Depression Treatment in Orange County

Orange County Mental Health 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. Though many people in the United States may not seek out professional help for their mental health issues, depression is a highly treatable mental health condition that can benefit from an extensive treatment plan.

If you or anyone you know suffers from a compromised well-being, signified by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or any of the other major symptoms of depression, it may be worth speaking with a mental health professional.

Types of Depression

Though MDD tends to be the most common expression of depression as a mental health disorder, it isn’t the only type of depression. There are four main types of depressive disorders:

Major Depression

Denoted by major depressive episodes, major depression is often diagnosed when a patient exhibits symptoms of a lack of interest in activities, weight loss or gain, restlessness and/or tiredness, and feelings of worthlessness. In particularly severe cases of major depression, a patient may exhibit thoughts of suicide.

Persistent Depression

Major depression can become a more severe depression if it lasts for two years or more. This type of depression is called persistent depressive disorder. While PDD can be less noticeable than MDD, symptoms range from changes in appetite, changes in sleep patterns, overall low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that affects a patient during certain times of the year. This form of depressive disorder usually begins during the winter months and leaves during the spring and summer months. Patients affected by SAD might not believe themselves to be struggling with mental illness, but SAD can dramatically impact a patient’s ability to enjoy life and can be treated through evidence-based therapies and treatments.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a specific type of major depressive disorder that affects women after childbirth. Postpartum isn’t a flaw or weakness, but rather a complication of childbirth and can be treated accordingly.

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 mental health 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.

The Link Between Depression and Other Illnesses

At First Light Recovery, we understand the intricate relationship between depression and a multitude of other mental and physical health conditions.

Depression is not only commonly associated with anxiety, ADHD, marijuana use, and alcohol abuse, but also with chronic physical ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain. The emotional toll of managing a chronic illness can lead to or exacerbate depression, forming a reciprocal relationship that can be particularly difficult to navigate.

Additionally, conditions like borderline personality disorder, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder frequently intertwine with depression, creating multifaceted challenges that require a nuanced approach to treatment. Recognizing these connections, our team at First Light Recovery adopts a comprehensive strategy that considers all contributing factors to an individual’s depression. By treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, we foster a path to true healing, enabling our patients to regain control over their lives and find joy once again.

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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 to the point of addiction 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-Behavioral 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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another form of behavioral health treatment that can be used for severe depression treatment. DBT is generally accepted as an evidence-based treatment option and employed because it focuses on helping a person accept the negative parts of their lives.

DBT can help an individual overcome major depressive episodes and learn skills to deal with any persistent depressive symptoms or future mental health issues.

Psychotherapy

Intensive psychotherapy is a cornerstone of any mental health treatment program. Combining evidence-based treatment options with talk therapy can help a person find insights into their past traumas and mental health conditions.

At First Light Recovery, we incorporate individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy into all of our patient’s treatment plans.

Recover from Depression in Southern California

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.

First Light Recovery is your pathway to wellness in Southern California. We maintain a residential treatment facility for the residents of Orange County, helping people from Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, and more.

If you would like to speak with one of our mental health professionals or discuss our treatment options, contact First Light Recovery and we’ll help you or your loved one suffering from this disorder.

Reviewed By: Dr. Randall Turner

Dr. Randall Turner received his medical degree from TUNCOM in Nevada and completed his Psychiatry Residency training at Loma Linda University. He’s board-certified in Psychiatry and also in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

He and his practice provide services to hospitals and institutions all over California. He has extensive experience with varied populations, including in geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine. Every day, he strives to thoroughly understand human psychology and psychopathology with the hope of relieving suffering and fostering the growth of those he treats.