Depression is a debilitating mental disorder that is often caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms of depression often include fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia or hypersomnia. Over time, the symptoms of depression can make day-to-day living difficult, especially if you have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. Fortunately, help is available in a wide range of forms. If you are a resident of Florida, the following places may offer treatment for depression.
Private Treatment
If you are struggling with depression, you may want to talk to your family doctor at some point. Your physician can help you figure out what type of treatment options are available to you, and if necessary, prescribe you prescription drugs. If you suffer from mild or moderate depression, your family doctor may be able to adequately treat your depression, however, if your depression is persistent, or it co-occurs with a substance abuse issue or another mental disorder, you may need the help of a psychiatrist, a medical doctor who can offer you:
• Psychotherapy
• Medication management
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders
Psychiatrists often utilize a variety of resources to help patients, and more than likely, you will meet with your psychiatrist in a private setting, usually their office. You may be allowed to bring someone else for emotional support, but ultimately, you will need to form a relationship with your doctor.
You may be required to meet with a therapist as well. Therapists are individuals who are specially trained to help patients explore their thoughts and feelings. Often, individuals suffering from depression need help to understand the circumstances that cause or exacerbate their illness. As with a psychiatrist, patients will develop a close relationship with their therapist, who will encourage them to discuss their emotions at length. It is not uncommon for a patient’s family doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist to work together.
Psychiatric Hospitals
If your depression becomes debilitating or begins to interfere with your daily routine, it may be necessary to seek treatment from a psychiatric facility. Such facilities are staffed with an array of medical professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and other mental health professionals around-the-clock. While in treatment, patients will often benefit from medication management, various forms of psychotherapy, a regular schedule, and a healthy diet. Patients are often encouraged to include their loved ones in their treatment plans.
Patients are generally forbidden from leaving an inpatient hospital setting until their treatment team feels they are no longer a threat to themselves and others. To receive treatment, patients may choose to voluntarily “commit” themselves for a period of time. Once this time is over, the patient may re-enter society.
There are numerous types of psychiatric hospitals. Some are wards of regular hospitals, while others are stand-alone facilities. Some hospitals are privately run while others are controlled by the state. The type of facility you attend will largely depend on your own personal mental health needs. Longer stays may be required for patients suffering from a severe or treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
Substance Abuse Facilities
Some psychiatric facilities specialize solely in treating patients suffering from substance abuse disorders. Often, patients suffering from substance abuse disorders will experience some degree of depression, and it is not uncommon for depressed individuals to use drugs to alleviate their feelings of depression. As with other treatment centers, patients often work closely with a team of psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and social workers, who work as a team to craft a treatment plan for each patient.
During treatment, patients may receive prescription drugs to help them cope with symptoms of withdrawal, as well as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Patients are closely monitored throughout the treatment process to ensure they remain healthy and their medications do not interfere too heavily with their functioning.
Community Mental Health Clinics
Some areas of Florida may offer community treatment centers or clinics. Such places function like a normal medical clinic, and often, patients are seen without an appointment. You may need to qualify financially or medically to seek care at some clinics, while others offer treatment to anyone suffering from a mental health or substance abuse issue. If you are diagnosed with depression, you may receive treatment from a psychiatrist, therapist, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. Many community mental health clinics offer services on a sliding scale.
Take the First Step
If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. Fortunately, there is help available and it is possible to live a normal life full of joy and fulfillment again. Take the first step and get started today by speaking with one of our professional counselors. Our number is 772-266-5320. We are waiting to hear from you!