Outpatient depression treatment can change lives. Many people with depression from all walks of life have sought out help and experienced a complete turnaround.
Even if you think treatment sounds intimidating, are worried about the cost, or aren’t sure it would help, it’s worth reaching out to a health professional to find out what options are available to you. There are many supports available in the United States to help people access treatment, including financial assistance and virtual therapy options. No matter your situation looks like, we’re here to help!
Do I Need Depression Treatment?
Depression can severely impact a person’s quality of life. You most likely need treatment if you have been experiencing at least a few of the following symptoms for more than a couple of weeks:
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, unbearable sadness, or numbness almost every day
- Excessive fatigue
- Sleep problems such as insomnia or sleeping too much
- Appetite or weight changes
- Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities that were once pleasurable
- Difficulty staying productive at work or school
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- A pessimistic view of life
- Irritability or restlessness
- Persistent aches, pains, or headaches
- Digestive problems
Keep in mind that even if you are sure you have depression, only a psychiatrist or doctor can give you a definitive diagnosis. Many health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, ADHD, and hypothyroidism can have symptoms that resemble clinical depression.
The best way to find out if you need treatment for depression or any other mental health disorder is to talk to a licensed health professional and be fully honest about your symptoms.
If you have depression and your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Even the most severe depression can be treated. With the right assistance, your life will feel completely changed for the better.
Outpatient Depression Treatment Options
Most people with depression can experience relief through outpatient treatment, which means they do not need to spend time living in a residential treatment center and can avoid major disruptions to their work or home life. There are several effective depression treatment options which your doctor may recommend:
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is one of the most common forms of depression treatment. In therapy, you talk and work with a licensed therapist who will help you develop effective coping skills, change your thought patterns, and practice what you are learning.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your schedule, you may have individual therapy sessions once, twice, or three times a week.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of treatment in which a group of patients with similar problems meet with each other and a psychologist for an hour or two each week. Some patients attend both group therapy and individual therapy, while others only attend one or the other
Groups can act as both a support network and a sounding board. Often, talking and listening to others allows you to put your own problems in perspective and see that you are not the only one struggling. Other people bring their different personalities and backgrounds to the table and may have different ways of tackling problems. It may also help to learn depression management strategies from a psychologist together with others who are starting from a similar place.
While group therapy may sound intimidating at first, many group members find themselves surprised by how rewarding it is. The experience provides benefits that individual therapy does not.
Medications
Many people benefit from antidepressants, which can help adjust the chemicals in your brain to decrease the effects of depression while you learn coping skills in talk therapy. Some people are able to decrease their dosage or even completely stop taking medications over time, while others continue with their medications to maintain a better life.
There are many different medications available for depression. Most patients are able to find a medication that fits their needs and allows them to heal, even if it takes a few tries. Typically, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective course of depression treatment.
Finding the Right Depression Treatment
Different treatments are more effective for different people. You may have to try out several medications or therapists before you find the right fit, but it’s worth it! Most patients who do not experience success right away are able to find a treatment that meets their needs after a few tries.
If you need help finding mental health treatment or are concerned about the cost, Sunrise can help you learn about your options. We can connect you to qualified health professionals as well as to any community support you may need. Reach out to us today to take your next steps toward healing.