dietitians. We aim to help our patients achieve the best possible outcomes by empowering them to participate in their treatment so that they can build the lives they want.
We offer a full continuum of care to support our patients at every stage of their healing journey, including:
- Inpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
If depression is interfering with your ability to attend school, work, or maintain healthy relationships with loved ones, please reach out for help as soon as possible. To learn more about depression treatment at Shorewood Behavioral Health, contact our admissions team today. We can help you determine if our services are a good fit for you and which level of care will meet your needs.
Asking for help is the brave first step you will take toward a healthy future. We are here to guide you on your treatment journey.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Shorewood Behavioral Health.
