Treatment for Depression in New Jersey
Depression is more than going through a rough patch or feeling temporarily sad. It’s a serious mental health condition. We see it manifest in many different ways, but regardless, it affects relationships, daily life and overall well-being like many medical conditions.
For a lot of people, their depression experience is made worse by a co-occurring disorder like addiction. Dual diagnosis, as this is known, presents unique challenges.
At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we understand how complex treatment for depression can be. We also know that treatment plans need to be tailored. Our goal is to help people who are dealing with depression, addiction, or supporting a loved one. We want to provide clear information, compassionate care, and an actionable recovery plan.
Why Does Depression Happen?
A mood disorder, depression affects how someone thinks and feels and also handles daily activities. Depression, if not treated, can cause physical and emotional issues because it is persistent. The World Health Organization estimates that 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression.[1]
Depression can happen because of factors that include:
- Genetics, including a family history of depression.
- Brain chemicals. These play a role in mood regulation, and imbalances can contribute to depression.
- Hormone fluctuations because of pregnancy, menopause or thyroid problems.
- Stressful life events like death or trauma can lead to depression.
- Certain personality traits like low self-esteem can make someone more prone to depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
There are different ways depression can manifest. Symptoms vary in intensity and how they last, too.
Some of the common depression symptoms can include:[2]
- Sadness.
- Emptiness.
- Hopelessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things once enjoyed.
- Significant weight gain or loss.
- Insomnia or waking up early.
- Sleeping too much.
- Low energy levels.
- Problems focusing or making decisions.
- Memory problems.
- Feeling guilty for no reason.
- Feelings of worthlessness.
- Self-blame.
- Aches and pains, headaches or digestive issues.
- Thoughts about death.
- Suicidal ideation.
- Self-harm attempts.
There are different types of depression.
- Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, also goes by the name depression. It includes persistent sadness and lack of interest. MDD is recurrent, and episodes can last weeks, months or years.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder, or PDD, was known at one time as dysthymia. Chronic depression has less severe but longer-lasting symptoms than major depression.
- Bipolar disorder involves mood changes that happen cyclically. It can include depressive lows and manic highs.
- Seasonal Affect Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year. It’s usually winter when the days are shorter.
- Postpartum depression occurs after giving birth.
- Another type is Atypical Depression, with mood reactivity and symptoms like a heavy feeling in the arms and legs, sensitivity to rejection and increased appetite or weight gain.
The Links Between Depression and Addiction
When it comes to treatment for depression, co-occurring conditions like addiction must also be treated.
Depression and addiction frequently occur together. It is known as dual diagnosis. Each can contribute to either the onset or the worsening of the other.
Understanding the relationship guides treatment for depression in these scenarios.
Depression can lead to addiction because of self-medication or using substances to escape or numb tough emotions. Depression can reduce social support and overall withdrawal. That increases substance abuse vulnerability. Also, environmental stressors like financial struggles and substance use appeal as a coping mechanism.
Addiction can lead to depression because substance abuse alters brain chemistry. The changes stemming from drug or alcohol use can make depression symptoms worse. Addiction also often leads to negative consequences like a relationship or legal troubles.
These stressors can contribute to symptoms of depression. Plus, the stigma of addiction can make depressive symptoms worse if a person experiences isolation or shame.
With the coexistence of depression and addiction, a difficult cycle can occur. Each condition fuels the other, requiring an integrated treatment approach.
Depression Treatment Approaches
At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we create individualized plans providing effective, intensive treatment for depression. Some of the treatment options that may be part of a program at our New Jersey mental health treatment facility include:
- Medication management: Antidepressants can help balance brain chemicals. It can take a few weeks to notice the effects and feel better. Patients may need dose or medication adjustments. We also make sure that side effects are carefully monitored.
- Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, a mental health professional works to address depression’s underlying causes. For example, therapists commonly use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat depression, and it can also aid in treating addiction.[2]
- Holistic and alternative therapies: There may be relief from holistic and alternative approaches like mindfulness meditation, acupuncture and yoga. These are used along with traditional evidence-based treatments.
- Lifestyle changes: We treat the whole person at New Jersey Behavioral Health. That includes helping them build healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, stress management, and a balanced diet.
- Support groups: Along with group therapy, support group participation provides community and understanding. Group situations reduce isolation and can be a way to build practical coping skills.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Along with treatment for depression, when addiction treatment is needed, a specialized approach is required.
Some of the steps in dual diagnosis treatment for depression and addiction include:
- An initial comprehensive assessment helps us understand mental health and substance use history. Our treatment professionals can evaluate the depression’s severity and extent. A tailored treatment plan is developed. It addresses depression and addiction, usually involving medication management, talk therapy and addiction treatment. Without an integrated care approach, the risk of relapse is higher.
- Therapy and counseling plans include individual and group therapy. These address depression and the behavioral patterns of addiction.
- Supportive therapies like family therapy may be included in a treatment plan.
- Long-term recovery planning is critical to dual diagnosis treatment. This includes developing relapse prevention strategies and facilitating long-term therapy and support group participation. Aftercare programs and ongoing support are crucial to maintaining progress.
Why Choose New Jersey Behavioral Health for Depression Treatment?
We take a comprehensive, compassionate approach to treating depression and co-occurring addiction.
We’re experts in treating individuals with dual diagnoses. We are trained to address both conditions simultaneously. We believe in taking a highly individualized and thorough approach to care, and our team comprises highly qualified professionals.
Our facility is a safe, comfortable and nurturing environment. You can focus on your recovery safely, securely and confidentially.
Our patient-centered approach makes us the best choice if you’re seeking treatment for depression and lasting recovery.
Find Depression Treatment in New Jersey Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, please reach out to New Jersey Behavioral Health today to explore your treatment options.
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO): Depressive disorder (depression)
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): What is Depression?