Depression
Treatment
near Costa Mesa

Depression Treatment
near Costa Mesa

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders facing people worldwide. And it affects one in every three American adults.

The good news is that help is available at Moment of Clarity, Orange County’s premier mental health treatment center. We specialize in treating all forms of depression along with other psychiatric and emotional disorders.

With the support of a world-class treatment program, those suffering from depression receive compassionate and effective care. This specialized care allows them to reclaim their lives and manage their depression symptoms effectively.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a psychological disorder and medical condition characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness, despair, hopelessness, exhaustion, and apathy. It may also include other emotions such as worry, frustration, or anger. In serious cases, it may cause someone to contemplate taking their own life. It is important to seek depression treatment as soon as the symptoms become evident.

Depression can occur alongside other mood disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder. It can also lead to addiction, substance abuse, and dangerous risk-taking behaviors.

It is normal to feel down every now and again. However, if someone feels sad most of the time it might be a sign of mental illness. If a person is experiencing a change in mood that disrupts their daily life and relationships, they may have clinical depression. 

Depression can be hard on those suffering and disabling to some. This disorder also interferes with a person’s ability to function at home, work, or school. In such cases, it requires clinical intervention in a mental health facility.

Psychiatric Definition of Depression

To be considered a Major Depressive Episode, a person must have experienced at least two weeks of persistent low mood. In addition, they must have experienced at least four of the following symptoms:

This is the official psychiatric definition of depression, according to the DSM-5: the manual used by psychiatrists to diagnose mental illnesses.

Types of Depression

There are several different types of depression. Some are linked with traumatic life events, and others are the result of chemical changes in the brain.

Depending on the specific symptoms, a psychiatrist may diagnose:

What Does Depression Feel Like?

The word “depression” itself evokes a sense of how the condition feels. Depression can feel like an oppressive heaviness, weariness, and hopeless fatigue. The person suffering from depression may feel as if they are beneath the weight of the world, and unable to escape.

Intense mood swings, anxiety, and a sense of worthlessness can make them feel agitated, confused, and overwhelmed. Feelings of hopelessness and exhaustion might overwhelm those suffering from depression. These feelings may also be accompanied by crying spells and a lack of ability to get a good night’s sleep.

These people might have thoughts of harming themselves. They may also be unable to enjoy the people and activities that they have in the past. When people are suffering from depression every day can feel like a challenge. Many times those suffering from a depressive disorder may not feel like themselves. And other factors, like having PTSD, for example, can amplify the feelings that come with depression.

Depression Signs & Symptoms

Some common depression symptoms include:

  • Extreme sadness
  • Mood swings
  • Crying spells
  • Feeling irritable and impatient 
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • A sense of hopelessness
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Anger

Other signs and symptoms of depression include:

  • Eating too much or too little food
  • Lack of ability to complete daily tasks
  • Feeling out of control
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Lack of ability to concentrate or make simple decisions
  • Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy
  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, or feeling inadequate
  • Intrusive thoughts of harming themselves
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
  • Diminished ability to think clearly
  • Extreme exhaustion

Depression Treatment

The standard treatment for depression includes psychotherapy and/or medication, with the possible addition of hormone therapy. The type of therapy applied to people suffering from depression may vary by person. People with depression should seek the guidance of a medical professional to determine what treatment is appropriate for their needs.

1. Counseling & Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is typically a central component of depression treatment. Talk therapy has been suggested as an effective treatment for depression. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can provide effective support. These forms of therapy can be used either on their own or in conjunction with medication.

Therapy is often used to treat depression. However, getting treatment for depression is not always easy. At Moment of Clarity we understand that deciding on treatment may be overwhelming to those with depression. 

Consulting with a mental health or medical professional can help support you as you seek therapy options. Professionals can help determine what level of therapy would best suit your needs.

2. Antidepressant Medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used for moderate to severe cases of depression.

3. Hormone Therapy

Particularly if antidepressants aren’t effective, hormone therapy may be an excellent option for treating depression.

4. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic waves to stimulate and activate nerve cells. It involves no medications.

5. Residential Treatment for Depression

Some reasons to choose residential care for depression include:

  • Particularly severe or persistent depression symptoms.
  • A significant risk of self-harm.
  • Symptoms that haven’t responded to outpatient treatment.
  • Lack of ability to function at home, work, or school.
  • Co-occurring mental illnesses that exacerbate depression symptoms.

Natural Treatments For Depression

In addition to the standard treatments, a client may wish to explore complementary health approaches to help resolve depression. Those that have proven effective include:

  • Restorative yoga
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Deep breathing
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Naturopathy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Iron supplements
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Bright light therapy

We Accept Most PPO Insurance Policies

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And Many More

The Psychological Benefits of Deep Breathing

Physical tensions often go hand-in-hand with psychological stress. A feeling of anger may manifest as a tightly clenched jaw. A knotted stomach or nausea can be an expression of feeling “worried sick.” Extreme sadness may be experienced as tightness in the chest.

So, releasing physical tension very often brings in its wake the release of psychological tensions. When someone uses deep, slow breathing, a relaxation response is triggered. As a result, any stress-related mental and emotional tensions quite naturally dissolve. As chronic anger, sadness and worries are released, their psychological health improves.

The Importance of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

Among available complementary therapies, supplementing with omega-3 is one that deserves special attention.

People who regularly consume omega-3s are less likely to be depressed than those who are deficient in this fatty acid.

So, if a person is not replenishing this supply, they’re likely to develop a deficiency. This could leave them feeling tired and depleted, and at greater risk for developing depression.

One strategy to ensure high levels of omega-3 is to supplement with krill oil, salmon oil, or cod-liver oil capsules. There are also some excellent dietary sources of omega-3s, including:

  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard)
  • Wild-caught salmon
  • Albacore tuna
  • Sardines
  • Mackerel
  • Walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Anchovies
  • Egg yolks

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Depression Symptoms

Many of the natural therapies discussed above go hand-in-hand with a healthy lifestyle. For some people with depression, making subtle lifestyle changes can significantly improve the symptoms they are experiencing. 

To help prevent or reduce the symptoms of depression, it’s useful to:

Maintain a Healthy Diet.

Consuming foods that nourish the brain and nervous system can help reduce depression symptoms and improve you mental health. Some healthy choices include fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, high-quality protein, probiotics, and healthy fats. Healthy fats include olives, avocados, coconuts, almonds, sesame, and butter/ghee.

Enjoy Gentle Exercise.

Through integrating gentle exercise into everyday life, those suffering may find relief from some of their symptoms. Taking a daily walk around the neighborhood, or 20 minutes on an exercise bike can be great options to improve your mental health. In addition, activities such as restorative yoga or tai-chi class can help with mindfulness and relaxation.

Spend Time In The Natural World.

Enjoying fresh air and sunshine can go far in enhancing a person’s mood. Spending time outdoors can significantly improve overall mood and affect.

Avoid Alcohol.

 Instead of alcohol, people suffering from symptoms should make healthier drink choices. Beverages such as chamomile, mint, or lavender tea, can help with relaxation. While beverages such as or a large glass of celery juice or a mug of kombucha help support overall wellness.

Meditate.

Working meditation into everyday life can help with a person’s overall mood and mindfulness. Dedicating just ten minutes of the day to breath meditation or mindfulness meditation can make a substantial difference. Though practicing these techniques people can connect with their own inner peace. 

Help Is On The Way

It’s important to remember that depression is a medical/psychiatric condition. It’s just like any other health problem that requires skilled treatment and care, in order for the person to fully recover. People with depression symptoms should consider their treatment options carefully. 

For those suffering from depression or high functioning depression, Moment of Clarity treatment center is here to help. We have a team of qualified mental health professionals who can help support your specific needs. At Moment of Clarity, we create personalized treatment plans to effectively treat our patients mental health disorders. 

We understand that choosing a treatment path is difficult. Those suffering from depression may feel hopeless about their condition. However, it is important to remember that there is always hope. 

Our team of professionals is ready to answer any of your questions. Contact us to start your journey to better mental health today. 

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