Major depression can create seemingly insurmountable hurdles for people trying to overcome eating disorders. A defeated spirit can certainly stifle anyone’s growth and productivity.

Depression is especially detrimental to someone working to conquer an eating disorder as symptoms of depression often coincide with anorexia, bulimia, and other disorders. The relationship between the conditions can, in fact, be causal. The overlapping symptoms between depression and eating disorders create barriers to recovery in a number of ways:

  • Interference with the person’s ability to consistently take medications as prescribed to treat symptoms
  • Makes it difficult to avoid self-destructive behaviors that undermine treatment plans
  • Interferes with attendance of and active engagement in outpatient treatment therapy for depression and co-occurring eating disorders

At Rosewood, we are dedicated to helping men, women, and adolescents reemerge from crippling addictions, mood disorders, and psychiatric conditions. Though we do treat depression as a co-occurring condition with eating disorders when both are present issues, we also provide recovery services for depression in isolation. Depression is a devastating and complex disorder which needs treatment that is highly specific to the patient. Rosewood’s diverse team of experts works closely with the client and, when appropriate, his/her family and referring provider to gain a clear picture of the individual’s struggles and develop a tailored plan for treatment needs. After performing an extensive clinical evaluation, our dedicated and compassionate team assembles a personalized program that involves the most efficient treatment modalities for the individual. We provide a safe environment to address painful thoughts and experiences which may be holding you back from an active and fulfilling life. Our goal is to help give you a new beginning by overcoming your past.

Signs of Depression

Everyone feels down and lonely from time to time. Experiencing depression is a normal response to tragedy and life challenges, but when these feelings of sadness and isolation last for an extended amount of time, involve physical symptoms, and keep you from living a normal life, that’s when it’s time to seek medical help. An experienced medical professional can screen you for the condition and help you manage the symptoms. Rosewood has a multidisciplinary team that is highly skilled in treating depression and its subsequent symptoms. If you suspect that you may be suffering from major depression you should seek medical attention right away. About half of those who experience symptoms of depression are not diagnosed or treated for the illness. If you are unsure of whether or not you are experiencing symptoms of depression, below is a list of signs:

  • Prolonged feelings of sadness and emptiness
  • Fatigue and decreased energy and activity
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • Loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable
  • Loss of appetite or overeating
  • Persistent aches and pains
  • Thoughts of suicide and/or suicide attempts

Causes of Depression

Depression is a complex illness with a host of factors that can lead up to it. Scientists have not determined precise causes of the condition but have identified some key contributing elements. Here are some factors that may increase the chances of depression:

  • Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse: can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life
  • Substance abuse: Nearly 30% of people suffering from substance abuse also suffer from depression
  • Certain medications
  • Conflict: If someone is biologically vulnerable or predisposed to depression, experiencing conflict with a family member or friend can cause the development of depression
  • Loss: Devastation after the death or loss of a loved one may increase the risk of depression
  • Genetics: A family history of depression may increase the risk
  • Major events: Any major life changes, even positive events, such as getting married, having a baby, or graduating can lead to depression:
  • Serious illnesses: Depression may be triggered by other medical conditions or co-exist with them, as sometimes with depression and eating disorders

Rosewood’s Approach To Depression Treatment

The upside to depression is that it is a highly treatable illness. At Rosewood we understand that the only way to help patients reclaim control over their lives after suffering from stifling depression is through proactive and dedicated treatment. Rosewood’s treatment facilities offer a number of multidisciplinary treatments and approaches that are personalized for each patient.

Treatment for depression may include a combination of psychotherapy and prescribed medication. Below are some of your offered treatments:

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

DBT is one of Rosewood’s many modalities utilizes to help patients deal with difficult emotions in a healthy manner. DBT integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with reality-testing. This approach focuses on acceptance, tolerance, and mindfulness. Through this technique, patients learn the skill of non-judgmental observation and how to maintain a present mindset.

Motivational

Motivational intervention is a direct, client-focused therapy style that encourages motivation to change self-destructive behaviors through identifying how such actions are harmful to themselves and others. This approach helps clients refocus their goals and life path.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of our most standard and effective approaches to helping clients overcome depression. It gives the clients an opportunity to talk through his or her thoughts and feelings. By talking through issues with a professional therapist, the client can learn effective ways to make positive changes in their thought processes and behaviors.

Psychodrama

Psychodrama is a creative mental health treatment modality that implements dramatic action and role-play in order to depict and confront issues. Acting out relevant scenarios is a helpful therapy method in that it allows patients to see situations more tangibly and objectively and better understand underlying emotions.

Family

At Rosewood, we know that family involvement in the recovery process is key to the clients’ healing. Clients need the love and support of those close to them in order to have the confidence to lead healthy, productive lives. We offer a “family week” where family members are educated on depression and learn tools to help their suffering relative to cope.

Group

If you suffer from depression it is important to know that you are not alone. One of our modalities is providing a safe group forum for those dealing with depression to communicate with others who have similar experiences

Canine and Equine

Caring for animals and having them care for you is a highly effective treatment method. This method of healing is especially ideal for clients who may be hesitant to treatment. Interacting with dogs and horses can help to decrease stress, improve communication, and teach love and affection. Animals are non-judgmental and accepting creatures, they make for loving companions from whom clients can actually learn.

Mind/Body

There is a strong relationship between the health of the mind and body. We offer yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation courses that help clients to reach more conscious mental and physical states. By enhancing emotional and spiritual health, clients can improve their ability to deal with psychological stress.

Recreational

Recreational therapy at Rosewood is a fun and active way for clients to participate in therapy. Depending on the needs of the specific client, they may engage in competitive and non-competitive activities. Some of the activities involve drama, humor, and leisure recreations.

Resources For Concerned Parents and Friends

If you or a loved one is suffering from recurring and prolonged periods of sadness or any of the other symptoms of depression do not hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention is paramount to long-term recovery. Overcoming depression requires support and accountability, so if you see a loved one struggling you should encourage them to get the proper help they need to reach a point of health, happiness, and prosperity. Rosewood not only offers treatment for the patient, but also provides resources for families to cope with their loved ones struggles and learn ways they can be most effective and influential to their  recovery. Rosewood’s family program helps family members of those suffering from depression work on family dynamics, roles, and communication.

If you are ready to take your first step towards recovery give us a call at (800) 845-2211.