Depression Treatment
It is difficult to feel yourself slip away from who you truly are. The darkness encompasses you, dragging you further into despair and worthlessness.
You are not the first to feel this way, nor will you be the last. In 2020, 17.4% of Arizona residents were diagnosed with depression.
At MIND 24-7, we understand the toll depression can take, which is why we offer urgent mental health care for those experiencing a crisis while connecting them to further care after stabilization.
What We Treat: Depression and Major Depressive Disorders
Depression affects millions of people each year, resulting in missed opportunities, relationship strains, and mental anguish. The feelings of despair and worthlessness can become overwhelming, and it may feel impossible to talk about these emotions. Keeping these in can cause a mental health crisis, and knowing you have a safe place to turn is crucial. At MIND 24-7, we understand the trials depression causes. We offer same-day mental health care along with continued therapy and medication for depression management. We can also help if your therapist or your psychiatrist is unavailable, treating you for depressive episodes and prescribing medication when it’s medically necessary.
How We Treat: The MIND 24-7 Approach to Depression Care
When it comes to depression care, it is imperative to address all facets of the condition. The first step is a full, comprehensive assessment, complete with prompt care to address any time-sensitive concerns. Depression can cause thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which need to be attended to firsthand. MIND 24-7 specializes in these scenarios, offering prompt stabilization for anyone who comes through our doors, including adolescents. Once stable, the person will need various therapies and possibly medications to maintain their mental wellness.
At MIND 24-7, we provide the mental health care needed to care for depression, both short-term and long-term. Our treatment begins right away, with full mental health assessments and stabilization for crisis circumstances. From there, you can enter our Progressions program and receive various therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy. Our dedicated team will work with you to keep your depression symptoms in check through coping skills and medications.
Defining Depression and Its Causes
Depression is a very prevalent mood disorder. It affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Depression goes beyond occasional sadness as it persists for weeks, months, and even years. Common symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
The causes of depression are complex, often including a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some have a genetic predisposition to depression, meaning a family member may have the condition or other mental health concerns. Chemical imbalances in the brain involving neurotransmitters can also contribute to the development of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, traumatic life events, chronic stress, medical conditions, and substance use increase the likelihood of developing depression.
How Common Is Depression in Adults?
As we mentioned above, depression affects millions of U.S. residents each year. 17.8% of the population reported being diagnosed with depression in 2023.
Here in Arizona, 35.8% of adult residents reported symptoms of a depressive and/or anxiety disorder in February of 2023. This was higher than the national average of 32.3%. In Maricopa County, 17% of adults aged 18 and over were formally diagnosed with a form of depression in 2021.
Who Is at Risk for Depression?
There are risk factors for developing depression, including:
- Environmental Stressors – Stressful, abusive, or chaotic environments can lead to the development of depression. Traumas such as homelessness or poverty can also cause depression. Some will develop depression in childhood or adolescence due to these causes, while others will present in adulthood.
- Genetic Components – Having a family member diagnosed with depression or another mental health condition increases the risk of developing the condition yourself.
- Physical illness – Many physical ailments, such as thyroid conditions and diabetes, can cause depression.
- Personality type – Those who have a type “A” personality are more likely to develop depression due to not being able to obtain perfection. Also, those with low self-esteem are more susceptible to depression.
- Substance use – Taking substances such as depressants like alcohol masks depression symptoms. Eventually, they will increase over time and cause depression to worsen.
Depression can progress in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, and there is no one set factor that guarantees it will occur. These factors increase the chance of depression and depressive disorders.
Depression Symptoms to Pay Attention To
Depression symptoms can vary from person to person and range in severity. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Physical symptoms, including headaches, digestive issues, or unexplained pain
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and interfere with daily life, seeking professional help is crucial. MIND 24-7 is here to address the most urgent of depression and mental health needs.
How Mental Health Professionals Diagnose Depression
Diagnosing depression involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care doctor. The diagnostic process typically begins with clinical evaluations. The professional asks about your specific symptoms, medical history, and personal experiences leading to seeking care.
From there, your care team will analyze the diagnostic criteria and determine if your symptoms align with a major depressive disorder. Generally, this means you have experienced symptoms for at least two weeks, and they have caused issues with everyday life.
Before a formal diagnosis can be given, your care team will perform a physical evaluation to ensure no other condition is causing your depression. As mentioned above, there are underlying physicalities that may be a part of your depression symptoms.
The Difference Between Depression and Sadness or Grief
It is normal to experience sadness or grief in response to life events, such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, or an unexpected life change. These feelings usually diminish over time and do not significantly impair your overall ability to function.
Depression, on the other hand, is persistent and not always linked to a specific event. While grief may come in waves and still allow for moments of sadness, depression often creates a continuous state of despair. Additionally, feelings of self-loathing and worthlessness are common in depression but not in typical sadness or grief. Below is a helpful chart comparing the two conditions:
| Symptom | Depression | Grief |
|---|---|---|
| Feelings of persistent sadness | ✓ | |
| Memories of sadness and joy come in waves | ✓ | |
| Guilty or shameful feelings | ✓ | |
| Appetite and sleep changes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Feelings stem from a life event | ✓ | |
| Feelings are brought on with or without cause | ✓ |
How Depression Treatment Works
Depression is treatable, and multiple approaches are necessary to manage the symptoms effectively. Treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy: These therapies help the person identify and change negative thought patterns. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are common evidence-based approaches.
- Medication: Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) help regulate brain chemistry. Therapy typically goes hand in hand with medication for the best results.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep have been proven to improve mood and overall well-being.
- Support groups: Connecting with others with similar experiences offers emotional support and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Coping strategies: Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing techniques are complementary treatments that many find beneficial.
No one combination of treatment techniques fits every scenario. Overall, early intervention and a personalized treatment plan are crucial for effectively managing depression and improving quality of life. At MIND 24-7, we work with each individual to create a depression treatment path that fits their needs and goals long-term.
Getting Depression Treatment Today in Maricopa County, AZ
It isn’t easy admitting you need treatment for depression, but letting it build inside you will only lead to further complications. Mental health crises do not discriminate – they can happen to anyone. MIND 24-7 provides urgent depression care alongside options for future, successful outcomes. Don’t wait until you need us – contact us today to get started on a healthier mental health path.
MIND 24-7 has been serving the Mesa and Phoenix, AZ, areas for all primary mental health needs. We specialize in crisis situations and connect individuals with short and long-term care options. There is no wait when you come to us, and you will be welcomed into an environment conducive to healing. Call 1-844-646-3247 to learn more or get started.
Walk in. Get help. Feel better today.