Depression Treatment in Los Angeles

Depression, also called clinical depression, major depression, or a depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes various distressing symptoms. Symptoms of depression affect how one feels, thinks, and handles everyday activities such as sleeping, eating, or working.  There are several types of depression, all of which have slightly different diagnostic criteria. Depending on each person’s unique symptoms, they might be diagnosed with major depression, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, psychotic depression, or perinatal depression, also known as postpartum depression. The criteria for each specific diagnosis are evaluated during a consultation with your primary care provider or mental health provider to determine how your symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition). Once a diagnosis is provided, you can begin to work with your mental health provider or one of the various Los Angeles outpatient rehab or depression treatment centers in Los Angeles.

While scientists at the National Institutes of Mental Health and others across the country are studying the causes of depression, science suggests that a combination of genetics, biology, environment, and psychological factors all play a role in the development of depression. Each year, more and more adults, children, and teens are diagnosed with depression. Fortunately, as the number of people diagnosed with depression increases, the depression treatment options in Los Angeles continue to increase as well.

Sometimes it can be challenging to know whether the symptoms you are experiencing are indeed depression or related to passing circumstances. Everyone feels blue, down, or upset on occasion. Often, these symptoms or emotions are associated with a specific event or traumatic experience. With time, the emotions of the moment tend to dissolve, and the symptoms that once presented as depression alleviate themselves. However, if your symptoms are causing problems with relationships, at work, or with your family members and there isn’t a clear solution or reason for what you are experiencing, your symptoms may be related to depression, and seeking help is an essential step to recovery.

How depression presents will vary from person to person; however, there are some signs and symptoms that are common to many. It is also important to remember that many depression symptoms are also typical parts of everyday emotional highs and lows. But the presence of increasing, stronger, more persistent symptoms may indicate you are dealing with depression.  Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include some or all of:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
• Changes in appetite or bodyweight
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Lack of energy of excessive fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty thinking or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

As previously indicated, depression treatment often involves combination therapy, including behavioral therapies, medications, and healthy lifestyle changes.

Suppose the depressive symptoms you are experiencing last more than two weeks or interfere with your relationships, school, or work. In that case, it may be time to consider seeking treatment at a Los Angeles outpatient rehab center. Other indications that you may need help treating your depression include turning to alcohol or drugs to cope, developing substance use disorders, or worsening existing mental illness.  Finally, if you or a loved one struggling with depression expresses thoughts of self-harm or attempts self-harm or suicide, it is essential to call 911 or (if safety is not at immediate risk) one of the hotline numbers provided through the Mental Health Services Administration or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

Here at Multi Concept Recovery, we understand that each person’s depression is completely different and needs to be treated as such. Our staff is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans for you. Get in touch and allow us to help you recover and heal.