It is normal to feel sad when going through a difficult life season or facing challenges. However, these feelings of sadness should dissipate after some time or when things turn around. Major depressive disorder, aka clinical depression, happens when someone is unable to shake off feelings of extreme sadness for long periods.
Clinical depression causes significant adverse effects on the patient’s mood, perspective, and physical functions like eating and sleeping. In this article, find out how to get depression treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston for you or your loved one.
What Does Major Depressive Disorder Look Like?
In 2017, millions of American adults admitted to having had one major depressive episode. Interestingly, women had a higher incidence of MDD than men, and the most affected group were young adults aged 18-25 years.
People who have clinical depression end up apathetic to life around them. They struggle with normal life activities, like getting up from bed, personal grooming, or showing up to work or school. At the extreme, people with depression can start feeling like their lives have no meaning or aren’t worth living. They may have suicidal thoughts or even attempt suicide.
Major depressive disorder can make it difficult for patients to reach out for help or seek treatment. In a bid to escape their symptoms, some people turn to drugs and alcohol, resulting in substance abuse that worsens symptoms. However, with the right combination of professional psychotherapy programs and medication, people with MDD can improve their quality of life and keep symptoms at bay.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
Doctors and mental health professionals examine a person’s behavior, symptoms and feelings to diagnose MDD. You may fill a questionnaire or answer a series of questions to shed light on your physical and mental state.
A treatment specialist will diagnose a person with MDD if they show five or more of the following symptoms almost daily for two weeks or more:
- Feeling irritable or sad for most of the day, almost daily
- Showing little interest in activities you once liked
- Feelings of restlessness
- Feeling extremely sleepy or having trouble sleeping
- Feeling abnormally tired and lacking energy
- Change in appetite leading to sudden weight gain or loss
- Feeling of guilt and worthlessness about the unexpected
- Thoughts about self-harm or suicide
- Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or thinking straight
The exact cause of a major depressive disorder remains unknown, but several factors predispose one to develop MDD. There are genetic factors and external stressors. However, MDD can also result from hormonal imbalances or significant life changes like the loss of a loved one.
Help for Major Depressive Disorder at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
If you or your loved one suffers from periodic or regular MDD symptoms, they need depression treatment to alleviate their symptoms. People with severe MDD should be under close observation to prevent them from self-harming. They may need to check into a residential treatment center where they can get the necessary help in a safe environment.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we have a calming environment away from the stressors of daily life. With lush landscapes and engaging treatment programs, people with major depressive disorder can get the help they need through the following services:
- Group therapy programs
- Individual therapy programs
- Yoga therapy programs
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
We’ve also developed our dual diagnosis treatment program for those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction along with MDD. You can also register for an outpatient treatment program if you’re unable to stay at the center during recovery.
Major depressive disorder is a severe mental health disorder, but it is also treatable. Reach out to someone near you if you need help or call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston at 866.516.8356 for more information on depression treatment for yourself or your loved one.
