Residential Depression Treatment at Affinity Treatment Centers in Vista, CA
Everyone feels sad sometimes. This is just one of the unavoidable facts of being a living, breathing human being. Sadness is one thing, but major depressive disorder is a whole different animal. At Affinity Treatment Centers, we strive to help people in Vista and San Diego with major depressive disorder. First, it is important to identify exactly what major depressive disorder is and the symptoms of the disorder.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
While sadness is an emotion that comes and goes, usually with some underlying cause, major depressive disorder is a persistent and long-term feeling of sadness. Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is also much more intense than a standard feeling of sadness. This medical condition is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, affecting more than 6.7% of the population over 18 years old, per the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Major Depressive Disorder is also the leading cause of disability for people in America aged 15-33.
What are Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms?
Major depressive disorder has a number of symptoms associated with the medical condition. Each individual case is different, and the exact symptoms that are present vary from person to person. Therefore, doctors have determined criteria for clinical depression, deciding that if someone meets five of the following symptoms they have major depressive disorder.
- Persistent feeling of sadness or irritability nearly every single day
- A disinterest in activities and things that once brought joy
- A sudden gain in weight, losing a lot of weight, or a change in appetite
- Issues sleeping, whether that be trouble falling asleep or wanting to sleep all of the time
- Feelings of restfulness
- Feelings of fatigue and a lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt about things you usually wouldn't think about twice
- Difficulty focusing, concentrating or making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts or thinking of causing yourself harm
What is the Difference Between Depression and Major Depressive Disorder?
There are a few key factors that transition depression into major depressive disorder. The first is how long symptoms of depression have been present, as issues need to last at least 2 weeks to be a major depressive disorder. A major depressive disorder also takes a toll on your everyday life, drastically changing the way you go about your day. Depression is a feeling of persistent sadness, but it isn't until the condition takes over your whole life that it is a major depressive disorder.
How Does Substance Abuse Make Major Depressive Disorder Worse?
Those with depression are often tempted to "self-medicate" by taking substances like alcohol or cannabis. These can seem to briefly inhibit some depression symptoms. In the long run, however, self-medicating significantly increases risk of illness, injury, and death.
Over time, self-medicating can worsen depression. This causes many sufferers to fall into a cycle of drug-seeking behavior. This amplifies the destructive effects of depression on the sufferer's life and can have devastating consequences.
In San Diego, the problem can be made even more serious by dangerous "designer drugs."
Major Depressive Disorder Treatment at Affinity Treatment Centers located near San Diego
For lasting wellness, most major depressive disorder sufferers need personalized and professional help. At Affinity Treatment Centers, we offer a range of treatment approaches. Each resident receives 24-hour care according to a customized wellness plan.
Some of our treatment modalities include:
Medication management: Our experts ensure you consistently get the most effective therapeutic dose for you.
Small- and large-group therapy: We focus on fast-paced, empowering group sessions filled with purpose and meaning.
Vocational and educational development: Mental health conditions can affect the attainment of life milestones. Affinity helps you get back on track.
We also offer alternative treatments such as:
Structured fitness and competitive sports: Physical fitness can have a profound positive effect on mood regulation for sufferers of depression.
Therapeutic horseback riding: Horseback riding has been used for decades in depression treatment and can help sufferers make a connection with beautiful animals.
Art and music therapy: Self-expression is often useful in overcoming depression. We offer a variety of painting, sculpting and musical activities.