Is rehab good for treating depression?

Many people think rehab centres are solely to help people suffering from an addiction. But in fact an increasing number of people are seeking treatment for depression at recovery and wellness centres such as White River Manor.

Depression is a potentially life-threatening mental health condition. In all cases it should be treated immediately by professionals who understand it.

Everyone feels sad at times as it’s a completely normal emotion. It helps us deal with certain situations – and we were give tears for a good reason.

However, depression is totally different to feeling sad for a few days about something. For a start, sometimes someone who’s depressed cannot even pinpoint any specific reason for why they are feeling so low.

It is a burgeoning major global mental health problem. According to WHO (the World Health Organization), depression is a mental disorder that affects 264 million people of all ages worldwide.

Depression can cause someone to suffer terribly. It may mean they function poorly at work, college, in the family and their community.

At its worst, depression can lead to death by suicide. Around 800,000 people die from suicide each year. 

Signs of depression

Clearly it’s vital to know depression symptoms. If you or anyone you know shows these signs for more than a few days – especially if it’s for two weeks for most of each day – it’s essential to seek professional help without delay.

• Overall tiredness, lacking energy.
• Reduced appetite, often with weight loss. Or food cravings, with weight gain.
• Difficulties with concentration, decision-making and memory.
• Worthless and empty feelings.
• Crying or feeling tearful, often for no apparent reason.
• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness and helplessness.
• Restlessness and irritability.
• Angry outbursts that are often over small things or for no clear reason.
• Loss of pleasure or interest in leisure interests and hobbies.
• Slowness in speaking, physical movements and thought.
• Focusing on past mistakes.
• Feelings of guilt and self-blame.
• Headaches, back pain or other physical aches and pains – for no obvious reason.
• Reduced sex drive or loss of interest in sex.
• Sleep disturbances, insomnia or sleeping too much.
• Repeated thoughts of dying, including suicidal thoughts.
• Suicide attempts.

One of the great advantages of seeking treatment at a rehab centre is that our team is here to help 24 hours a day. We are very experienced in helping treat people with depression and have had great success in ensuring enduring recoveries.

Tailored Program

We have specially devised treatments for depression. Initially our team will establish what type of depression anyone has that seeks our help.

There are several kinds of depression including major depressive disorder (MDD), situational depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), persistent depressive disorder (PDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

As soon as we establish which depression a guest is suffering from we will also look to see if there are any co-occurring disorders. These can include such as burnout, anxiety and addiction.

Then an individual treatment plan will be created. This is tailored to each guest’s therapeutic requirements and specific needs.

We know that everyone reaching out for our help is unique. We always treat the entire person.

So that means each guest will see our complete expert team. That includes psychologists, counsellors and nurses plus therapists in such as music and art

Then our gourmet chefs will ensure every meal has excellent nutritional value. As well as, of course, being delicious.

We also have a spa to give you luxury treatment such as full body massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. There’s a fully equipped private gym and a swimming pool too. 

Then there is our expansive and tranquil 21-hectare gardens, perfect for yoga, meditation or just reading a book. Or you can take a relaxing walk in nature along any of our extensive trails or try canoeing on the Sabie River.

In addition, there’s a mountain bike trail as well as other sporting options including golf, tennis and horse-riding. There’s also always excursions to the nearby stunning Kruger National Park where you can see zebras, elephant and lions.

Our guests have agreed with us that South Africa’s year-round sunny climate and the natural beautiful environment here are all great healers too. The sunshine is fantastic for helping with all mental health conditions, especially depression.

We’re fortunate to see sunrises and sunsets most days that are priceless. Another added consideration is that presently South Africa is unbelievable value for money.

Group therapy

Depression can leave someone feeling totally isolated. Being here with us all will immensely help alleviate that.

There’s the knowing that you’re surrounded by people who care 100 percent for your wellbeing and recovery. Then there are the other guests who have similar aims of recovery.

We have such as group therapy as part of our treatment. This is when guests under the guidance of one of our team will listen to and help each other.

Group therapy has been proven over the years to be extremely beneficial. We can also introduce guests to the 12 Steps recovery Program, one aspect of which involves a form of group therapy as well.

Lifetime recovery

We will also offer our guests other therapy suitable for their personal recovery. That includes such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness therapy, adult-child therapy and solution-focused therapy.

All of these have been shown to help people to a long-lasting recovery.

That is always our ultimate aim – that when one of our guests leaves here they have the knowledge and skills to deal with anything in life that could otherwise lead to depression again. We want their recovery to last for the rest of their lifetime.

Of course, all of this is set among our five-star manor house with its first-class luxury accommodation. Relaxation and good sleep are vital factors for a strong recovery.

---

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you or someone you care about.