Depression Treatment

When someone is struggling with depression, it can be difficult to thrive and to maintain a daily routine. AMFM is highly skilled at working with client’s struggling with depression in both our residential and our outpatient program. Client’s with depression can feel as if it is all consuming and there is no relief. However, we know that we have the tools, the team and the expertise to help our clients develop critical tools that can help them navigate and find healing.

Symptoms of Depression

To diagnose a depressive disorder, someone must meet at least five diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5’s checklist. One of these diagnostic criteria must be an overwhelming sense of sadness or a loss of interest in normal daily activities and hobbies.

Other symptoms of depression include:

  • Insomnia or Hypersomnia
  • Increase in Appetite
  • Decrease in Appetite
  • Persistent Fatigue
  • Overwhelming Feelings of Worthlessness
  • Suicidal Ideations
  • Feelings of Guilt
  • Concentration Problems
  • Cognitive Difficulties and Slow Thinking
  • Poor Decision-Making Abilities

For a professional to diagnose any depressive disorder, an individual must experience symptoms for two weeks or more.

What Causes Depression?

Depression may be triggered by several factors. Genetic predisposition, as well as environmental stressors like life changes or events, can increase the chances of developing depression.

Depression vs Anxiety

Depression and anxiety can coexist (referred to as “comorbid”). Both diseases are different and may feed off each other. When someone is being treated professionally for depression and has comorbid disorders, it is vital that all mental illnesses are treated at the same time and with the same amount of attention.

More about depression treatment

AMFM’s clinical approach to treating depression uses a variety of methods:

Psychiatric Evaluations by a Highly Experienced Licensed Medical Professional

Psychopharmacological Treatment / Antidepressant Medications

Mental Health Interventions

Family Therapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT

Goal Setting Exercises

Fitness Sessions

Self-Soothing Coping Skills

Our residential facilities at AMFM provide a safe, secure, and supportive environment for those recovering from depression. In some cases, medication will be necessary for depression treatment. However, in addition to medication management, we also utilize natural means of depression treatment, such as therapeutic yoga to improve neurochemical activity.