Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects people of all ages, genders, races and socioeconomic backgrounds. This complex disorder can profoundly impact a person’s life, causing feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair. Despite its prevalence, depression is often misunderstood and stigmatized, leaving many people feeling alone and unable to seek help.
Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast in Moosic, Pennsylvania, is committed to ending the stigma surrounding getting treatment for mental health concerns. Those with depression can find healing at our inpatient center, where our warm, welcoming staff provides evidence-based depression treatment that helps you pursue lifelong healing.
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression is a common condition that has nothing to do with personal weakness. It’s not something you can just “snap out of.” Depression can cause problems with relationships, self-care and hygiene, job performance and making plans for the future.
It’s typical to have fluctuations in your mood, and everyone encounters the highs and lows of daily life. But you may have major depressive disorder if symptoms persist for most of the day for at least two weeks and aren’t tied to specific thoughts or circumstances. Symptoms include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Lack of interest in activities
- Changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns
- Fatigue and/or insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Managing these symptoms usually requires professional help. By seeking help, you’re taking the first step toward healing and improving your quality of life.
What causes depression?
While depression can affect anyone, scientists are still researching why some people develop depression while others do not. But many researchers believe that symptoms of depression may develop due to a combination of external factors, genetics and childhood experiences. Common contributors to the onset of depression symptoms include:
- Stressful life events, either in the past or ongoing
- Childhood trauma
- Family history of depression or other mental health disorders
- Physical health problems like cancer or a chronic illness such as lupus
Our programs and guided therapies can help you cope with and manage your depression symptoms. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the underlying causes of your symptoms and receive the support you need to begin healing. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Benefits of depression treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are often used to treat depression. These therapies can help you change negative thought patterns and develop healthy coping skills.
Depression symptoms may lessen when therapy is combined with lifestyle changes like exercise, healthy eating and stress management, so you’ll work with a multidisciplinary team to develop an individualized treatment plan that may also include help with self-care, building professional or social skills and nutrition education.
Your treatment plan might include:
- Individual therapy sessions
- A minimum of three group therapy sessions each day
- Basic medical care and treatment for preexisting conditions provided by our team of certified physician assistants, nurse practitioners, doctors and psychiatric nurses
- Medication management services
- Time spent with our creative arts therapists in dedicated spaces for recreation and experiential therapies
- Working with an occupational therapist or dietitian to help address the physical and behavioral aspects of depression
Research for the treatment of depression is ongoing, and our team stays on top of the most effective practices. Every person receiving services at our facility can trust that Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast is a reliable community partner on their journey of healing and resiliency.
What happens if depression isn’t treated?
If left untreated, depression can have serious, long-lasting effects on your mental, physical and social well-being. Depression can affect how you think and behave, leading to self-harm or other harmful behaviors.
Other potential consequences of untreated depression may include:
- Continued or worsening mental health symptoms that can lead to more severe problems and difficulty with daily functioning
- Increased risk for self-harm or suicide
- Physical health problems such as chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes and immune system disorders
- Interpersonal difficulties that can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation
How to choose the right treatment center for depression
Reaching out for help for depression is a brave step toward healing. When considering a depression treatment facility, ask yourself:
- What levels of care are offered?
- What does the admissions process look like?
- How long am I expected to stay in treatment?
- What kinds of therapy will be provided?
- Is my family allowed to take part in my treatment process as well?
- Are there medical professionals available if I have a medical need?
- What happens after I leave treatment?
Safety and comfort are important components of a depression treatment center. Overlooking beautiful Montage Mountain, our spacious center is staffed by a trauma-informed team committed to your well-being. Our therapeutic environment has been specifically designed with your healing in mind. You can achieve and sustain long-term healing from depression by receiving care at Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast. If you are living with depression, there is hope. Treatment is available for you today.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast.