Depression

Depression Treatment

Depression is a common mood disorder that negatively affects how we think, feel, and behave.

It is a complex mental health condition that can affect each person differently.

This serious mental health problem causes a negative shift in mood, which can become intense and may last for a prolonged period of time. 

These mood changes may shift significantly and interfere with your ability to function in daily life or to find enjoyment or pleasure in the activities you once enjoyed.

Depression not only affects your mood but also the way you view yourself and how you understand and relate to the world.

Depending on the type of depression you have, you may also experience other mental health symptoms, including issues with problem-solving, loss of interest in hobbies you once enjoyed, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Suppose you are concerned that you (or a loved one) may have depression. 

In that case, you must seek help from a mental health professional or your primary care provider, who can give you an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan.

Contact our friendly healthcare team at White River Manor today. They will gladly provide further information and support about our depression treatment program.

What are the different types of depression?

There are various types of depression, each with its own diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatment. The two most common forms of depression are:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) – a prevalent mental health disorder involving mental health symptoms such as sadness, low energy, and hopelessness.
  • Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) – Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia or low-grade depression, is a chronic but less severe form of depression compared to major depressive disorder. PDD is more common in women than men and is a serious, disabling condition that shares many symptoms with other types of clinical depression.

Other types of depression

As well as major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder, there are also other types of depression that can be just as severe and life-limiting, including:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Postpartum depression
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Atypical depression

The different forms of depression

As well as there being different types of depression, there are also various ways the condition can affect each person.

For instance, you may have mild depression, moderate depression, or much more severe depression that impairs your ability to function and continue with your normal daily activities, including work, physical activity, and spending quality time with your loved ones.

If your symptoms of depression are overwhelming and you are struggling to cope with daily life – you must speak to a mental health professional or a healthcare provider who can advise you on the next steps.

What are the most effective therapies for treating depression?

There are various treatment options for depression, including medication and psychotherapy.

Fortunately, depression is a highly treatable mental illness that can improve with proper care and the right treatment approach.

Your healthcare provider will provide an accurate diagnosis and mental health assessment to determine what type of depression you have and decide on the best course of treatment based on your specific needs, symptoms, and other factors.

If you struggle with symptoms of depression, you may wonder what is best used to treat depression in terms of medication and therapy.

Depending on the type of depression you have, your healthcare provider may suggest antidepressant medications to help alleviate your symptoms.

What are antidepressants?

Antidepressants are a class of medications primarily used to treat depression and other mood disorders, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

They work by altering the balance of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, which can influence mood and emotional states.

There are several types of antidepressants, each targeting different neurotransmitters:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake into neurons. Common SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Celexa).
  • Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Examples include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): An older class of antidepressants that affect serotonin and norepinephrine but tend to have more side effects. Examples include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): These inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Due to dietary restrictions and potential side effects, MAOIs are often used as a last resort. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
  • Atypical Antidepressants: This group includes a variety of medications that don’t fit into the other categories, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which primarily affects dopamine and norepinephrine.

Antidepressants are typically prescribed by a healthcare professional, and their effects can take several weeks to become fully noticeable.

While effective for many people, antidepressants can have various side effects and may require adjustments in dosage or type to find the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects.

It would help if you spoke with your healthcare provider before taking antidepressants, as there are many types of antidepressant medications, each with its own side effects.

Therapeutic treatment options

Treatment options for depression often include various types of talking therapies, each with unique approaches and effectiveness.

They include:

  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used, evidence-based therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to depression. Clients can improve their mood and coping skills by challenging these thoughts and adopting healthier behaviours.
  • Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is also effective for depression, especially when combined with emotional dysregulation. It combines CBT with mindfulness practices, teaching clients how to manage distress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships.
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning, which can help alleviate depression. It addresses issues like unresolved grief, role transitions, and interpersonal conflicts.
  • Psychodynamic therapy: This therapy explores unconscious patterns and unresolved conflicts from the past that may be influencing current behavior and emotional states. It aims to bring these issues to the surface, helping clients gain insight and resolve them.
  • Behavioural activation (BA): BA encourages clients to engage in activities that they once found enjoyable or meaningful. The goal is to break the cycle of avoidance and inactivity, which can worsen depression.
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy techniques to help clients become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, reducing the risk of relapse into depression.

Brain stimulation therapy

Brain stimulation therapies are advanced treatments for depression, particularly when other interventions like medication and talk therapy have not been effective.

These therapies use electrical or magnetic stimulation to influence brain activity and alleviate symptoms of depression. 

Here are some of the most common brain stimulation therapies:

1. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

  • What it is: ECT is one of the oldest and most well-known brain stimulation therapies. It involves sending controlled electrical currents through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure.
  • How it works: The procedure is done under anaesthesia, and the seizure typically lasts for about 30 to 60 seconds. ECT is believed to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of severe depression.
  • Use: ECT is often used for severe depression, especially when there is a risk of suicide or when other treatments have failed.

2. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

  • What it is: TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
  • How it works: A magnetic coil is placed on the scalp, and it sends short pulses to the part of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS does not require anaesthesia and is performed while the patient is awake.
  • Use: TMS is typically used for treatment-resistant depression, where patients have not responded to medications or therapy.

3. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

  • What it is: VNS involves implanting a small device under the skin of the chest, which sends electrical pulses to the vagus nerve. This nerve runs from the brainstem through the neck, chest, and abdomen.
  • How it works: The electrical pulses are thought to affect mood regulation areas in the brain. The device operates continuously but can be adjusted by the patient or doctor.
  • Use: VNS is used for treatment-resistant depression, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective.

4. Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

  • What it is: DBS is an invasive procedure involving implanting electrodes in specific brain areas connected to a pacemaker-like device implanted in the chest.
  • How it works: The electrodes deliver continuous electrical impulses to the targeted brain areas, potentially altering brain circuits that contribute to depression.
  • Use: DBS is generally reserved for severe cases of treatment-resistant depression and is still considered experimental for depression.

5. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES)

  • What it is: CES uses a small device that sends low-level electrical currents to the brain through electrodes placed on the earlobes or scalp.
  • How it works: Mild electrical stimulation is thought to promote relaxation and improve mood by influencing brain neurotransmitter levels.
  • Use: CES is used for mild to moderate depression and is a non-invasive, low-risk option often combined with other treatments.

Brain stimulation therapies offer hope for those with depression that is resistant to standard treatments.

These therapies are usually considered when other options have been exhausted, and their use is determined based on individual needs and the severity of the depression.

Get help today

Depression is much more than just a low mood.

Everyone experiences stress, anxiety, and low mood sometimes, especially during tough times like the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the ending of a relationship.

These are natural reactions to loss, disappointment, and other challenging life events.

While these feelings share some of the same features as depression, they are not the same. 

Unlike depression, these feelings will eventually pass and don’t affect our ability to function in daily life.

Depression can lead to several mental, emotional, physical, and behavioural problems if left untreated, including substance abuse – frequently used as a way of ‘escaping’ unpleasant symptoms.

Fortunately, depression is one of the most treatable mental health disorders, with a very high success rate for a full recovery.

It is important to seek professional help to get the treatment you need to recover and get back to enjoying a healthy, happy life.

All types of depression are treatable, and there is no need to suffer in silence or to try to manage the symptoms alone.

There are specific treatment options available to address every type of depression. 

As mentioned, most depression treatment programs will include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes designed to meet each individual’s specific needs.

What are the causes of depression?

There is ongoing research into the causes of depression, which currently suggests there is no single cause.

Depression is not merely the result of a ‘chemical imbalance.’ It typically arises from a combination of factors and can be triggered by various influences, including:

  • Genetics
  • Female sex hormones
  • Imbalances in brain chemistry
  • Personality traits
  • Medical conditions
  • Substance use
  • Lifestyle factors
  • Circumstances
  • Stressful life events

Depression is an exceptionally complex mental illness with numerous potential causes.

It is now understood that several of these factors must interact to trigger depression, and no two individuals will be affected in the same way.

To learn more about our depression treatment programs, contact our South African recovery centre today for further information and support.

The admissions process is designed
to be quick and simple

We aim to get you the help you need as soon as possible. We’re here to listen to your needs and guide you through the entire process.

What are the symptoms of depression?

As mentioned, depression affects different people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of physical and mental health symptoms. 

These symptoms can vary from very mild to moderate to severe and include:

Physical

  • Decreased energy and increased fatigue
  • Physical health issues, including bodily aches and pains, without obvious cause and /or do not respond to treatment
  • Upset stomach, digestive problems
  • Sleep problems – insomnia or oversleeping
  • Changes in appetite – along with weight changes
  • A lack of energy – making it challenging to participate in physical activity or exercise

Mental (thoughts)

  • Thinking you are a failure – low self-esteem
  • Persistent anxious/worried thoughts
  • Difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Problem-solving issues
  • Persistent negative thoughts
  • Loss of perspective, which may include suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Emotional

  • Worthlessness or guilt
  • Restlessness and irritability – sometimes anger
  • Loss of interest in normal activities – feeling that everything is hopeless
  • Feeling unhappy, sad, and constantly tearful
  • Uncontrollable mood swings without an obvious reason

Behavioural

  • Avoiding social events and activities
  • An inability to meet responsibilities at work and home
  • Neglecting hobbies and interests – lacking motivation
  • Escapist or risky behaviours, such as substance abuse
  • Self-harming or suicidal behaviour.

Some medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of depression – such as thyroid problems, brain tumours, and vitamin deficiencies – so it is important to rule out these medical causes at the outset.

It is important to remember that we all experience some of these symptoms from time to time. 

However, your symptoms of depression must be present persistently over a prolonged period of time for a diagnosis of depression to be made.

What lifestyle changes can help with managing depression?

Psychotherapy offers valuable insights into understanding the root causes of depression and helps us develop effective coping strategies. It also guides us in making positive lifestyle changes that can support our recovery.

However, there are various lifestyle changes you can make to help improve your depression symptoms, allowing you to lead a happier, healthier life, including:

  • Incorporating regular exercise
  • Maintaining a balanced diet
  • Ensuring a proper sleep routine
  • Avoiding self-medication
  • Practising relaxation techniques
  • Participating in self-help groups. This can significantly contribute to long-term recovery and overall mental and physical well-being

While there is no single approach to overcoming depression—since each person’s experience is unique—it’s important to remember that all forms of depression are treatable.

With professional support, you can discover the treatment plan that best suits your individual needs and preferences.

Depression treatment at White River Manor

At White River Manor, we provide a holistic depression treatment program for all types of depression, which is shaped around your personal preferences and therapeutic needs and addresses any co-occurring conditions.

Using a combination of traditional methods, ancient philosophy, and cutting-edge science, the team at White River Manor treats the whole person and not just the depression, ensuring deep transformational healing and a full recovery.

We understand that recovery is a lifelong pursuit of positive habit-building, maintaining mental well-being, and avoiding triggers. 

That’s why we also include a complete aftercare plan to support you following treatment.

We will be there to guide and support you and your loved ones throughout the recovery process.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please get in touch with us and take the first step to improving your mental well-being and quality of life.

Contact the White River Manor healthcare team today for further support and information.

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We treat all of our clients with the utmost care, dignity and respect.

Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation conversation with one of our professionals.

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