Depression Treatment

“Behind every sweet smile, there is a bitter sadness that no one can ever see or feel.” – Tupac Shakur

You would never guess the lady behind the checkout counter giving you a receipt and saying “Have a nice day,” is only hanging on by a thread. The buddy sitting across from you at the poker table laughs and jokes, but secretly goes home wondering if he has the strength to get up and do it all over again.

Depression is very real and affects millions of people each year. These feelings of darkness can lead to much more than anguish when left alone. In Texas, 756,000 residents experienced thoughts of suicide in the last year. During the same time, almost 4,000 lives were lost to suicide.

Reflections Lifestyle Center knows how serious depression is, and how important it is to connect adults and adolescents to proper care. Our flexible program provides quality depression treatment for our Texas communities.

Depression is a debilitating mental health condition that causes constant feelings of despair and being down. Depressive disorders can be lifelong or stem from a life event, such as pregnancy or changing of the seasons. The symptoms that accompany depressive disorders often interfere with daily life, ranging from work and school to tasks such as household chores or paying bills. When left untreated, depression can result in serious mental harm that possibly will end up life-threatening.

At Reflections Lifestyle Center, we understand the unique care depression requires for teens and adults. Our world-class team addresses all areas of depressive disorders – physical, mental, and emotional – in a cozy, welcoming environment that feels like home.

When it comes to depression treatment, many hesitate to reach out for help due to fear of life disruptions. Here at Reflections Lifestyle Center, our program is designed to give you above-and-beyond care without pulling you away from your responsibilities at home. We accomplish this through our partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient programs:

• PHP: The partial hospitalization program for adults at Reflections is designed to provide substantial support and therapy during the day while returning home for the evening. Adult programming is available in person, virtually, or a combination of both. For adolescents ages 10-17, onsite PHP is available during the day. We understand school is still of utmost importance, which is why we provide Chromebooks and a highly recommended 2-hour study hall each day.
• IOP: Intensive outpatient programming provides the same individual and group therapies as PHP, with sessions taking place less frequently. You will learn about where your depression stems from and develop healthy coping skills for the future. IOP is available for adolescents and adults.
• Outpatient: During outpatient treatment, services will continue as you prepare to transition fully to your everyday life. Your care team will work with you to establish an aftercare plan to continue managing your depression healthily. Reflections Lifestyle Center will always be available should concerns arise, even after your treatment is complete.

Depression is a common mood disorder that can affect anyone, from teens and adults to males and females. Clinically, a depression diagnosis is referred to as a major depressive disorder (MDD) though several subcategories of depression exist under this umbrella. Though many people feel down and sad from time to time, MDD is characterized by persistent feelings of emptiness, sadness, and worthlessness. These occur with or without cause, making MDD a severe mental health condition.

Though depression is not limited to who it affects, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include having a family history of depression or other mental health conditions, experiencing significant trauma, or having a medical condition.

Though these factors do increase the risk of depression, it can develop from environmental circumstances. Chronic stress, such as financial difficulties, work pressures, or relationship conflicts, can contribute to the onset of depression. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, may increase the risk for some individuals for a depressive disorder to stem.

Recognizing the symptoms of depression in a loved one can be a vital first step in helping them seek support. Depression often presents through physical and emotional signs – and in untreated depression – they will become more prominent, especially during an episode. These include:

• Increased fatigue
• Unexplainable aches and pains
• Decreased interest in activities and hobbies
• Insomnia
• Decline in work or school performance
• Persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and emptiness
• Mood swings such as irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide

These symptoms may vary in severity depending on stress levels. However, if your loved one expresses any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, they need to be taken seriously. It is imperative to get them mental health attention immediately. One resource to reach out to in times of crisis is 988. This is the national hotline for mental health and suicidal ideation and connects your loved one to a local counselor to talk to. They can refer your loved one to resources or provide a listening ear with no pressure or judgment.

It is natural to feel sad or grieve after a loss or disappointment, but depression is more pervasive and debilitating than these normal emotional responses. Sadness and grief are typically tied to specific events and may come in waves over time. While these emotions may feel intense, they often coexist with positive memories or moments of joy.

Depression, however, does not always stem from a specific cause and persists for weeks or months. It affects nearly every aspect of daily life, including work, relationships, and physical health. While sadness and grief can motivate individuals to seek connection or comfort, depression frequently leads to withdrawing socially and a sense of numbness.

Diagnosing depression involves a comprehensive evaluation by a medical or mental health professional. The diagnostic process typically includes a detailed discussion of symptoms, medical history, and any relevant life events. The doctor will analyze these results to aid in the diagnostic process.

Professionals also rule out potential medical conditions that might mimic depression. Certain conditions including thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies, may be the culprit behind symptoms experienced. A physical exam and laboratory tests will be conducted to confirm if a physical condition is present.

Treatment for depression often involves a combination of therapies. Talk therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, help you identify and change negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and improve communication skills. Group therapy provides peer support and additional emotional reinforcement that will be utilized during and after treatment. Medications may also be prescribed to regulate brain chemistry and alleviate depression symptoms.

At Reflections Lifestyle Center, our compassionate team will start your care with a full assessment followed by a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.