Depression Treatment Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

10 Tips To Help Relieve Depression Symptoms

Posted on February 12, 2024August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Depression can cause intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness, ultimately affecting your daily life and overall well-being. Symptoms of depression can differ from person to person, and it may seem like there’s no end in sight. However, there are various effective strategies for battling depression that can work for anyone. Let’s consider 10 tips to help relieve depression symptoms. For more about a depression treatment program, call us today at 833.448.0127.

What Are Depression Symptoms?

Depression symptoms are often characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and worthlessness. Individuals may also experience changes in sleeping and eating patterns, finding it difficult to fall asleep or experiencing a loss of appetite. Moreover, a notable decrease in interest and enjoyment in activities that were once pleasurable can be observed.

It’s not uncommon for individuals with depression symptoms to become easily irritated or display anger, alongside experiencing persistent fatigue and low energy levels. Additionally, physical symptoms such as frequent headaches or digestive issues may manifest in those affected by depression.

10 Tips To Help Relieve Depression Symptoms

1. Exercise

Regular physical activity has been shown to boost feel-good brain chemicals, like endorphins.

2. Healthy Eating Habits

A healthy diet can help combat depression symptoms as well. Avoid highly processed foods or excess sugars.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Prioritize getting 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can worsen depression symptoms.

4. Find Support

Joining a group of people going through similar struggles or seeking out a therapist can provide a helpful support system.

5. Develop Coping Methods

Identifying healthy ways to deal with stress and negative thoughts, like journaling or meditation, can be beneficial.

6. Set Realistic Goals

Setting small, achievable goals can help establish a sense of accomplishment and improve mood.

7. Get Outside

Spending time outdoors can improve mood and relieve depression symptoms.

8. Limit Alcohol & Drug Use

Alcohols and drugs can worsen depression symptoms and affect mood.

9. Light Therapy

Light therapy involves exposure to bright artificial light and is often used to treat seasonal depression.

10. Medication

Antidepressants are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy to help relieve depression symptoms.

Do You Need Depression Treatment?

Depression treatment typically involves a comprehensive approach that combines the use of medication and therapy. Medications play a crucial role in managing chemical imbalances in the brain, helping to restore equilibrium and alleviate symptoms.

On the other hand, therapy offers patients a safe and supportive environment. In this setting, they can explore their emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop effective techniques for managing their symptoms.

During the course of treatment, patients actively work with their therapist to dig into the underlying causes of their depression. This involves identifying factors like past traumas, negative thought patterns, or triggers in their environment.

By gaining a deeper understanding of these root causes, individuals can address unresolved issues and develop personalized strategies for managing symptoms and overall well-being in the long run. Through the combined efforts of medication, therapy, and self-reflection, individuals can embark on a journey toward healing and recovery from depression.

Benefits of Depression Treatment

Improved Mood

Depression treatment can improve mood and reduce sadness.

Increased Energy

Treatment can increase energy levels and overall motivation.

Better Sleep

Treatment can also improve sleep patterns, as depression can often inhibit restful sleep.

Improved Relationships

Addressing depression can help improve relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.

Overall Better Quality of Life

Successful depression treatment can lead to an increased sense of well-being and overall better quality of life.

Get Help Today From CMAR

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, seeking professional help can make all the difference. At CMAR, we specialize in treating depression and work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs.

Our team works with patients to uncover the root cause of their depression and develop effective strategies for managing symptoms. Call us today or use our online contact form to take the first step toward a brighter tomorrow.

3 Treatment Goals for Depression

Posted on August 15, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Depression and addiction often go hand in hand, with each condition serving to exacerbate the other. This can lead to a vicious cycle of substance abuse and negative moods, making it difficult to break free from either condition. However, there is hope for those who are struggling with depression and addiction. By addressing depression as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, you can take steps to improve your mood and reduce your risk of relapse. Identifying treatment goals for depression is an important part of this process.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers depression treatment in Colorado that can help you reach your goals. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about how to get started on your journey to recovery.

The Connection Between Depression and Addiction

Depression and addiction are so closely linked that they are often referred to as co-occurring disorders. People who suffer from depression are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medication, seeking to numb the pain and feel a brief sense of relief. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes depression worse over time, leading to a downward spiral of negative thoughts and behaviors. Conversely, people who struggle with addiction may be more susceptible to developing depression due to the effects that drugs or alcohol have on the brain. These substances can disrupt the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, leading to a cycle of highs and lows that can be difficult to manage.

Some of the signs that you would benefit from depression treatment include:

Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Weight gain or loss without dieting
Irritability and restlessness

With the right approach to treatment, you can experience a shift in your mood and outlook on life.

How Depression Treatment Can Support Your Recovery Goals

Treating depression as part of a comprehensive addiction recovery plan can be critical for long-term success. Addressing underlying mental health conditions can help reduce the risk of relapse and improve overall quality of life. Depression treatment can take many forms, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s individual needs. From medication to therapy to lifestyle changes, there are a variety of methods that can be used to manage depression. By working with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan, patients can take important steps toward building a healthier, happier future.

3 Important Goals for Depression Treatment

A few of the most important goals to consider when treating depression include:

1. Addressing Underlying Causes

By identifying and treating the root causes of depression, patients can begin to break the cycle of negative moods and substance abuse.

2. Establishing Healthy Coping Skills

Effective coping mechanisms are critical for managing depressive symptoms and avoiding relapse. This might involve learning stress-reduction techniques, developing healthy routines, or connecting with support groups.

3. Building a Strong Support System

Social support can be a critical asset for those in recovery. Building a network of loved ones, peers, and healthcare providers can provide a crucial safety net during times of stress or need.

Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to Start Treatment

Depression and addiction are complex conditions that are difficult to manage on their own. By addressing depression as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, patients can work towards building a brighter future. With effective depression treatment, it is possible to break free from the cycle of negative moods and substance abuse and establish a healthier, happier way of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today.

Call 833.448.0127 or connect with our team online to start treatment.

How to Help a Friend with Depression

Posted on February 1, 2023 by cmarnew

Millions of adults struggle with depression, and this condition can have a wide-reaching impact on all areas of life. What’s more, it can range widely in intensity from one individual to another. For some, major depressive episodes are common. For others, they are a rarity. Sometimes people struggle with both depression and anxiety in alternation.

If you’re wondering how to help a friend with depression, know that resources are available to support you. The caring team at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery has an evidence-based depression treatment program that can also account for any substance abuse that may be present. Call us at 833.448.0127 or reach out online to learn more and find depression treatment near you.

Signs That Depression Help May Be Needed

Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, manifests differently for different people, and its exact causes are still being studied. Nonetheless, a number of common symptoms are helpful in identifying potential cases. Depression is first and foremost defined by low mood, but many other side effects exist as well. Usually, a person who could benefit from a formal diagnosis experiences both low mood and several associated symptoms. These occur during the majority of the day, almost every day for a period of two or more weeks, and include:

Feelings of despair or hopelessness
Frustration or anger
Decreased interest in activities that previously brought joy or engagement
Pervasive guilt or feeling oneself to be of little or no value
Loss of perceived personal agency, the ability to change one’s life for the better
Trouble concentrating or forming memories
Low energy or lethargy
Sleep disturbance, including insomnia or oversleeping
Bodily pain without an obvious physical cause, especially headaches or other aching sensations, cramps, or indigestion
Significant changes in appetite or weight, either increases or decreases
Thinking about suicide or being dead
Making actual suicide attempts

What It Looks Like to Get Help with Depression

While contending with depression can feel overwhelming, remember that many people have sought treatment and ultimately regained a sense of control, purpose, and joy in life. In an accredited treatment program, individuals coping with major depression often stand the best chance to make lasting positive changes. Such a program typically includes features like the following:

Medication – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are common classes of antidepressants that can help reduce symptoms. They work by increasing the impact of naturally produced chemicals in the brain responsible for positive feelings. A doctor or psychiatrist may also prescribe anti-anxiety or antipsychotic medications depending on patients’ individual needs.
Individual talk therapy – A licensed therapist can help patients gain valuable coping skills to apply when depression symptoms take up too much headspace. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is especially common in depression treatment. It provides effective strategies for evaluating self-defeating thoughts and feelings. Dialectical-behavioral therapy can also be a great choice since it adds mindfulness to the equation. This gives patients a greater ability to tolerate inner tension without fixating on or acting out intrusive feelings or thoughts. Trauma-informed therapy may likewise help if patients’ depression is linked to harmful past events.
Dual diagnosis where appropriate – If a patient struggling with depression also abuses drugs or alcohol, a dual diagnosis may be given. This means that providers acknowledge potential links between the two issues and treat them at the same time. For example, a dual diagnosis patient might first receive medically assisted detox to help them recover from drug addiction. They might then join a support group related to substance recovery while simultaneously working with a therapist to uncover the link between their substance use and underlying mental health condition. A mood-regulating medication could also be prescribed.

Learn More About How to Help a Friend with Depression at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

If you or someone you care about is struggling with major depression, remember you’re not alone. Countless others are coping with similar issues, and there are many caring mental health providers who can intervene. Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 or fill out our confidential online form to start the conversation. We’re looking forward to assisting you or your loved one on the journey toward better mental health.

Finding the Best Treatment for Depression

Posted on November 15, 2022 by cmarnew

Colorado is slightly above the national average for the number of adults who are experiencing depression. To treat the symptoms of depression and any corresponding addiction, men and women can find support through several types of treatment programs. The best treatment for depression includes a combination of behavioral and medical support to treat the physical and mental side effects of this illness. Enrolling in a depression treatment program can prevent symptoms from worsening and causing major disruptions at home, work, or school.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our depression treatment program works with individuals who are struggling with depression and ready to make a positive change. During admissions, we will run a full assessment to determine the best treatment options to treat the severity of the depression and any corresponding addiction or other disorder. Patients will participate in group and private therapy while receiving medication to minimize any symptoms that are causing any issues with recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, reach out to our compassionate team by calling 833.448.0127 today to take that first step toward a better future.

How to Tell if You Need Depression Treatment

Depression affects each person in different ways. While some people will experience mild symptoms for a few days or weeks, others will be debilitated by their emotions and unable to function for weeks or months at a time. In most cases, people will self-medicate with alcohol or drugs or combine them with their anti-depressant medication to heighten the effects. They think they are helping, but the reality is they are worsening their depression and causing addiction to their prescription medication or other drugs or alcohol.

Some of the signs that you need depression treatment include:

You feel overwhelming sadness or hopelessness, and you have to drink or use drugs to get through the day.
Activities that you used to enjoy no longer bring you pleasure.
You are abusing anti-depressant medication.
You have worsening depression symptoms or thoughts of suicide.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer the best treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health disorders. Therapists work privately with each patient to help them understand the reasons behind their depression and build healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms and triggers.

Finding the Best Treatment for Depression

Depression is a complicated illness to treat as symptoms are unique to the individual, as are the causes and triggers. The right treatment options for each person will depend on the severity of their symptoms and any co-occurring substance use disorder that has developed.

The best treatment for depression includes:

Behavioral therapy—Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the best therapy options for treating depression, addiction, and other mental health disorders. It works by helping patients talk through the reasons behind their depression and learn to process those feelings without triggering any cravings or other negative behavior. Behavioral therapy shows patients the power within them to make real changes in the way they think and see the world around them.

Medication-assisted treatment—Certain medications are very effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Patients who are going through addiction withdrawals will receive medication that will minimize their withdrawal symptoms and cravings and allow them to focus 100% on their recovery.

Family therapy—Rebuilding relationships is an important step in the recovery process. Family therapy allows parents, spouses, and children to come in and talk about the addiction and any frustrations or anger they have. They will learn all about depression and how it can impact everyone in the family, and how they can create a supportive environment at home.

The best treatment for depression will depend on the severity of your symptoms and if there are any withdrawal symptoms due to drinking or drug abuse. When you enroll in a treatment program, trained specialists will run a full assessment to determine the best treatment for your physical and mental health.

For the Best Depression Treatment Near You, Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery supports men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with depression, substance abuse, or other mental health disorders. We base our programs on each patient’s unique symptoms to create a more beneficial treatment experience. The types of therapy we offer include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Family therapy
Neurofeedback therapy
Group and individual therapy

If you are doing a google search for depression treatment near me, click on the link for Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to talk with one of our team members.