Depression Treatment in Orange County

Orange County Mental Health Treatment

depression treatment

A Better Life Starts Here

While sadness is a common emotion people experience, depression is a more complex condition. Many factors can contribute to it, which is why it’s not simple to treat.

First Light Recovery specializes in providing mental health treatment. Contact us and learn more about our process and services at our Orange County depression treatment centers.

What Is Depression?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disorder that affects many around the world. It can cause drastic changes in behaviors, thinking, emotions, and lifestyle. It’s often connected to prolonged feelings of sadness and/or apathy. Symptoms of depression last for at least two weeks for it to be considered depression, though some people experience it for long periods of time.

Depression can happen at any age. While adults experience it most often, adolescents and children can be susceptible as well.

Depression is a condition that requires professional help. If you or a loved one is experiencing it, we can help you through it. 

Causes of Major Depressive Disorder

Depression comes from a combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors. These create stress that eventually leads to the disorder. While there is no single cause responsible for it, some people are more at risk than others. 

Here are some factors that could contribute to the development of MDD:

  • Drastic life changes
  • Trauma
  • Stress
  • Family history
  • Medication
  • Substance abuse
  • Other illnesses

People who already have other mental conditions are more prone to depression. Illnesses can also cause hormonal imbalance, which can trigger it. However, the most notable contributors to it are environmental factors. Trauma and life events increase the risk of depression.

Many people experience these life events far back in the past. They only manifest later when additional factors trigger the onset of depression.

Depression is complex, but the good news is that there are ways to treat it. First Light Recovery has helped many patients find the peace and strength needed to move past it. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you or your loved one.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can cause many symptoms, and a person may experience different levels or combinations of them.  Here are some of the most common:

  • Noticeable weight gain or loss
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Persistent digestive problems, cramps, or headaches
  • Restlessness
  • Loss of interest
  • Indecisiveness
  • Irritability

While some people can overcome depression without treatment, there may be cases where professional help is the only option.  If your loved one is experiencing several of these things, they may need more in-depth treatment from professionals:

  • Constant feelings of guilt
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • Depression for most of the day
  • Persistent fatigue or restlessness
  • Dramatic weight changes
  • Constant restlessness
  • Recurring suicidal thoughts

Depression can worsen and can be fatal without help. Many people struggle without seeking help. Contact us, and we will use proven methods to treat depression and help you get up again. At First Light Recovery, we prioritize our patients first.

Your Recovery Starts Here

Contact our specialists to find how we can help treat your needs.

Treatment for Depression

There are many approaches to treating depression, and it may not be the same for everyone. We’ll consider the causes behind the depression and create a method that works best. A patient may experience one or a combination of these treatments depending on our diagnosis.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is one of the fastest ways to provide results for a patient. They can be in an environment that lessens the factors contributing to their depression, promoting recovery. There, licensed professionals from First Light Recovery can help them throughout their stay.

When it comes to treatment, there are two ways to approach depression. It will depend on the diagnosis.

Medication

If the depression roots back to hormonal imbalance, then medication will be necessary. Antidepressants improve the brain’s chemical balance and reinforce it against stress. It often takes weeks to take effect and for the symptoms to subside. Over time, the patient will experience better sleep, a good appetite, and improved concentration.

A misconception many have is that antidepressants can become addictive. The truth is that it does not affect the body as long as it stays within the doctor’s recommendation. A sudden stoppage can cause withdrawal symptoms, so it will be up to us to carefully adjust the dose until the patient no longer needs medication.

Medication may also be necessary if the patient is constantly facing suicidal thoughts, and if they act on them through one or multiple suicide attempts.

Cognitive Based Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is often the best solution for depression. It shows a high success rate and involves talking through the problem. It’s the reason many call it talk therapy. By having a professional provide insight to the patient, they can remove false beliefs within their system.

It will often take weeks before patients experience results but are very effective in producing results.

Depression Treatment in San Juan Capistrano

Depression can affect many people, not only the patient. It can create distance from family and friends, and often requires professional help for healing to begin. With our trusted and licensed experts handling treatment, recovery will be effective.

Contact First Light Recovery, and we’ll help you or your loved one suffering from this disorder.