Iris Healing® Retreat, Woodland Hills, CA

What is a Rehabilitation Center for Depression?

Rehab isn’t just for addiction. Learn about getting treatment at a rehabilitation center for depression here.

Rehabilitation Center for Depression

Article Contents

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and apathy.1

These symptoms often start in the body before they begin to affect a person’s mood. Depression can present itself as fatigue, pain, and chest tightness. Trouble sleeping or issues with appetite are also common. These symptoms then escalate to a lack of pleasure in life, low mood, and suicidal thoughts. Luckily, depression is a treatable disease. Depression can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, and alternative therapies. Treatment of depression can be sped up through the use of a rehabilitation center for depression.

How Common is Depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world. It is estimated that one in six adults will develop depression in their lifetime. While anybody can develop depression at any time, certain populations are more vulnerable. Depression is more common in women and in those who have experienced trauma.2

Signs of Depression

Knowing the signs of depression can help you and your loved ones get help sooner if necessary. Depression is a very treatable condition, and being proactive with your healing can get you feeling back to normal faster. Depression symptoms look different for everyone. 

The most common signs of depression are:
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
  • A loss of sexual desire
  • Changes in appetite
  • Unintentional weight loss or gain
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Agitation, restlessness, and pacing up and down
  • Slowed movement and speech
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

Don’t Ignore the Symptoms of Depression

If you or a loved one is displaying these signs, it may mean that you or they are struggling with depression. Getting in touch with a rehabilitation center for depression can help you begin your healing journey immediately. 

What Causes Depression?

While there is no single cause for depression, there are a few different contributing factors. Genetics, brain chemistry, inflammation, hardship, and traumatic brain injury can all lead to depression.

Genetics

Depression is a family disease. This means that it can be passed down genetically.  Those with a parent or sibling with depression are three times more likely to develop it. There isn’t one specific gene that causes depression, instead, multiple genes play a role in the development of depression.3

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain. They relay information in the brain to help regulate the body. Imbalances in key neurotransmitters in the brain can lead to depression. Depression is linked to imbalances in dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

Inflammation

Research shows that there is a link between inflammation and depression. Chronic inflammation puts wear on the body, leading to weakness and fatigue. From here, depression can easily develop.4

Environmental threats and stress can also trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation in the body.5

Hardship

Trouble throughout life can lead to the development of depression. Those who have experienced trauma, especially early in life, are more likely to develop depression.6

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury is a head injury that has caused damage to the brain. Depression related to a traumatic brain injury doesn’t show up right away. It can take up to a couple of weeks for symptoms to begin following TBI.7

Depression and Other Disorders

Unlike other conditions, depression often occurs alongside other kinds of disorders. Depression and anxiety commonly occur together, which is a phenomenon that is called co-occurring disorders. Depression is also connected to substance abuse disorder and addiction.

The Connection Between Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are linked. While it looks different for everyone, these two disorders often occur together. Around half of the people who are struggling with a major depressive disorder also suffer from anxiety.8

The Connection Between Depression and Addiction

Depression is very closely related to addiction as well. Addiction and substance use disorders can lead to depression. The opposite can be true as well. 

Many people turn to substances in an attempt to self-medicate to lessen the symptoms of their depression. Another connection between depression and addiction is their shared risk factors. Because these two diseases have so many things in common, they can be treated together. 

Treatment for Depression

Depression is treated through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. There are many different treatment options, and it can be difficult to find the right combination that works for you. Checking in to a rehabilitation center for depression can help simplify your treatment. 

Medications

Medication is often the first line of treatment for depression. Working with a rehabilitation center for depression helps track your reaction to the medication. Finding the right medication for depression can be tricky. Working with a rehabilitation center for depression can help ensure that you are making the right choice for you with medication. There are five different types of medication for depression. These include:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa

  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Pristiq, 

  • Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants: Mirtazapine, Asendin, Norpramin

  • Noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs): Wellbutrin

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Marplan, Nardil, Selegiline

Psychotherapy

There are a few different types of therapies used in the treatment of depression. Psychotherapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment for depression, or along with medication. At a rehabilitation center for depression, psychotherapy is a key part of treatment. The most common psychotherapies used for depression are:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

  • Psychodynamic therapy

  • Light therapy

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Alternative Healing Techniques

Other alternative therapies are often used alongside psychotherapy, especially in a rehabilitation center for depression. Transcranial membrane stimulation is another therapy used for the treatment of depression. This non-invasive approach is FDA-approved for treating treatment-resistant depression. 

For some, depression can be managed through proper diet, sleep, and exercise. Additionally, many people can find relief from depression through mindfulness and meditative practices.

Rehabilitation Center for Depression

Looking for a Treatment Center for Depression and Addiction?

Are you or a loved one struggling with depression and looking for help? Recovery is possible and is even easier with the help of a rehabilitation center for depression. Using a rehabilitation center for depression can help shorten your recovery timeline.  

Why Choose Iris Healing®

Iris Healing® is more than a rehabilitation center for depression. At Iris, we take a holistic approach to treatment. Our focus is empathy. We treat the whole person, not just the disease. Our approach tends to your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Our rehabilitation center for depression offers many activities to fuel your soul. At Iris Healing®, you can expect to enjoy yoga, massage, meditation, art, and animal therapy. Additionally, while at Iris you will learn skills and coping mechanisms to maintain your well-being.

Contact Us to Learn More

Iris Healing® is located in Woodland Hills, less than one hour from Downtown Los Angeles. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and wants help, please get in touch with us today to learn about our programs and what we can do to help. Call us at (844)-663-4747 or visit our website.

Related Content