5 reasons to consider a rehab centre for the treatment of depression

Residential rehab is typically linked with substance misuse and addiction. However, it is also a practical and sensible option for those struggling with depression, or any other mental health condition, who need the extra care and support that inpatient treatment provides.

What is depression?

Affecting approximately one in six people at some point in their lifetime, which is an estimated 300 million people globally, depression is one of the world’s leading causes of disability.

Everyone has periods in their life when things feel difficult or even impossible, if these feelings continue for a prolonged phase, it could be a sign of depression.

Described by the American Psychiatric Association as “a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.” Depression is characterised by a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which destroys the ability to act and live normally and engage in everyday activities.

When considering rehab treatment for depression.

Depression comes in many guises and types. Major-depressive (formally known as clinical depression), psychotic, bipolar, post-natal and post-partum, persistent depressive, seasonal affective disorder, and atypical depression, to name a few.

If you are questioning whether residential rehab for depression might be the most beneficial option for you, or someone you love, here are some points to consider.

1. Is it affecting your day-to-day life, and your ability to function normally?

The symptoms of depression can range from relatively minor to severe. It can hit indiscriminately and has a negative influence in all areas of a sufferer’s life – work, relationships, and physical wellbeing.

Some people struggling with this devastating mental illness will be incapable to function in any way normally, shutting themselves off from the outside world, not leaving the house, and in some cases barely even getting out of bed, for days or weeks at a time.

This can have a detrimental effect on both their mental and physical well-being. If they are unable to hold down a job; to feed or wash themselves; or to form any relationships. They will grow ever more increasingly isolated, at risk of malnutrition or health problems associated with poor hygiene and self-care, and under threat of homelessness and eviction if they are unable to pay bills.

2. Are you using substances?

It is common for those individuals struggling with depression, and other mental health conditions, to try and alleviate symptoms with the use of substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication.

This could be because they have never formally been diagnosed; or because for some reason they have chosen to try and treat themselves – maybe they don’t have access to medical care, they can’t afford it, or they don’t realise they have a problem that can be treated.

Medical professionals agree that the unmonitored use of substances leads to an increase in the symptoms of almost every mental illness. It has a hugely negative impact on emotional health and does nothing to treat the underlying problem – often aggravating or increasing issues.

Repeated use of substances to deal with mental health symptoms can be labelled as self-medicating. To stop the use of a “fix” requires treatment for any underlying issues, which will vary from patient to patient. In some cases, the individual will also require detox treatment.

Detox treatment or detoxification is essentially the removal of harmful toxins from the body. Heavy or sustained alcohol and drug use can cause the body to become physically dependent on these substances, and if suddenly stopped can cause withdrawal symptoms, which range from mild to serious.

Withdrawal needs to be managed with the correct specialist care and supervised by a physician. Detoxing without the proper medical supervision can be both painful and dangerous.

3. Is there a risk of self-harm or suicide?

Residential rehab may be the favoured option if a person has a history of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or attempted suicide.

A safe place with structure, routine, and 24-hour round-the-clock care is ideal for those trying to deal with difficult emotions; recurring, obtrusive or obsessive thoughts; or compulsive and damaging behaviours.

Learning how to successfully manage these in a secure environment where they are protected from the outside world and its intrusions, as well as their own thought processes, is often an ideal solution.

4. Are there, or could there be other co-occurring conditions present?

Depression can be complicated by other co-occurring disorders, including ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity), OCD (obsessive-compulsive), anxiety, panic, food, and substance use.

About 60% of people will suffer both anxiety and depression simultaneously, with one illness aggravating the other. It is estimated that individuals struggling with alcoholism are more than six times more likely to suffer from bipolar, and almost four times more likely to have major-depressive disorder.

Experiencing more than one condition concurrently can increase the severity of symptoms, make an individual more resistant to treatment, prone to slower recovery, and at greater risk for relapse.

5. Is it impacting your relationships, and the lives of those around you?

As with all types of mental and physical illness, depression can and does impact on the relationships around a person. Individuals become withdrawn from loved ones and family members, unable to share in household responsibilities, childcare, financial support.

This can have a knock-on effect on the people we love and care about. Partners must pick up the brunt of responsibilities, leaving them exhausted and resentful. Children know there is something wrong, but often don’t completely understand. This can then affect their interactions with school friends, their behaviour, their attention span. Which can in turn impact on their mental health and future well-being.

Accepting that you need help, whether it is for depression or another mental health condition such as anxiety; a drug and alcohol problem; or an addiction or compulsion, is a huge first step, and one that should be congratulated.

The approach required when treating depression entirely depends on the level of care needed by the individual. Rehab can supply that support.  Engaging in regular therapy, individual and group; learning to manage symptoms; employing structure and order; and adjusting to any essential medications.

Plus, it can create a distance from any negative influences (people and places) and give a measure of relief from everyday burdens or demands, at least temporarily to have time to develop healthy coping strategies.

Symptoms of depression.

Common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Extreme or extended feeling of sadness, feeling tearful.
• Decline in interest with life, no motivation to engage in hobbies.
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, emptiness, or guilt.
• Loss or gain in weight, changes in appetite or eating habits.
• Changes in sleeping. Too much or too little, and insomnia.
• Withdrawing from family, friends, loved ones and social situations.
• Feeling more than usually irritable or angry.
• Thoughts of harming oneself, or suicide.

Most medical professionals agree that if you experience one or more of these for longer than two weeks then it is worth getting it checked out.

Treatment at our Spanish mental health rehab clinic.

We treat a variety of mental health conditions including depression, bipolar, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout. As well as substance misuse problems, such as alcoholism; drug addiction (to illegal and prescription medicine); and process addictions (food disorders, gambling, and codependency).

Our programmes are a blend of counselling, group psychotherapy, mindfulness, and complementary practices, such as yoga and meditation. Days at the rehab follow a schedule and are especially designed to help those who are struggling.

With some of our tailor-made programmes (individual, full and luxury bespoke) clients can choose to vary from the schedule; to opt out of some, or all the activities; add in extra counselling, therapies, and alternative treatments; have more free time – perhaps to check in with work commitments; and make use of an extra room for family visits or the family component program.

Please see our brochure or contact [email protected], for further information and details on admissions.