Depression Treatment
Depression goes far beyond occasional sadness—it’s a genuine mental health disorder that deeply influences how you feel, think, and handle everyday responsibilities. It can significantly affect both your emotional and physical well-being, often diminishing your overall quality of life. At Evergreen Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals facing depression. Our goal is to help clients find hope and begin their path toward healing.
Understanding Depression
Depression can manifest in many forms, and no two experiences are exactly alike. Below are several common types, each with its own set of challenges:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by intense, ongoing feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in once-enjoyed activities, lasting for at least two weeks.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Also known as dysthymia, this long-term form of depression can linger for two years or more. While symptoms may be milder than MDD, their prolonged nature can significantly affect day-to-day functioning.
- Bipolar Disorder: Involves alternating episodes of depression and mania. The depressive phase brings low energy and mood, while the manic phase involves heightened energy, impulsivity, and elevated emotions.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Typically appears during the fall and winter months when sunlight is limited. It can cause fatigue, mood swings, and feelings of despair.
- Postpartum Depression: Occurs in some women after childbirth, leading to overwhelming sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion, which may interfere with bonding with their baby.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A more severe version of PMS, PMDD causes significant emotional distress and mood shifts in the days leading up to menstruation.
- Situational Depression: Brought on by difficult life events—like a breakup, job loss, or the death of a loved one. While often temporary, it can deeply impact one’s emotional state until the situation improves.
- Atypical Depression: This form can be deceptive. Individuals may feel better during positive events but still struggle with symptoms such as oversleeping, overeating, and heightened sensitivity to rejection.
Identifying the type of depression you’re facing is a vital first step in finding effective treatment. Every person’s journey is different—there is no universal solution. At Evergreen Behavioral Health, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way toward renewed hope and lasting recovery.
Effects of Depression
Depression isn’t limited to just how you feel emotionally—it affects your body, your thoughts, your actions, and your ability to connect with others.
Physical Effects of Depression
Though depression is rooted in mental health, its physical symptoms are very real. One of the most common is ongoing fatigue. Even after a full night’s sleep, you may wake up feeling exhausted. Everyday activities like taking a shower or preparing a meal can feel overwhelmingly difficult.
Sleep disturbances are also frequent—some individuals struggle with insomnia, while others sleep excessively yet never feel rested. Physical discomfort such as headaches, muscle pain, stomach issues, or chronic tension may appear without a clear medical cause. These symptoms often persist because they’re driven by emotional strain rather than physical illness.
Depression can also compromise the immune system, increasing vulnerability to sickness. It may disrupt eating patterns—leading to overeating or loss of appetite—which can cause weight fluctuations and increase the risk of conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Chronic emotional stress can also contribute to more serious health risks over time, such as hypertension or stroke. This creates a harmful feedback loop: physical symptoms intensify the depression, and the worsening depression makes it harder to seek relief.
Mental and Emotional Impact of Depression
Mentally, depression can distort your thoughts and emotions. It often traps individuals in a spiral of negative thinking, leaving them feeling helpless, ashamed, or hopeless—sometimes without any identifiable cause. Activities that once brought joy may now feel empty or unrewarding.
Cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and decision-making can suffer as well. This mental fog may interfere with responsibilities at work, school, or home.
In more severe cases, depression may lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Emotional pain can become overwhelming, manifesting as numbness or deep sadness. It’s also common to experience irritability, frustration, or bursts of anger—feelings that can put strain on personal relationships.
Many individuals begin to withdraw socially, believing they’re a burden or that others won’t understand what they’re going through. This isolation only deepens the symptoms and creates further barriers to seeking help.
How Depression Affects Social Life
Depression affects not just the person suffering, but also the people around them. When you’re mentally and emotionally drained, staying connected with friends and family can feel like too much. Canceling plans, ignoring messages, or avoiding social gatherings becomes common, which often leads to deeper feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Sadly, loved ones may misinterpret this behavior as disinterest or neglect, not realizing it’s a result of depression. Misunderstandings like these can lead to arguments, emotional distance, and fractured relationships.
In professional or academic settings, depression can reduce productivity, impair focus, and lead to missed responsibilities—sometimes resulting in job instability or academic failure, further compounding emotional distress.
Even having simple conversations or resolving conflicts can feel nearly impossible, making open communication difficult. This can lead to further feelings of isolation and emotional disconnect.
The longer someone feels alone, the harder it becomes to reach out for help. That’s why building strong support systems and offering compassionate care is critical for recovery.
Signs of Depression
Depression manifests differently for everyone, and its symptoms can affect nearly every aspect of life. Some signs are clear and unmistakable, while others may be subtle or easily confused with other issues. Gaining a deeper understanding of the physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms of depression is a vital step toward knowing when you—or someone you care about—may need support.
Physical Signs of Depression
Depression isn’t confined to the mind—it also has tangible effects on the body. These physical symptoms often persist despite medical treatment because their root cause lies in emotional distress. Common physical indicators of depression include:
- Constant fatigue or a noticeable lack of energy
- Sleep disruptions—either insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Significant changes in appetite or weight
- Unexplained aches, pains, or headaches
- Digestive issues such as nausea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Slowed physical movements or speech
- Frequent illnesses or a weakened immune response
Behavioral Signs of Depression
Depression can influence how a person behaves and interacts with the world. These changes often reflect a loss of motivation or emotional engagement and can interfere with daily life. Common behavioral signs include:
- Pulling away from social interactions and loved ones
- Ignoring responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Avoiding hobbies or activities that once brought joy
- Frequent or unexplained crying episodes
- Noticeable sluggishness or restlessness
- Neglecting self-care, such as skipping meals or personal hygiene
Psychological Signs of Depression
At its core, depression deeply alters a person’s emotional and cognitive state. These psychological effects can be overwhelming and are often the most difficult to articulate. Common mental and emotional symptoms include:
- Ongoing feelings of sadness, emptiness, or despair
- Overwhelming guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making choices
- Loss of interest in passions, hobbies, or relationships
- Increased irritability, agitation, or emotional sensitivity
- Poor self-image and feelings of inadequacy
- Intrusive thoughts of self-harm or suicide
How to Treat Depression
There’s no universal solution for overcoming depression. Effective recovery often requires a comprehensive, personalized approach—blending medical care, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and strong emotional support. Because depression impacts each person differently, treatment plans must be tailored to fit individual needs and circumstances.
The encouraging news? Depression is highly treatable. With the right combination of strategies, support, and professional guidance, people can move beyond the pain and reconnect with peace, meaning, and joy.
Therapy and Counseling
Talk therapy is one of the most powerful tools in managing and overcoming depression. It provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, challenge negative thinking, and develop healthier coping skills. Several therapeutic approaches may be used:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe harmful thought patterns and encourages more balanced, positive thinking.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Emphasizes mindfulness, emotional regulation, and resilience in the face of stress.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving communication and resolving relational conflicts that may fuel depressive symptoms.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Examines past experiences and unresolved issues to better understand current emotional struggles.
Medication Support
For many individuals, antidepressant medications are a key part of treatment. These drugs help rebalance brain chemistry, often leading to improved mood and functioning. Common types include:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro, which boost serotonin levels.
- SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): Including Cymbalta and Effexor, which impact both serotonin and norepinephrine.
- TCAs and MAOIs: Older medications that are typically prescribed when other options haven’t been effective.
Finding the right medication can involve some trial and error, but with close medical supervision, many people experience meaningful relief and a greater sense of stability.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Practices
Small, intentional changes in daily habits can play a big role in supporting recovery. While not a substitute for therapy or medication, lifestyle shifts often enhance well-being and promote resilience.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity—like walking, dancing, or yoga—naturally boosts mood-lifting chemicals in the brain.
- Healthy Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and nutrients can help regulate mood and energy.
- Quality Sleep: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule improves emotional stability and energy levels.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, meditation, or spending time in nature can reduce mental tension.
- Social Connection: Maintaining supportive relationships and participating in community or support groups helps reduce isolation.
Social and Emotional Support
Strong social connections play a crucial role in recovery. Whether it’s emotional encouragement or practical help, a reliable support system makes the journey more manageable.
- Open Communication: Talking with trusted friends or loved ones can offer emotional relief and perspective.
- Support Groups: Sharing experiences in peer-led or therapeutic groups—online or in person—can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Professional Guidance: Working with therapists, counselors, or life coaches provides structure, tools, and accountability.
Holistic and Complementary Therapies
In addition to standard treatments, some individuals find comfort in alternative therapies that nurture the body and mind. These options can complement medical care when used responsibly:
- Acupuncture or massage therapy for physical relaxation and emotional release
- Aromatherapy to create calming, sensory environments
- Art or music therapy for expressing difficult emotions creatively
- Herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort—though always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement
Get Depression Treatment in South Portland, Maine
If you’re ready to take back control and move forward with strength, Evergreen Behavioral Health is here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to walking alongside you throughout your recovery journey, offering personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Through evidence-based therapies, holistic support, and a nurturing environment, we strive to create the foundation for lasting relief and personal transformation.
Call us at (888) 907-7290, email admissions@evergreenbh.com, or visit us in person at 707 Sable Oaks Drive in South Portland, ME (04106).
We’re here for you 24/7—you don’t have to face depression alone.