We all experience sadness at specific points in life, such as upon failing a job interview or after a major life change, such as relocating to a new neighborhood. The gloominess caused by such events disappears after a while, and we are back to a healthy, happier state of mind.
For individuals who suffer from depression, things aren't as simple as that. Their lives are so deeply affected by the psychological and physical effects of the disorder that it interferes with their work, relationships, and mental stability.
Depression is a complex mental health disorder that affects more than 16 million adults, or about 6.7% of the US adult population in each given year. Despite its prevalence, few truly understand the symptoms and severity of the disorder, and it often goes undiagnosed or untreated.
What is Depression?
An individual is diagnosed as having Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) when at least five of the following symptoms listed in the American Psychiatric Association (APA)’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) are experienced daily for at least 2 weeks:
Often, these symptoms are misunderstood and thought to be temporary mood swings that will eventually resolve. However, depression, if left untreated, can manifest into more severe symptoms.
Surprising Facts about Depression
Depression is more complex and severe than its surface-level symptoms listed in the DSM-V:
Headaches, joint pain, and stomach aches, in the absence of any other external cause, can be signs of depression. This is often because individuals suffering from depression adopt unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating or sleeping too little.
At our depression treatment center in Newport Beach, our specialists carefully analyze each patient's symptoms and draft a customized multi-dimensional treatment program. This helps them improve their health and teaches them effective coping skills to manage their condition.
Depression may affect the bacteria ecosystem that resides in your gut, resulting in inflammation and reduced production of good nutrients. This can trigger digestive problems and stomach aches that further impact the mental well-being of the individual.
At our mental health treatment center, we use talk therapy and medication to alleviate our patients’ symptoms. We assign probiotics and prebiotics as part of a balanced diet to help restore the gut ecosystem. In addition, we conduct individual psychotherapy, depending on the nature of the patient’s symptoms.
1/3rd of patients with diabetes experience depression, while 25% of cancer patients face depressive symptoms. What is critical to understand is that such illnesses have their line of treatment that helps regulate their symptoms but does not target depression.
A separate treatment program consisting of counseling and suitable medication is needed to help the patient maintain their mental well-being. At Lido Wellness Center, our specialists assess patients’ past medical history when devising the perfect treatment plan for them.
Beyond chronic diseases, depression is also linked to other mental health disorders, such as anorexia, substance abuse, and anxiety. According to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, over 20% of individuals affected by substance abuse are also affected by depression.
Our detox treatment programs are formulated to provide patients with the necessary rehab facilities to rid themselves of the addiction while combining therapy to manage their depressive symptoms.
Moreover, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) often co-occurs with MDD and affects 3.1% of the US population. However, less than half actually receive anxiety treatment.
At Lido Wellness Center, we offer specialized anxiety and depression treatment programs that first consist of diagnosing the occurrence of both disorders and then determining the severity of their symptoms.
Our anxiety disorder treatment and major depression disorder treatment consist of evidence-based approaches, such as psychotropic medication, CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
The abundant scientific literature on depression attests that depression is a very complex disorder. It manifests in a different range of symptoms among men, women, and teens and varies in the extent it affects each individual. This is why we follow evidence-based approaches to patient treatment, tweaked to their lifestyle, and displayed symptoms.
Our individual psychotherapy includes:
At Lido Wellness Center, we offer outpatient treatment programs for those suffering from depression. We can help you improve your quality of life and go back to being a healthier, happier you.
For more information, call us at 949-541-8466 or email us at info@lidowellnesscenter.com.
Depression Treatment Center Newport Beach