Depression is a serious psychological condition that goes beyond lingering feelings of sadness. However, too often, people with depression don’t get the help they need because their loved ones don’t recognize the severity of their problem. If you think you have a loved one with depression, learn the signs to find out if they need professional mental health services.
What Happens When You Have a Loved One with Depression?
Even though depression is a mental health issue, it impacts the entire body. Symptoms of depression include the following:
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of interest in former hobbies
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Appetites changes
- Physical symptoms, such as aches, stomach upset, diarrhea, or headaches
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
If you notice any of the above in a loved one, consider how long they’ve experienced the symptoms and why. Feeling sad for days or weeks after the death of a loved one or loss of a job is normal. But, if your loved one has experienced depression symptoms most days for at least two weeks, you should encourage them to get help from a professional depression treatment program.
Additionally, some people with depression may have other problems. For instance, some people with bipolar disorder may experience depressive symptoms occasionally alternating with elation. Bipolar treatment programs can help these people with both their highs and lows.
Another issue that some people may have with depression and other mental health problems, is addiction. Often the pain of depression may cause people to self-medicate using alcohol or drugs. However, these methods do not provide lasting relief and can lead to long-term addiction. Dual diagnosis programs address both depression and addiction.
Symptoms May Continue
Too often, people want a quick fix for depression. They see a commercial on television for medication and think that it will provide immediate relief. For some people with depression, taking antidepressants alone can help to lessen their symptoms. However, other people with depression need more than just medication to achieve full recovery.
In fact, doctors report that fatigue often persists even if patients take antidepressants. If your loved one still has depression symptoms even after minor interventions such as medications from a doctor, they may need a more intensive depression treatment program.
There are many options for treating depression and utilizing only one doesn’t usually do the trick.
If your loved one needs more help despite minor interventions, they are not lazy or a failure. In fact, people with depression want to get better. However, they have a serious problem that willpower or medication alone won’t fix.
Treatment Options for Depression
Treatment for depression may combine medication and psychotherapy. The types of therapy vary based on what the person with depression needs. For instance, some people do well in group therapy sessions, especially if their depression accompanied a substance use disorder. For others, individual sessions may help more at the start of treatment.
Programs that help treat depression include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Individual, group, and family therapy programs
Find Help at Promises Five Palms
With professional care, your loved one can find enjoyment in life again and break away from the pain of depression. With your support and our mental health treatment programs, your loved one has hope.
They may also benefit from any of the following programs:
- Anxiety treatment program
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment program
- ADHD treatment program
- Bipolar disorder treatment program
- Schizophrenia treatment program
- Substance abuse treatment program
If you have a loved one with depression, you can help them to get better by calling 1.844.675.1022 to speak with experts at Promises Five Palms. Contact us to help your loved one today.
