Feeling unhappy or down occasionally is not uncommon. However, depression is more than just periodic sadness. A person who is suffering from depression experiences debilitating symptoms that can lead to intense emotional pain.
While there are several types of depression, major depressive disorder is the most common. Also known as clinical depression, major depressive disorder is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life. These symptoms can impact an individual’s ability to eat, work, sleep, study, and enjoy activities they once loved.
At CenterPointe Hospital, located in St. Charles, Missouri, we offer clinically excellent treatment for adolescents, adults, and senior adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression. We are committed to providing comprehensive care that can help our patients learn to manage their symptoms and restore their hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Depression Statistics
Depression affects people of all ages and walks of life. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 21 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode during the surveyed year.
Additionally, approximately 4.1 million adolescents ages 12-17 had at least one major depressive episode during 2020. This number represents a staggering 17% of the youth population in the United States.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
Signs of depression can look different for everyone. The frequency and severity of symptoms vary depending on the individual and the type of depression they are suffering from.
Common depression symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, anxious, or empty
- Persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Social withdrawal
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Fatigue
- Body aches or pains
- Difficulty focusing
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Self-harm
- Suicidal ideation
If you are displaying signs and symptoms of depression, you may benefit from seeking treatment from a qualified provider. Finding proper care early can decrease your likelihood of experiencing negative effects of depression.
Common Causes of & Risk Factors for Depression
Researchers tend to agree that depression is not the result of a single cause, but rather a combination of risk factors, such as genetics, hormones, brain chemistry, and biological differences.
The onset of depression generally occurs in a person’s teenage years, 20s, or early 30s. However, signs of depression can appear at any stage of life.
Common risk factors for depression include:
- Experiencing a traumatic or stressful event
- Family history of depression
- Substance use or addiction
- Serious or chronic illness, such as heart disease, cancer, or a stroke
- History of other mental health concerns
Effects of Depression
Depression can have lasting negative effects if left untreated. It can take a toll on a person’s emotional and physical health, as well as the way they engage socially. In some cases, depression can make it challenging for a person to maintain relationships and employment.
Additional effects of depression include:
- Social isolation
- Lowered self-esteem
- Difficulty performing basic self-care
- Changes in eating patterns
- Co-occurring mental health concerns
- Self-harm
- Thoughts about suicide
At CenterPointe Hospital, we provide effective programming and focused care that can help our patients drastically decrease their risk for suffering from lasting consequences of depression.
Therapies Used in Depression Treatment
If you are struggling with depression, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of asking for help. However, depression is highly treatable with appropriate support.
Much like the signs and symptoms of depression, the healing process can be vastly different for each person. At CenterPointe Hospital, we conduct a thorough initial assessment for each of our patients to determine which services and resources can best help them reach their treatment goals.
Depending on a patient’s needs, their treatment plan may incorporate individual, family, group, and experiential therapies, as well as basic medical care, medication management services, and detoxification.
Additionally, we offer various evidence-based therapies, including:
- Acceptance therapies
- Motivational interviewing
- Psychoeducation
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
How to Choose a Depression Treatment Center
Depression can make even the simplest tasks hard to complete. When it comes to seeking care, our hope is to make the process stress-free and encouraging.
It is important for a person who is battling depression to find a treatment center where they are treated as a unique individual. At CenterPointe Hospital, we create a customized care plan for each patient that addresses their specific needs.
We proudly offer a full continuum of care to meet each patient where they are on their journey to better health. Individuals can participate in inpatient, residential, and outpatient programming for the treatment of a variety of behavioral health concerns, including depression.
At the end of your time at CenterPointe Hospital, you’ll receive a detailed aftercare plan that supports your continued success. Our compassionate team can help you discover that you are not alone in your struggles. Together, we can help you find the path to healing.
In addition to our main campus, we offer outpatient services at our facilities located in St. Louis, Missouri, and Maryville, Illinois.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at CenterPointe Hospital.