Home » What We Treat » Mental Health Disorders We Treat » Depressive Disorders
At South Coast Behavioral Health, we understand the impact depression has on quality of life. Our depressive disorder treatment services are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring personalized mental health recovery.
Whether you’re seeking outpatient mental health services or comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment plans, South Coast is here to support your journey to better mental health.
After filling out this form, our admissions team will contact you at the number provided.
"*" indicates required fields
South Coast Behavioral Health is a safe and reliable source of depression therapy and mental health treatment for all.
Depression is a mental health issue marked by enduring emotions of unhappiness and hopelessness, along with a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed in the past, such as major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. People from all walks of life experience depressive disorders. They can greatly affect daily activities and overall life quality. Understanding the signs, causes, and available treatment modalities for depression is vital for those facing these challenges. Effective interventions can enhance emotional well-being and facilitate recovery.
Our depression treatment program takes an approach by combining proven therapies with alternative techniques such as mindfulness activities and dietary guidance, along with creative forms of therapy, like art and music, to promote whole-person wellness through the healing of the mind and body.
Major depressive disorder or depression is a mood condition marked by enduring emotions of sadness and hopelessness along with a lack of enjoyment in favored activities.
Signs and symptoms of this mental disorder may commonly involve:
Depression can greatly impact life and well-being, underlining the importance of reaching out for professional assistance. Therapy and medication are helpful for managing symptoms and supporting the healing process, helping individuals take charge of their lives and emotional health again.
Depression can be influenced by factors that raise the chances of a person experiencing symptoms to develop it further down the road.
Common factors may include:
While these risk factors can contribute to the development or worsening of depressive disorders, they do not mean that someone will definitely experience them. Depressive disorders are complex and multifaceted, and everyone will have a unqiue experience.
We are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.
Depression appears differently in ways with unique traits and signs for each type of manifestation — recognizing these variations is essential in pinpointing the right treatment approach. Here are common types of depression:
It is important to note that each individual may experience these depressive disorders differently and may require different treatment approaches.
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the above-mentioned depressive conditions, please seek help from a qualified therapist or counselor. With proper depression treatment and support, people can and do recover from these disorders.
Also known as clinical depression, major depressive disorder (MDD) is a depressive disorder that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. It affects how someone feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with MDD, these symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
The American Psychiatric Association is responsible for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It is the primary source for identifying symptoms of mental health disorders, including clinical depression. For clinical depression diagnosis, a person must experience at least five of the following symptoms nearly every day, for a large part of the day for two weeks or longer:
At least one of the clinical depression symptoms must be a loss of interest or pleasure in activities or a depressed mood.
Other common signs of clinical depression include:
If you think you or someone you know may attempt suicide, seek treatment immediately.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression characterized by a low mood that lasts for at least two years in adults (one year in children or adolescents). While the symptoms are less severe than those of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), they are more persistent and enduring. People with PDD often describe their mood as gloomy, down, or feeling “blah,” and may feel this way for many years, making it a part of their everyday life.
According to peer-reviewed research, 3% of people in the United States will experience dysthymia symptoms at some time in their lives. This is similar to the 1 in 6 individuals who would, at some time in their lives, experience some kind of depression. PDD prevalence is estimated to be 12% worldwide.
According to the DSM-V, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that starts and ends in the same season each year for a minimum of two years. It is most often experienced during winter months, but it is possible to experience SAD at any point during the year. Compared to other forms of depression, SAD is unique due to its cyclical nature and application of treatments like light therapy to counteract depressive feelings due to the dark, cold winter season.
The symptoms of SAD can vary, but often include:
SAD can be predictable as symptoms often begin and end around the same time of year. This is different from other depressive disorders that can occur at any time of the year without any seasonal pattern, with persistent symptoms that can linger for weeks or longer.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) occurs during the premenstrual phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is estimated that between 3% and 8% of women experience the debilitating symptoms of PMDD.
PMDD symptoms include:
Most scientific research points to an abnormal response to normal hormonal changes in the body as the cause of PMDD. Stress and trauma can also play a role in its development. It is important for women to track their symptoms and seek help from a doctor if they suspect they may have PMDD. When left untreated, the disorder can have a severe negative impact on quality of life.
Peripartum depression (PPD), also called postpartum depression, causes feelings of severe sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that occur after childbirth. Around 1 in every 7 women experience PPD, and it can develop anytime during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. PPD can have a significant impact on a woman’s ability to care for herself and her newborn.
Women with PPD may experience the following:
PDD carries the potential to interfere with daily functioning and pose a threat to the lives of both the mother and her child.
Most research points to a combination of changes in hormones, stress, a history of depression or other mental health issues, and a lack of social support. It is important for women to seek help from a mental health therapist if they experience any of the symptoms of PDD.
Atypical depression, despite its name, is a common variation of major depressive disorder (MDD) that features its own specific symptoms. What makes this depressive disorder “atypical” is the way it presents and responds to certain situations or stimuli.
Symptoms of “atypical” depression include:
Mood reactivity, where individuals experience temporary improvements in mood in response to positive events, is an indicator of atypical depression. A consistent low mood that doesn’t improve is an indicator of other forms of depression
Psychotic depression is one of the more concerning depressive disorders due to the extreme nature of the symptoms. Those with psychotic depression experience hallucinations or delusions along with the normal symptoms of depression. As implied by the name, there are also psychotic symptoms associated with the condition.
Symptoms of psychotic depression include:
The combination of psychotic and depressive symptoms makes this form of depression a serious mental illness with a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It’s common to use more intensive and invasive forms of treatment like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)to treat psychotic depression if the disorder does not respond to medicinal treatment.
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental health issue that involves extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and behavior. In the past, the disorder was called manic depressive disorder.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder, each with its own unique mood swings. Each type causes individuals to experience different periods of highs (mania) and lows (depression).
The different types of bipolar disorder include:
People with bipolar disorder may experience periods of intense mania or hypomania followed by episodes of depression, but it depends on which type they have. These shifts in mood can be severe and often interfere with daily functioning.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
During manic episodes, people may experience heightened euphoria and act impulsively or engage in reckless behavior. They might have rapid, racing thoughts, require very little sleep, and take part in high-risk activities without considering the potential consequences.
In contrast, depressive episodes bring feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities. Individuals may also notice changes in their appetite, sleep patterns, and struggle with focus or decision-making.
Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition that necessitates continuous management. Treatment generally includes a combination of medications and therapy to control symptoms and reduce the risk of future episodes. Working closely with healthcare professionals is crucial for those with bipolar disorder to help mitigate the effects of their mood swings.
Dealing with symptoms of depression can be really tough and lonely at times. The ongoing feelings of sadness, lethargy, and lack of interest in things can make it hard to feel connected to the world we live in. These experiences often result in thoughts and emotional struggles that push us further away from others and into a state of hopelessness.
Remember that support is there – getting help from a therapist or a holistic treatment approach can truly make a difference in how you feel day to day. Additionally, taking care of yourself through self-care activities like exercise, nutrition, and connection with others can ease the burden and help you build up the strength to overcome depression.
Treatment for depression often includes a mix of therapy and medication customized to suit each person’s needs. Antidepressant medications are frequently recommended to help regulate mood with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); however, medication is not an end-all-be-all treatment. Furthermore, lifestyle alterations such as engaging in physical activity and mindfulness techniques are beneficial in improving the effectiveness of treatment and promoting general mental health. Adding holistic methods such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork to the treatment of depression can enhance overall well-being and provide alternative avenues for relief. It is essential to seek guidance from trained experts in order to create a thorough treatment strategy that targets individual symptoms and obstacles.
In terms of therapy options, there are several types, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT), where the focus is on altering negative thinking patterns and enhancing relationships.
This is a form of psychotherapy rooted in practices that direct individuals to embrace their thoughts and emotions rather than push them away to foster mental adaptability. ACT guides clients in defining their core values and engaging in behaviors that resonate with those values to ultimately improve their quality of life when faced with challenging feelings.
CBT aims to help individuals identify and modify thought patterns and behaviors by exploring the connections between thoughts and emotions. CBT can suggest actionable steps to enhance coping mechanisms for a range of mental health issues.
A type of cognitive behavioral therapy that aims to assist people dealing with volatile emotions and self-destructive behavior, especially those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. DBT highlights the importance of acquiring skills in four areas: Mindfulness practice, distressing tolerance strategies, emotion regulation techniques, and social effectiveness tools to promote emotional strength and improve relationships.
Medication management is one tool mental health providers may use depending on the severity of a person’s depression. Antidepressants are the most common form of medication.
Prescription antidepressants are intended to help manage symptoms of depression and various mental health issues, like anxiety disorders and chronic pain, by changing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotional health.
SSRI medications are prescribed antidepressants that function by boosting serotonin levels in the brain to enhance mood and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are medications that help improve mood by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This makes them beneficial for managing depression and anxiety as well as specific chronic pain issues.
Treatment options for depression may also consist of antidepressants and mood stabilizers targeted to address symptoms that do not respond well to initial treatments, like SSRIs or SNRI antidepressants.
Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery. Examples include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, etc.
anxiety disorders
anxiety disorders
Borderline personality disorder historically has been viewed as challenging to treat.
anorexia
eating disorder
Anxiety disorders. Depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. Disruptive behavior disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.
At South Coast Behavioral Health, our depression treatment program takes an approach by combining proven therapies with alternative techniques such as mindfulness activities and dietary guidance, along with creative forms of therapy, like art and music, to promote whole-person wellness through the healing of the mind and body. We help people heal mental health conditions like depression and help them overcome their issues. People with depression may think that their mental illness and depressive symptoms are too much to deal with. They may develop substance use disorders as a way to self-medicate. This can make the diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression more difficult. It’s best to trust a certified depression treatment center for your healing. Request an appointment today!
South Coast Behavioral Health offers outpatient and inpatient programs to address depressive disorders effectively by providing personalized treatment that incorporates evidence-based therapies and medication oversight along with individual or group therapy sessions. We provide support in a caring setting focused on improving mental health and facilitating healing.
We provide male-specific treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders within our medical detox and residential treatment centers in Irvine, CA.
We provide female-specific treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders within our medical detox and residential treatment centers in Huntington Beach, CA.
We provide male-specific treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders within our residential treatment center in Costa Mesa, CA.
We provide comprehensive care for those with primary addiction, primary mental health, and dual diagnoses within our PHP and IOP treatment facility in Newport Beach, CA.
We provide comprehensive care for those with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders within our inpatient and outpatient treatment center in Oklahoma City, OK.
Our treatment centers in California and Oklahoma offer a wide range of services and dedicated addiction specialists who will help you begin your journey. We believe in empowering real people to get real, lasting results in recovery. Contact us today to get started!