Healing the Core of Addiction Depression

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders worldwide. The side effects impact a person’s relationships, career, and ability to function. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.7% of people aged 18 and older experience “regular feelings of depression.” Approximately 15 million people have reported visiting a physician “with depressive disorders as the primary diagnosis.” Exclusive Hawaii Rehab treats primary and secondary mental health disorders using evidence-based and natural medicine. The clinical team addresses the root cause of depression and provides clients with the information and tools they need to manage their disorder.

What Is Clinical Depression?

Depression must be clinically diagnosed. To meet the criteria for depression, a person must have experienced at least two of the following symptoms for over two weeks, with noticeable emotional distress or loss of function:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest in everyday activities
• Appetite changes leading to significant weight loss or gain
• Unusual loss of energy and focus
• Feeling worthless, helpless, dread, or guilt
• Suicidal ideation

Depressive disorders have different causes and treatments. Professional mental health programs provide clients with the best tools to manage depressive symptoms. Clinicians at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab are certified to provide primary and secondary mental health services. The care team guides clients through identifying the underlying cause of their depression and treating the disorder using personalized treatment plans.

After being diagnosed with a depressive disorder, most people undergo several levels of care to ensure they feel confident in maintaining positive mental health when they return home. Treatment programs provide a safe space with structure and guidance where individuals with depression learn healthy ways to manage their symptoms.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Depressive Disorders?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “There are a variety of causes of depression, including genetic, environmental, psychological, and biochemical factors.”

Risk factors for developing depressive disorders also include:

• Family history of depression
• Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
• Significant life changes, including moving to a new city, changing careers, or losing a loved one
• Chronic or acute stress
• Severe or chronic illness
• Traumatic injury

Individuals with close family members who have been diagnosed with depression have a higher risk of developing depressive disorders.

List of Depressive Disorders

Multiple disorders feature primary depressive symptoms, including:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
• Postpartum depression (PPD)
• Psychotic depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Bipolar disorder

The depressive symptoms exist along a spectrum and vary between disorders. Some people may experience multiple depressive disorders in their life. For example, people diagnosed with MDD have a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression.

Depression Frequently Reoccurs

Individuals diagnosed with depression may experience multiple severe depressive episodes throughout their life. According to Clinical Psychology Review, depression is “highly recurrent, with at least 50% of those who recover from a first episode of depression having one or more additional episodes in their lifetime, and approximately 80% of those with a history of two episodes having another recurrence.”

The recurrent nature of depression causes significant emotional distress and impacts a person’s quality of life. Chronic or recurring depressive episodes may also cause self-harming behaviors or suicidal ideation. Clinical Psychology Review goes on to state, “One meta-analysis found that the suicide rate among those with depression is approximately twenty times higher than the rate for the general population.”

Common Signs of Clinical Depression

Clinical depression changes people’s moods, behaviors, and thought patterns. The warning signs someone may be struggling with depression include:

• Social isolation and withdrawal from loved ones
• Frequent crying and a sense of helplessness, dread, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and hobbies
• Risk-taking and self-harming behaviors
• Avoiding meals or overeating
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and oversleeping
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed speech patterns

Some medications list depressive symptoms as common side effects. Individuals with an increased risk of depression are more likely to develop these side effects.

Treatment Options at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

The clinicians at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab prioritize holistic care and a personalized approach to treatment. Everyone has their own recovery journey, and tailored care allows clients to play a more active role in their treatment planning.

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab offers the following treatment options for clients with depression and co-occurring disorders:

• Naturopathic medicine
• Nutritional therapy
• Nature immersion
• Skill development
• Psychotherapy
• Experiential therapies
• Individual and group therapy
• Support groups
• Medication management
• Aftercare planning
• Alumni services

The beautiful Hawaii setting allows clients to spend more time in nature. According to Environmental Research and Public Health, “[W]alks in natural environments may decrease depressive symptoms in patients with clinical depression.” Exclusive Hawaii Rehab is located on 30 acres of gorgeous land where people can use nature-based activities to reduce stress and symptoms of depression.

Aftercare and Alumni Services

Depression is a mental health issue most people must manage for their entire lives. Aftercare and alumni services provide essential support for individuals in early recovery who may need additional help overcoming unexpected challenges or mental health crises after completing treatment. The alumni services at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab provide clients and their families with a safe space to gain inspiration, motivation, and continued support.