Unipolar depression, also called “major depressive disorder,” can severely impact your quality of life and even lead to self-harm. Fortunately, however, this is a treatable mental health condition. In fact, inpatient depression treatment programs are known to be very effective in helping people to manage their symptoms.
At Promises, our skilled providers offer unipolar depression treatment to help you understand why you’re struggling and equip you with the tools that will empower you to thrive. To learn more about treatment options available for unipolar depression, contact our team by calling us at 844.875.5609.
What Is Unipolar Depression?
Unipolar depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Mental health professionals use the term “unipolar” to differentiate the condition from bipolar disorder, which is characterized by depression that fluctuates with mania.
Symptoms of major depressive disorder include:
- Sadness
- Appetite changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of pleasure
- Concentration issues
- Fatigue
- Guilt
- Trouble thinking
- Thoughts of suicide
To be diagnosed with unipolar depression, you must experience symptoms every day for at least two weeks. However, you will likely not experience every symptom of depression.
Promises is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services or visiting your local emergency room.
Causes of Major Depressive Disorder
The exact cause of depression isn’t yet known. In most cases, a combination of factors contributes to the development of this mood disorder.
First, family history plays a role. Those who have parents or siblings with depression are more likely to develop it. This fact points to a genetic component. However, you may still develop depression even if no one else in your family has had it.
Another potential factor is your brain chemistry. Your brain depends on neurotransmitters for all manner of functions. Mood issues can stem from an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin.
It’s not just biology that makes some people more prone to developing depression. Life experiences can also play a role. If you lived through a difficult childhood, especially one that involved physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, you are more likely to live with depression. Traumatic incidents in adulthood can also contribute to unipolar depression.
Treating Unipolar Depression
Treating unipolar depression may involve psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy is talk therapy that focuses on uncovering the cause of your condition. During your sessions, you will learn about your thinking processes and explore how negative self-talk can impact your mood and even your behavior.
You can also learn how to manage anxiety, which often co-occurs with depression, and work on breaking any destructive habits you may have developed while trying to cope with depressive symptoms. Talk therapy can also teach you how to manage powerful emotions in order to sustain your mental well-being.
If you join a treatment program, you can participate in group therapy sessions. These help you learn how to communicate effectively with others and provide guidance on how to tackle interpersonal issues that may affect your relationships with loved ones.
Many people living with depression benefit from talk therapy combined with medication. The right medication will depend on your brain chemistry, but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are common options because they tend to cause fewer unpleasant side effects than other antidepressants.
Start Your Recovery with Inpatient Depression Treatment at Promises Today
Dealing with depression day after day can leave you feeling exhausted and at a loss for how to feel better. The first step to healing may be enrolling in a depression treatment program. With psychotherapy and medications, you can get to the root cause of a mood disorder and learn how to face new challenges.
At Promises, we offer a range of treatment options so that you can access the level of care you need, including inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services. Our team has experience helping people struggling with mental health concerns, substance misuse, or both. Give yourself the chance to heal and contact us by calling Promises at 844.875.5609. You can also contact us by using our online contact form.