Depression

Holistic Depression Treatment Center

Feeling down or sad on occasion is normal and seems to happen to everyone from time to time, especially when we’re stressed or anxious about something. For most people, these feelings usually subside after a short while and don’t interfere with daily life, but for others, a low mood can linger for weeks or months on end. When this happens, it might be a sign of a clinical depression, a serious mood disorder that can negatively impact daily life.

Depression is one of the most common and widely recognized mental health disorders in the world. When individuals suffer from a depressive disorder, they experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair on a regular basis. Depression is more than just feeling blue sometimes — it is a persistent mental state that can disrupt normal functioning so much that even getting through the day might seem like a monumental task. At its most severe, depression can also result in suicidal thoughts or actions, making prompt treatment essential to ensuring the mental health and wellness of those affected.

Understanding the signs of depression and seeking help at a qualified treatment center is a vital step to finding relief from these symptoms and achieving a healthier, more balanced state of mind. At Avalon Malibu, we offer holistic mental health treatment at The Grand House to help individuals overcome a persistently low mood, using proven modalities and a patient-centered approach to inspire both hope and healing from depression.

Types of Depressive Disorders

Like most mental health disorders, there are various types of depression that can affect individuals in different ways. Major depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is when people experience feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities most days of the week. Episodes are long-lasting and recurring, with the ability to significantly impact daily life. Persistent depressive disorder describes moderate to severe symptoms that are present for two years or more, regardless of a person’s circumstances.

Depression can also be triggered by certain events or seasons. Postpartum depression affects women who have just given birth and is thought to be the result of complex chemical, biological and hormonal changes that occur in the body after pregnancy. Symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, fatigue and overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame or inadequacy. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a period of depression that affects some people in the northern hemisphere during the winter months, when there is less sunlight available. Symptoms usually resolve as the days grow longer in the spring or summer.
Periods of depression can also alternate with manic episodes that include high energy, racing thoughts, sleeplessness and reckless behavior. This is characterized as bipolar disorder and may require a different treatment approach, but our clinical team can help manage these symptoms. No matter what type of depressive disorder an individual is suffering from, it is possible to experience meaningful improvements in mood, outlook and quality of life.

What are the signs and symptoms of Depression?

Depression is a clinical disorder that significantly impacts a person’s mood, thoughts and behavior. When someone suffers from depression, symptoms can vary in severity depending on a number of factors, with warning signs that are present in some but not in others. Regardless of which specific symptoms occur, depression can interfere with normal functioning by affecting things like concentration, sleep, appetite and interest in daily life. Depression can also cause physical problems, such as pain, indigestion and headaches.

Typically, those with depression find it hard to complete routine tasks and may have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. The simple things that others take for granted can feel overwhelming to someone with depression, and if left untreated, symptoms can worsen over time. In severe cases, individuals might turn to drugs or alcohol to find relief, or come to believe that life is not worth living. Other signs of depression include:

A sad, empty feeling
Anxiety
A pessimistic outlook
Fatigue
Physical aches and pains
Hopelessness
Restlessness
Irritability
Disturbed sleep patterns
A loss of interest in activities
A loss of interest in sex
Lack of concentration
Memory loss
Impaired decision making
Excessive eating or no appetite
Suicidal thoughts

Individuals who suffer from depression often have low self-esteem and hold a self-reproach that needs healing. They are not happy and unable to enjoy their life to the fullest, but those who are experiencing these feelings can turn to a depression treatment center to improve their mental wellness. Even though depression can become very debilitating and make things seem hopeless, recovery is possible at Avalon Malibu.

Avalon Malibu’s Holistic Depression Treatment Center

At Avalon Malibu, we treat depression in our Grand House, which we’ve created as a luxurious oasis to promote health and healing from a clinical disorder. Our holistic treatment center is located in sunny California, nestled on a bluff overlooking a private beach on the Pacific Ocean. This provides a relaxing, therapeutic environment conducive to recovery. Our facility and staff consistently exceed client expectations, and our Avalon Malibu Sanctuary Model has proven to be effective for treating depression in individuals with a variety of needs.

Our holistic approach to mental wellness utilizes proven modalities to assist clients in gaining greater insights into the meaning and purpose of their life. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual and designed to release the chains of depression, aligning clients with their inner selves to achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in mood, thinking and behavior. Some of the integrative, evidence-based techniques we use include:

Individual and Group Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Art, Music and Writing Therapy
Neurofeedback
Acupuncture, Massage and Yoga
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Nutritional Assessment & Support
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders

Our programs are based on potential rather than pathology and emphasize healing of the mind, body and spirit. In addition, our depression treatment center provides sanctuary and community, offering clients the chance to participate in corrective emotional, relational and environmental experiences that change a person for the better. Our goal is to help each individual heal from the effects of depression and achieve the fulfilling life they deserve.

Yoga woman meditating

Psychiatric Evaluation & Assessment

Depression symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and some treatments may work well for one person but not for another. A psychiatric assessment and evaluation by a trained professional can help identify what type of depression or co-occurring disorders an individual has, then determine the right approach for improving their mental wellness. Most depression treatment plans include a combination of psychotherapy and psychotropic medications to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms.

At Avalon Malibu, we perform psychiatric evaluations to gain more insight into each client’s needs and ensure they receive the best care possible for their depression. We also do genetic testing to determine which medications will provide the most benefit. Many different types of medications are available for treating depression, but some people may need one or more to effectively control their symptoms. Genetic testing provides important clues as to how the body may respond, guiding the selection process to help individuals feel better sooner.

Contact Avalon Malibu

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Avalon Malibu provides high-quality depression treatment that can instill a lasting, positive change. Our holistic approach addresses the full scope of each client’s needs to promote a renewed sense of mental and physical wellness. To learn more about our luxurious mental health treatment center in Malibu, California, contact or call us today at 866-332-1068.