Treating Depression at Alpha Behavioral Health

Treating Depression at Alpha Behavioral Health

Contact Us

Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is one of the most common and widespread mental health disorders in the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 2.7 million people under the age of 18 struggle with depression. At Alpha Behavioral Health, we believe that young people deserve support and guidance to overcome mental health issues like these so that they can reach their full potential. Treating depression with therapy and connection is one of our specialties.

Understanding Our Approach to Treating Depression

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life, leading to emotional and physical problems. Symptoms can include:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Thoughts of self-harm

Depression is more than just a temporary feeling of sadness; it can last for weeks, months, or even years if untreated. It often requires professional treatment, including therapy, medication, or a combination of both, to manage effectively. That’s where Alpha Behavioral Health comes in. We specialize in treating depression in young adults, recognizing the unique challenges this age group faces. Our approach combines evidence-based therapies with personalized care to address major depressive disorder and related mental health issues.

We utilize a range of therapeutic techniques and tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and medication management when necessary. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support for your journey while encouraging personal growth in you and your family unit.

We understand that depression often coexists with anxiety and other mental health disorders, so we take a holistic approach to treating depression. It’s vital to address not only the signs and symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to your depression. When you choose Alpha Behavioral Health for your healing journey, you’ll learn practical skills that can be applied to your daily life:

  • Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns
  • Developing coping strategies for stress and anxiety
  • Improving communication and relationship skills
  • Addressing lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, and exercise

Throughout your therapy, we emphasize building resilience and developing long-term strategies for maintaining mental well-being. Our aim is to empower you with the tools and knowledge to manage your depression effectively, even after completing treatment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques for Treating Depression

One of the modalities we recommend for treating depression is CBT. CBT is a structured, short-term psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. It helps individuals challenge distorted thinking, develop healthier perspectives, and adopt practical coping strategies. This technique is widely used to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Develop Healthier Coping Mechanisms For Depression

CBT techniques can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with life’s challenges. These skills can be particularly effective when used alongside medication, enhancing your overall treatment plan and reducing the risk of mental health disorder relapse. Through CBT, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This awareness allows you to make positive changes that can significantly improve your mood and reduce the severity of depressive episodes.

CBT Helps Build Resilience

By addressing the cognitive aspects of depression, CBT helps you build resilience against this debilitating disease. You’ll learn to reframe negative self-talk and develop a more balanced perspective, which can lead to lasting improvements.

Additional Modalities May be Necessary

CBT is just one of the many options for treating depression that we offer in therapy. If CBT isn’t right for you, other possible modalities for treating depression include:

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Mindfulness-based approach
  • Solution-focused brief therapy
  • Art and experiential modalities
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Motivational interviewing

If you’re interested in learning more about these options, talk to your therapist or reach out to our team at Alpha Behavioral Health.

Identifying Triggers and Root Causes

A crucial part of effective therapy is identifying the triggers and root causes of your depression. Usually, mental health issues don’t just happen randomly. There may be underlying factors that contribute to your symptoms or to the development of the disorder itself. You’ll work with your therapist to uncover factors that contribute to your mood disorder. These can include genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, or past traumatic experiences.

Lifestyle Choices Play a Role in Overall Well-being

Lifestyle can also play a role in your overall well-being. Poor diet, sleep hygiene, or a lack of physical activity may be contributing to your symptoms. Your therapist will help you recognize how various aspects of your life, such as sleep patterns and physical health, impact your mental state. Understanding these connections can lead to more targeted interventions and a comprehensive treatment plan. Together, you can create a plan to make manageable lifestyle changes, as well as track your progress and hold you accountable.

Depression May be Linked to Specific Conditions

With the help of your support system and therapist, you may discover that your depression is linked to specific conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or chronic pain. This insight can guide your treatment approach and may even lead to additional medical diagnoses that require attention. When you treat the source of the disorder instead of just the symptoms, treatment is usually more effective.

Understanding the Root Cause of Depression

As you progress in therapy, you’ll develop a clearer understanding of your mental health disorder’s origins and triggers. This knowledge empowers you to take proactive steps in managing them. It can also improve your sense of self, identity, and self-compassion as you start to understand yourself on a deeper level.

Building Support Networks and Social Connections

Depression can be an isolating experience, especially if you’ve recently withdrawn from social circles or activities that you used to enjoy due to your symptoms. You may feel that you’ve lost some of your friends due to this withdrawal or that they don’t understand the things you’re going through.

Building a strong support network is crucial for managing depression. Friendships, family relationships, and professional support are a big part of what makes a strong support network. These connections provide emotional support, helping individuals feel understood, valued, and less isolated.

Encouragement and Motivation

Positive relationships offer encouragement and motivation to adhere to treatment plans, attend therapy sessions, and engage in healthy activities. Loved ones can also help recognize signs of worsening symptoms and encourage seeking professional help when needed. Social support reduces the sense of loneliness that often accompanies depression and fosters a sense of belonging, which is essential for building resilience and maintaining long-term mental health.

That’s why depression treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health emphasizes connecting with others and forging strong relationships. In individual counseling or through our Alpha Launch Program, you’ll work on skills to communicate more effectively and push through mental barriers that may hold you back from connecting with others. You’ll receive support from adults and other young people who understand what you’re going through. We want you to find belonging and connection here in a safe and judgment-free environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Treating Depression for Young Adults

As you navigate depression therapy as a young adult, you may have questions about treatment options, communication with family, and finding the right mental health professional. Let’s address some common questions about depression therapy and the process of treating depression.

What are some lifestyle changes that can help with treating depression?

Depression and mood are incredibly linked to lifestyle choices like diet, sleep patterns, and exercise. If you’re looking to make lifestyle changes to help you manage depression symptoms, these three areas are good places to start.

Try to maintain a balanced nutrition full of vitamins and nutrients. If this is difficult for you to do through food, taking a multivitamin every day is a great way to supplement your nutrition. While getting your fruits and veggies is crucial, it’s also important that you enjoy the things you’re eating. That might mean having a favorite snack in the afternoon or dessert in the evening. Remember, you don’t always need to go for “healthy foods” to benefit your mind and soul. Sometimes, having a sweet or salty treat can be a form of self-care and doesn’t negate the vitamins and nutrients you get from other sources.

Exercise is also a vital piece to the puzzle of mental and physical well-being. We all know that exercise is good for our bodies, but it’s also good for our minds. Exercise releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that reduce stress and improve mood. These are the same brain chemicals that are released when you laugh at a really funny joke or eat your favorite food. When you exercise regularly, the released endorphins can boost your mood for hours, and the frequent activity in that part of your brain can actually start to change your brain chemistry.

Healthy sleep patterns are important for everyone, especially people with depression. Depression can cause changes in sleep, causing fatigue and over-sleeping in some cases and under-sleeping or insomnia in others. It can be extremely difficult, but re-establishing a healthy sleep pattern can help you feel rested and improve your brain function and mood. Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day to get your body into a routine. Avoid looking at screens for an hour before you sleep at night, and practice relaxation techniques or self-care practices during that time instead.

How can young people talk to their parents about needing therapy for depression?

This conversation can be difficult and scary, but it is often necessary for young people, especially minors or those still on their parent’s health insurance plan. Try to be honest and open and fully express your concerns and needs. It’s okay to show that you’re nervous or scared during this conversation. Remember that your family loves you and wants what’s best for you, even if they don’t fully understand what you’re going through.

Choose a calm, private moment to talk. It may be helpful to you and your parents if you do some research about depression and treatment for depression beforehand. If they are skeptical about therapy, information from reputable sources can help them understand the science behind it. Share specific examples of the signs and symptoms of how your mental health affects your daily life, such as difficulty concentrating, feeling fatigued, or experiencing changes in your mood. Address any concerns your parents might have about treatment, such as the stigma associated with mental health treatment or the cost. Ask for their help in navigating these things and emphasize your need to get better.

Alpha Behavioral Health offers resources for parents and families to help you navigate the beginning stages of getting help. You can always visit our website or give us a call to get answers to any questions or concerns you or your family may have.

What’s the difference between a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist for treating depression?

Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are all professionals in the mental health field. While their areas may often overlap, they are distinct in their own ways.

Therapists primarily focus on behavior therapy and counseling. They help individuals develop coping strategies and navigate emotional challenges, which is essential for managing depression. Therapists may use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapy methods to help individuals understand and change their behavior and thought patterns. Typically, a therapist has a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling. Most therapists can diagnose you with a disorder or condition, but typically, they cannot prescribe medication on their own.

Psychologists who have advanced training in clinical psychology offer a more in-depth approach. They can conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and provide specialized therapies based on individual needs. Psychologists are skilled in diagnosing mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder, using tools like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Some psychologists can also prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors specializing in psychiatry. Their unique qualification allows them to prescribe medications for mental health issues. Psychiatrists manage the medical aspects, addressing the biological underpinnings of a disorder. While psychiatrists can provide therapy, they often work in conjunction with therapists or psychologists to ensure comprehensive care that covers both the biological and psychological facets of a disorder.

For treating a mental health issue like depression, a good option may be to have a care team that draws from more than one of these areas. Seeing a therapist or psychologist for talk therapy is a great tool for working through underlying issues and learning coping mechanisms. However, if you would like to incorporate medication into your treatment plan, a psychiatrist should be involved to determine the best course of action.

What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?

That’s okay! It happens more often than you think. Your therapist is a stranger at first, and it can be difficult to open up and be vulnerable with someone you barely know. Before you decide to see someone else, however, try talking to your therapist about these feelings. Together, you can discuss why you feel this way, and you may be able to try a different approach. Don’t worry; your therapist won’t be offended. Their goal is to get you the best treatment possible, whether that is with them or another mental health professional.

If, after talking to your current therapist about the situation, you still feel that the relationship isn’t working, your therapist may be able to recommend another therapist who could be a better fit. The conversation should help identify what you need from therapy that they aren’t providing. It’s crucial to your success in therapy that you feel safe, comfortable, and understood by your therapist. There’s no shame in trying multiple therapists before choosing who’s best for you.

Depression can make you feel worthless or like you don’t have the motivation to get better. But at Alpha Behavioral Health, we believe that you deserve a life of well-being. With the right tools and support, you can go on a journey of growth and reach your full potential. We want to be with you every step of the way. If you’re struggling with symptoms of depression, you’re not alone. Through social connection and therapeutic intervention, you can live the life you want. Take the first steps to getting better with us. Call Alpha Behavioral Health at (833) 257-4218 to learn more about our approach, treatment options, and programs for teens.