Depression is one of the most common, yet misunderstood, mental health conditions in the world. Although everyone feels sad once in a while, clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is something much deeper than a down mood. It is a serious psychiatric illness that disrupts function in everyday living, impacting a person’s emotional health, physical health, as well as interpersonal relations.
At A Mission for Michael (AMFM), we recognize how crippling symptoms of depression can be. If you experience persistent feelings of sadness or sorrow, thoughts or feelings about suicide, or a lack of interest in doing things that once made you happy, be encouraged to know that treatment is an option—and you don’t have to face it alone. Our highly trained mental health professionals provide state-of-the-science, evidence-based treatment for every symptom of depression within our locations throughout California, Virginia, and Minnesota.
Depression is a mood disorder that impacts how you think, how you feel, and how you behave. It is a mental disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), where a person is diagnosed with a major depressive episode with definite criteria.1 In contrast to situational sorrow, clinical depressive disorder is a chronic condition whose symptoms may linger for weeks, months, or even years if untreated.
Common symptoms of depression include:
There are many forms of depression, each with its own causes, risk factors, and treatment strategies. The most common types of depression include:
Also known as major depression, MDD is characterized by at least two weeks of continuous depressive symptoms that interfere with daily life.
This form of depression involves a chronic low mood that lasts for two years or more. While symptoms may not be as severe as MDD, they are longer-lasting.
Bipolar disorder includes periods of depression alternating with manic or hypomanic episodes. Though the depressive phases resemble MDD, treatment requires different approaches.
SAD is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes, most commonly in fall and winter, likely related to decreased sunlight and serotonin activity.
This type of depression affects some women after childbirth and may include severe depression, mood swings, or psychosis in rare cases.
This condition combines symptoms of depression with hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking.
There’s no single cause of depression—instead, it typically arises from a complex interaction of biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Some risk factors include:
The American Psychiatric Association notes that depression can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, though it’s more frequently diagnosed in women.2 However, many men and adolescents may go undiagnosed due to stigma, denial, or lack of access to mental health resources.
Depression isn’t something you can confirm with a blood test or X-ray. Diagnosis relies on clinical interviews, self-report symptoms, and standardized tools such as the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire).3 Mental health professionals assess whether symptoms meet the criteria for major depressive disorder, including:
In many cases, people wait months or years before seeking help. But the earlier the diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin—and the better the outcomes. At AMFM, we provide comprehensive psychological evaluations as part of our intake process, ensuring each client receives a personalized treatment plan built around their individual experience with depression or co-occurring disorders like anxiety or PTSD.
The schizophrenia spectrum includes a number of connected disorders with overlapping symptoms:
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a foundational part of most depression treatment plans. It gives individuals a safe space to explore their emotions, challenge negative thinking, and build healthier coping skills. Proven modalities include:
CBT helps people recognize and reframe distorted thought patterns that lead to depressed mood. For example, turning “I’m worthless” into “I’m struggling, but I’m taking steps to get help.”
Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT combines mindfulness with emotion regulation and distress tolerance—especially helpful for people with suicidal ideation or impulsive behaviors.
This short-term therapy focuses on the connection between relationships and mood. It helps patients navigate grief, breakups, role transitions, and interpersonal conflict.
When depression is rooted in childhood trauma, abuse, or PTSD, therapy must be sensitive to these experiences. Trauma-informed care focuses on safety, empowerment, and healing trust.
TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain linked to mood regulation. It’s non-invasive and often used when medications don’t provide relief.
For many people, antidepressants are a critical piece of treatment—especially when symptoms are moderate to severe. They work by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, improving mood regulation and energy levels.
Types of antidepressants5 include:
It’s important to note: medications take time to work—usually 4–6 weeks—and may require dose adjustments or switching types. They are most effective when paired with therapy. Our psychiatric team at AMFM closely monitors each client’s medication response and tailors the approach as needed. We never push medication but offer it as one part of a holistic plan.
If depression is significantly interfering with your ability to function—or if you’ve tried outpatient treatment with no progress—inpatient care may be the right next step.
You may benefit from residential treatment if:
At AMFM, our residential treatment centers in California, Virginia, and Minnesota provide a peaceful, supportive environment for deep healing. Clients receive 24/7 care, a full clinical team, and a structured daily schedule that blends individual therapy, group work, family sessions, and holistic care.
Depression can feel like a personal failure. But it’s not. It’s a medical condition with real treatment options, and with the right support, recovery is not only possible—it’s probable.
At A Mission for Michael (AMFM), we walk beside you through every step—from your first intake call to the moment you feel ready to thrive on your own. Whether you’re struggling for the first time, facing a recurrence, or trying to support a loved one, we’re here to help you get through it—and grow through it.
If you or someone you love is living with symptoms of depression, don’t wait until it feels unbearable. Early treatment can make all the difference. Our team at AMFM offers personalized, evidence-based care with compassion, privacy, and hope.
Call us at (844) 309-6340 or visit our website to start the conversation.
Healing starts now.
What to Expect
Insurance Verification
Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.
Contact From Admission Representative:
Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.
Hasin, Deborah S., et al. “Epidemiology of Adult DSM‑5 Major Depressive Disorder in the United States.” JAMA Psychiatry 75, no. 2 (2018): 169‑178. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2671413
American Psychiatric Association, Depression, 2023, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression.
Sun, Y., et al. “The reliability and validity of PHQ‑9 in patients with major depressive disorder.” BMC Psychiatry 20 (2020): 1‑10. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-020-02885-6
Frontiers in Psychiatry. “DSM‑5 Criteria and Depression Severity: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment.” Vol. 9 (2018). https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00450/full
National Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health Medications, 2023, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
