Many people live with symptoms of a mental illness. Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, and many people require treatment to recover from it. If you think you might benefit from a depression treatment program, the first step might be getting a depression diagnosis.
If you or someone you love require treatment for depression, reach out to the Atlanta Center for Mental Health staff. We offer various programs that give people the skills they need to manage their mental health and live fulfilling lives. Call us today at 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form here.
Signs of Depression
When some people think about depression, they may imagine that it means someone feels sad all the time. Depression is much more complex than just feeling sad or crying. Some common symptoms of depression include:
- Not enjoying activities
- Isolating
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Sleep or appetite changes
- Low energy
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Poor self-esteem
- Lack of energy
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
Depression is not always the result of a specific event, trauma, or change. It can happen to anyone, even without a personal or family history of mental illness. Depression is a serious condition, but it is also treatable. If you or someone you love are experiencing any of the symptoms of depression, it is important to see a clinician who can properly diagnose this condition and help you make a treatment plan.
Getting a Depression Diagnosis
The first step of developing an effective depression treatment plan is getting a depression diagnosis. If you have concerns about your mental health, including experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor. Your medical doctor can rule out a medical cause for the symptoms you are experiencing, such as a thyroid condition or vitamin deficiency.
After a medical cause is ruled out, your doctor may ask questions to help them diagnose your depression. These may include questions about what you are feeling, how long you have been having symptoms, and the severity of your depression. Answer these questions honestly so your doctor can make an accurate depression diagnosis and help you make the right treatment plan.
Getting a diagnosis of depression is important because it is the first step towards recovery. Once you have a diagnosis, you can participate in a depression treatment program to give you the skills you need to improve your mental health.
What Happens in a Depression Treatment Program?
Depression treatment programs are designed to give you the skills you need to manage the symptoms of your depression and improve your ability to function in your daily life. Most treatment programs include:
- Medical supervision
- Medications
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy, if needed
- Holistic therapies—yoga, exercise, art therapy, recreational therapy
- Aftercare planning
Depression affects every aspect of a person’s life, from their physical health to how they can work or contribute to their family and community. Depression treatment programs are designed to address each aspect of depression and to give people the skills they need to improve their mental health for life.
Learn More About the Depression Treatment Program at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health
If you or someone you love require depression treatment, please reach out to the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. We offer a range of programs designed to empower people to manage the symptoms of their mental illness. Our goal is to support people at every stage of their mental health journey. In addition to our depression treatment program, we offer:
- Anxiety treatment program
- PTSD treatment
- Residential mental health treatment center
- Dual diagnosis treatment
If you are ready for life-changing treatment, call today at 833.625.0458 to speak to one of our admissions counselors, or fill out an online intake form here.
