Depression Treatment
Do you sometimes find yourself feeling sad or blue, and you don’t know why? Do these feelings pass within a few days, or does it linger on for weeks, or even months? Everyone feels blue or sad from time to time, but these feelings are fleeting and pass within a couple of days. If these feelings are stronger in nature, and interfere in your daily life, normal functions, or is causing pain for both you and your loved ones. You may be a person who has a depressive disorder.What causes Depression?
Depression likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. There is no single known cause for depression. Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), show differences between people who suffer from Depression and those who do not. The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally. In addition, important neurotransmitters–chemicals that brain cells use to communicate–appear to be out of balance. But these images do not reveal why the depression has occurred.Some causes of Depression may be related to trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.
Who Experiences Depression?
Anyone can struggle with depression. Even though depression is more common among women, men are susceptible to depression as well. Biological, life cycle, hormonal and psychosocial factors unique to women may be linked to women's higher depression rate. Men often experience depression differently than women and may have different ways of coping with the symptoms. Researchers have shown that hormones directly affect brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood. Women are particularly vulnerable to depression after giving birth, when hormonal and physical changes, along with the new responsibility of caring for a newborn, can be overwhelming. Some studies suggest that women who experience severe postpartum depression often have had prior depressive episodes.Both men and women face the additional stresses of work and home responsibilities, caring for children and aging parents, abuse, poverty, and relationship strains. Men are more likely than women to turn to alcohol or drugs when they are depressed, or become frustrated, discouraged, irritable, angry and sometimes abusive. Some men throw themselves into their work to avoid talking about their depression with family or friends, or engage in reckless, risky behavior. Finally, even though more women attempt suicide, many more men die by suicide in the United States.
Depressive Disorder
Are you wondering if you are just sad, or if you have a severe depressive disorder? People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.Symptoms Include:
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
What are the different forms of depression?
There are several forms of depressive disorders. The most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.Major Depressive Disorder, also called major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once–pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person's lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person's life.
Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, is characterized by long–term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but can prevent one from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes.
Some forms of depressive disorder exhibit slightly different characteristics than those described above, or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not all scientists agree on how to characterize and define these forms of depression. They include:
Psychotic depression, which occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions.
Postpartum depression, which is diagnosed if a new mother develops a major depressive episode within one month after delivery. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy.
Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes-from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression).
Alta Mira Treatment
Depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented. Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated with a number of methods. The most common treatments are medication and psychotherapy.At Alta Mira we believe there is a better approach. The blending of traditional and non-traditional activities is designed to improve mental and physical energy, enhance focus and mental clarity, elevate mood, improve sleep, increase your ability to identify beliefs and feelings. You will have the opportunity to recreate your path through a blending of both conventional and integrative services, including but not limited to the following:
- Individual one-on-one sessions 2-3 Hours per week with your primary therapist to help you process your experiences, uncover the root cause of your suffering to begin the healing process. Our program director works with clients in a compassionate psychodynamic and cognitive/behavioral way with traditional therapy, while integrating complimentary alternative therapies to allow clients to heal themselves at a cellular level of body, mind and spirit.
- Group sessions will encompass group therapy, meditation and relaxed awareness practice, at least three times per week as well as a variety of educational groups and a number group activities, both on and off campus. You will encounter a number of different professional facilitators with expertise in their particular specialty areas ( i.e. Equine Therapy, Adventure Therapy, Four Agreements, The Work etc). Participation in Experiential Groups where the primary focus will be on intense, personal experiences that will both surprise and enlighten you.
- Attendance at educational seminars on a wide variety of subjects ( i.e. Nutrition, Sleep Hygiene, Native American Practices; etc. ) related to recovery, growth, healing, and transformation.
- Optional IV, Oral and Dietary Nutrient Therapy will rebalance brain and body chemistry quickly, so you will be better able to benefit from your work at Alta Mira.
- Regular Body Work such as Exercise, Yoga, Massage, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, and Far Infared Sauna's to help you heal, grow and relax.
- Self directed individual growth experiences through books, self instructional CD's, DVD's and videos. Journaling will be encouraged to record and track your experiences.
- Working closely with your Program Director and Support Team to develop and implement a program that is appropriate and effective for you...and more.
- Family Therapy addressing root causes and insight into interpersonal dynamics.
- Uncovering and Healing The Root Cause of your Depression
- Charting Memorized Cellular Biological Cycles
- Uncovering and releasing cellular memory/trauma memory driving behavior, emotions, and illness
- Addressing and Rebalancing Stress in The Body, Mind and Spirit
- Identifying where we hold our stress and the source; physical, emotional/mental, life style, energetic, or spiritual
- Correcting Stress/energetic imbalances, learning self-regulation, connecting mind/body/emotions/spirit
- Regulation and Awareness
- Correcting brain chemistry and physical imbalances
- Complete diagnostic testing
- Blood Sugar, Thyroid, Adrenal and organ function and balancing
- Neurotransmitter Assessment and Balancing (optional)
- Vitamin Deficiency Assessment and Balancing
- Identifying Ego Fixation and Sabotaging Behaviors
- What early wounding drive your choices, behaviors and emotions
- How do you manipulate to get your needs met?
- How do you betray yourself to get love, acceptance and approval?
- What do you think, feel or do that takes you farther away from your true nature, your essence?
- Heightening Awareness
- Uncovering "your story"
- How do you defend and maintain you story?
*ego/image
*illusion of control/power
*tolerance for insanity (yours/others)
*grandiosity/self centeredness
*alienation/detachment
* beliefs/judgments
* fears - How do you distract yourself from the "truth"?
*attachments
*drama
*work/play
*"stuff"
- Increasing Clarity
- What do you say you want?
*values
*actions - What are you attached to?
- What can you "let go" of?
- What do you say you want?
- Learning Free Choice and Personal Responsibility
- What do you really want?
- What are you willing to do and not do?
- What are you committed to?
- What truth will you live?
- Who are you?