Depression Treatment in Delaware
Depression Treatment
Our depression treatment will help you overcome your depressive disorder.
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The journey to better mental health begins with a single step.
Depression Treatment
When depression takes hold, it touches every part of life. At The Brandywine Center, we offer flexible outpatient depression treatment that fits around work, school, and family responsibilities. Our programs help people heal while they keep up with daily life.
If you or someone you love struggles with depression and needs effective, flexible mental health care, contact us directly to learn more.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a medical condition that changes mood, energy, and interest in life. People with depression often feel persistent sadness, low energy, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Clinicians call this major depressive disorder or clinical depression. Symptoms of depression also appear in other mood conditions such as bipolar disorder and postpartum depression.
Depression ranks among the most common mental health disorders in the United States. According to the NIH, an estimated 21.0 million adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2021, representing 8.3 percent of U.S. adults. The good news is that depression responds to treatment, and many people find relief through therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Depression Treatment at The Brandywine Center
We design treatment plans that match each person’s needs and life schedule. Our team uses proven therapies and medication management when appropriate. We focus on restoring daily functioning, improving mood, and building skills that support long term recovery. We also teach practical tools for coping with stress, improving sleep, and managing relationships.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression can show up in many ways and affect work, family, and social life. Clinical depression is more than just a case of “the blues”. It continues for months or years. But, outpatient depression treatment works for most people.
While depression cannot yet be cured, it can be managed effectively once it’s diagnosed and treatment. Diagnosis relies on people being able to self-report their symptoms. Knowing the symptoms and signs of depression can help you or someone you care about recognize a need for mental health treatment.
Common depression symptoms include:
Persistent Sadness
Feeling overwhelmingly sad or empty most days, often with no clear cause. This sadness may be described as a heavy, dark feeling that doesn’t go away.
Lost of Interest of Pleasure
Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable, such as hobbies, sports, or socializing. This can include a loss of sexual desire and decreased interest in intimacy.
Feelings of Hopelessness and Helplessness
A pervasive sense that nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation. This often leads to a feeling of being trapped.
Increased Irritability or Frustration
Becoming easily annoyed or angry, even over minor inconveniences. This can lead to frequent arguments or outbursts.
Increased Anxiety
Feeling restless, tense, or on edge. This can include physical symptoms such as a racing heart or sweaty palms. Anxiety may or may not come with panic attacks.
Difficulty Concentrating
Struggling to focus on tasks, read and remember, follow conversations, or complete work. Trouble concentrating that makes everyday tasks feel overwhelming can be a symptom of clinical depression, ADHD, or both.
Changes in Appetite & Weight
Experiencing significant weight loss or gain not related to dieting. Appetite changes can vary, with some people eating more and others eating less.
Sleep Disturbances
Experiencing insomnia, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Conversely, some may sleep excessively, finding it hard to get out of bed.
Unexplained Physical Aches and Pains
Suffering from headaches, stomach aches, back pain, or other physical issues with no apparent medical cause. The mind and body are one and depression can manifest as physical discomfort or pain.
Recurring Thoughts About Death Or Suicide
Frequently thinking about death, having suicidal thoughts, or making suicide attempts. Suicidal ideation is a serious symptom that requires immediate attention.
If you or someone you know is suicidal currently and has plans and intent, DO NOT WAIT, GET HELP NOW.
Call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988. You can also text 988, if you aren’t ready to talk on the phone yet.
Feeling Numb
An emotional detachment or feeling of numbness, where you feel disconnected from your emotions or surroundings.
Types of Depression
Depression comes in various forms, including:
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also called “dysthymia,” is a chronic form of depression with mild to moderate symptoms. People with PDD experience a persistent low mood or sadness that occurs nearly every day. Although symptoms aren’t severe, these persistent feelings can impact your daily life.
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar depression occurs during the “depressive” phases of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating phases of mania and depression. Therefore, if your depressive symptoms also accompany periods of an elevated mood, you may have bipolar disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects people during the winter months, especially in northern regions of the United States. The lack of sunlight and the colder weather decrease a person’s mood and energy levels. For some people, this can trigger a depressive phase each winter.
Postpartum Depression
Approximately 1 in 10 women in the United States experience a period of depression after child birth lasting 3 to 6 months. This type of depression is called postpartum depression and nearly 50% of women with this disorder aren’t diagnosed by a mental health professional.
Delaware Depression Statistics
Depression is among the most common types of mental health disorders in the world. It is also very treatable. The following highlight the prevalence of depression in the U.S., and Delaware:
- As stated previously with data from the NIMH, approximately 21 million adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one major depressive episode.
- About 20.1% of Delaware adults report having a doctor-diagnosed depressive disorder
- Studies show that depression treatment, like the programs offered at The Brandywine Center can significantly reduce symptoms for over 80% of people diagnosed with depression.
At The Brandywine Center, we offer high-quality treatment for depression and other mental health disorders.
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How Does Depression Treatment Work?
At The Brandywine Center, we offer structured Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) that are essential components of depression treatment. Our PHP treatment for depression involves daily sessions with therapists, while the IOP provides a flexible schedule suitable for those transitioning from PHP or needing less intensive care.
Both programs focus on:
- Psychiatry: Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants, can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Some people stop medications over time. However, depending on your symptoms, you may need to take medications long term.
- Group Therapy: During group therapy, a trained therapist facilitates discussion among peers struggling with similar disorders and issues. This helps you feel less alone with your disorder as you meet and support others.
- EMDR Therapy: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) primarily treats post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, since trauma is often involved in depression, EMDR may be part of your depression treatment.
- Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can help you find medications that work best with your genetics. This can speed up the treatment process by matching you with the most effective meds without trial and error.
- Holistic Treatment: Holistic treatment approaches emphasize the mind-body connection to enhance treatment outcomes. Examples of holistic treatments include yoga, mindfulness meditation, reiki, and exercise.
- Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy uses low wavelength light to penetrate into body tissues. This can relieve some of the physical symptoms of depression by increasing blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
- Family Therapy: When a family member has depression, their loved ones also struggle. They might feel worried, overwhelmed, or even angry. Family therapy sessions can help rebuild relationships and improve communication.
What To Expect During Depression Treatment
Starting treatment can be daunting, but at The Brandywine Center, we ensure a supportive and respectful environment.
During your treatment, expect to:
- Engage in regular therapy to explore the causes of your depression
- Learn and practice new coping mechanisms to manage symptoms
- Receive personalized attention and care from our team of specialists
- Regularly review and adjust your treatment plan to suit your progress
Types of Depression Treatment
Below is a list of depression treatment options commonly used to help people manage and overcome depressive disorders. Keep in mind, the best treatment options for you or your loved one will depend on several distinct factors, including the type of depressive disorder, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of any co-occurring issues, such as a substance use disorder.
Medication
Antidepressants: Including SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), and Tricyclics.
Mood Stabilizers: Used to manage mood swings associated with depressive disorders.
Atypical
Antipsychotics: Often prescribed when standard antidepressants do not provide relief.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Addresses problems in personal relationships that may contribute to depression.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Aims to uncover underlying psychological conflicts affecting current behavior and mood.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices.
Group Therapy
Support Groups: Offer a platform for sharing experiences and gaining support from peers.
Skill Development Groups: Focus on developing specific skills to manage depression.
Psychoeducational Groups: Provide information about depression and teach strategies to handle its symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Regular Physical Exercise: Helps improve mood and physical well-being.
Nutrition Counseling and Diet Modification: Supports overall health and can impact mood stability.
Improved Sleep Hygiene: Essential for mental health maintenance.
Holistic Therapies
Mindfulness Practices: Including meditation, yoga, and breathwork.
Acupuncture:Traditional Chinese medicine technique used to alleviate various symptoms.
Art and Music Therapy: Creative therapies that help express emotions and improve mental health.
Brain Stimulation Therapies
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For severe depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Involves implanting electrodes in certain areas of the brain.
Hospitalization and Depression Treatment Programs
Inpatient Treatment: For individuals with severe depression requiring constant medical supervision.
Residential Treatment Programs: Provide a stable environment focusing on comprehensive care.
Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs: Less intensive than inpatient care, suitable for those transitioning to or from full-time care.
Benefits of Depression Treatment
Seeking treatment for depression may be one of the best decisions you ever make for yourself or the one you love. Don’t accept things as they are or give in to depression. The right treatment can transform lives and bring about a brighter future.
Benefits of depression treatment here include:
- Improved mood and emotional well-being
- Enhanced personal and professional relationships
- Greater enjoyment and engagement in life
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Better management of stress and anxiety
Depression Treatment in Delaware
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Depression
What is the difference between PHP and IOP?
PHP is a more intensive program requiring daily participation, while IOP offers flexible scheduling with fewer weekly sessions.
How long does depression treatment take?
The duration varies depending on individual needs, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Is depression treatment covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover depression treatment. Contact us to verify your coverage at The Brandywine Center.
Can I work while attending treatment?
Many of our clients successfully manage work commitments while enrolled in our IOP program.