Depressive disorders affect an individual’s mind, body, and thoughts, leaving them facing tremendous emotional pain. Depression makes it hard to function and enjoy life; sometimes just getting through the day can be overwhelming. While sadness is a normal reaction to the struggles experienced in everyday life, depression is much more than a period of the blues. The symptoms of depression engulf a person, causing problems with work or school, sleep difficulties, and an inability to enjoy life.
Valley Behavioral Health offers a welcoming environment that will allow you to escape from the pressures of the outside world and focus on getting better. We treat a spectrum of mental health disorders in adults, children, teens, and older adults. Don’t let the feelings of emptiness and despair take over your life. If you are struggling with depression, seek the help of our wonderful staff who have many years of experience treating depressive disorders.
How to Help a Loved One or Family Member Seek Treatment
Having a loved one who is struggling with depression can be heartbreaking and – at times – challenging. You may feel hopeless as to what you can do to help them. Here are some ways in which you can help your loved one start to recover:
Learn the signs and symptoms: Take the time to learn about depression so that you understand more of what your loved one is going through. By educating yourself, you can become an active advocate for your loved one.
Encourage treatment: Sometimes people may not recognize that they are depressed or believe that this is something that they should be able to overcome on their own. Talk to your loved one about the signs of depression you have noticed and encourage them to seek professional help – depression seldom goes away on its own. Assure them that this is a medical condition and is nothing to be ashamed of. Offer to go with them to doctor appointments and help them by being actively involved in the recovery process.
Take care of you: Supporting someone with depression is not an easy task – over time it can cause you to become frustrated or burnt out. Find a therapist if you need someone to talk to and join a support group. Make time for hobbies, exercise, friends, and family.
Why Seek Inpatient Treatment at Valley Behavioral Health
Living with untreated depression can make it seem like you are living in a black hole, as life slowly passes you by. On particularly bad days, you may not have the energy to get out of bed. The feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness are unrelenting, not allowing any type of relief. In addition to changes in your sleep and eating patterns, you may have lost your ability to engage in social activities, causing you to become socially isolated. The deep despair associated with depression can also make some people feel like suicide is the only option to escape the emotional pain. However, suicide is never the answer. With proper treatment and support you can overcome your depression.
An inpatient program that has experience in treating people with depression has been shown to be extremely helpful for many. Through an inpatient program, you will be able to receive a multifaceted treatment approach that combines medications and other types of therapeutic interventions. An inpatient program allows you to get away from the stress and pressure of daily life so that you are able to focus upon what truly matters – your journey to recovery.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
Valley Behavioral Health understands that there is not one standard approach to the treatment of depression, which is why we provide our clients with individualized care. At our center, we make sure that the patient always comes first. Our peaceful campus provides our clients with the safety and comfort needed to begin their journey toward healing. We focus upon the strengths our clients have within them and work together to create a plan of care for his or her stay with us.
Treatment Options at Valley Behavioral Health
Upon arrival at Valley Behavioral Health System, you will undergo a comprehensive assessment that will help our psychiatrist get a clearer picture of your specific treatment needs. Our multidisciplinary treatment team will work alongside you and your loved ones to create a plan of care that meets your current and aftercare needs. Your treatment plan may include the following options:
Medication may be used in the short-term to help control the symptoms of your depression, allowing you to fully engage in the recovery process. Others may need longer-term medication management for the existence of other medical conditions or disorders. Medication usage will be monitored by our medical staff and adjusted as needed.
Individual therapy is offered at least once per week – more if needed – and provides you one-on-one time with your therapist to work through causes for your depression. Our therapists often use a technique called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you see the way negative thoughts can cause negative behaviors. They will work with you to develop more positive ways of viewing the world.
Group therapy is offered daily, providing you with an opportunity to bond with others who are struggling with similar mental health disorders. Topics for group may include depression, medication management,, anxiety management, ways to increase self-esteem and self-control, and how to make proper decisions.
Family therapy is especially important for people diagnosed with depression because the support of loved ones can help you remain successful in your recovery. Family sessions will explore challenges in the family dynamic, education about depression, and ways your family can be helpful in your recovery.
In addition to traditional therapeutic approaches, Valley Behavioral is proud to offer a variety of experiential therapies. These may include:
- Arts and crafts
- Relaxation techniques
Continuing Care and Levels of Treatment
As discharge approaches, you will work closely with a care coordinator who will help put in place the discharge plan began during your admission. Before leaving our center, all appointments will be set up and your next step in the treatment process will be determined. We do everything we can to make the transition to aftercare as smooth as possible.
At Valley Behavioral we offer a number of inpatient step-down options so that we can continue to offer quality care. Many of our clients find that they still need structured care and choose to participate in our partial hospitalization program (PHP) or our intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both programs are designed for adults and allow you to focus on treatment during the day and spend your evenings and weekends at home. These programs offer the same types of therapeutic techniques, but differ in amount of time spent in treatment. We also offer a traditional outpatient therapy program for those who have made enough progress to be discharged home.