Depression Treatment Center for Children, Adolescents & Older Adults in Missouri

Learn More About Treatment for Depression at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

We often use the term depression or being depressed to describe transient states. We say “we’re depressed,” because someone didn’t call, or we didn’t get the grade we wanted, or the promotion we feel we deserve. Yet the reactions to these types of situations are fleeting and based on single events. For those who suffer from major depressive disorder, the symptoms last much longer and are severe enough to interfere with an individual’s ability to perform day-to-day activities. At Lakeland’s treatment center in Missouri, we recognize how significantly depression can disrupt your life. While some conditions affect only certain parts of your world, we recognize that depression alters the way you think about your environment, changes your behavior, decreases your motivation, and causes you to lose the desire to relate to others.

Chronic depression can grow into an extremely serious problem for those who suffer from it. It can disrupt your ability to make decisions, impair your judgment, decrease your ability to concentrate or pay attention, and lead to overwhelming fatigue. Depression can make it difficult to hold a job, attend school, parent your children, or interact socially. In the most severe instances, depression can become so incapacitating it may seem you can no longer function in any area of your life. Many people report feeling as if they are frozen in time and lack the motivation to make any changes that will improve their quality of life.

At Lakeland’s mental health treatment clinic we recognize that depression rarely appears by itself, presenting with the symptoms of other psychiatric disorders. Depression is a complex problem which can lead to a sense of helplessness which may cause you to consider ending it all. However, help is available and depression can be successfully treated. Given that the disorder can affect every aspect of your life it is very difficult to attempt to cope with alone especially when you are also attempting to fulfill your daily responsibilities. To help you focus better on recovery, your physician may recommend an inpatient treatment center like Lakeland. The important thing to remember is that treatment can help and you do not have to suffer in silence or go it alone.

Why Consider Treatment for Depression at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

While major depression is difficult enough in the beginning stages, over time the effects become so painful it can be difficult to think of anywhere to turn or generate the motivation to do so. Even though depression may remit, it almost always returns. So although your mood may have cleared for periods previously, during these periods you may find yourself submerged in anxiety such that you truly have no length of time that is truly symptom-free. You may find that your focus slowly begins to revolve around the effects of the disorder until this is all you can think about. Other effects of depression can be life altering such as:

• Increased risky behaviors such as drug abuse and promiscuous sexual activity
• Problems with interpersonal relationships and loss of a social support network
• Marital discord or divorce
• Estrangement from children
• Decreased productivity at work or school leading to increased loss of self-confidence, potential job loss or expulsion
• Immune system problems leading to physical illness making the depression worse
• Suicidal ideation or behaviors
• Pain – especially headaches and stomach pain
• Sexual problems

These effects become cyclical and cause a further worsening of the depression.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System’s Philosophy and Benefits

Lakeland’s treatment center is committed to providing complete service including comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans and the most effective intervention for your specific condition. We pride ourselves on our unique ability to offer a variety of psychiatric services. If it is determined that you are suffering from depression, in addition to carrying out a medication consultation with our psychiatric staff, we will also create an individualized treatment plan including scientifically-validated treatment techniques. Through these methods, we will assist you in taking the steps towards the life you long to live.

At Lakeland our staff has a team mentality and are dedicated to viewing you as a whole person, identifying your unique strengths and resources and using them to bolster your ability to fight your condition. They are well-trained, empathetic, and have extensive experience treating various forms of co-occurring disorders often experienced by individuals suffering from depression. Our treatment objectives go beyond merely providing a diagnosis and addressing your symptoms. It is our aim to enrich your overall quality of life and reestablish the hope you may have lost so you can realize a future filled with happiness, satisfaction, friends, and family.

Types of Treatment for Depression Offered at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

As there are so many different symptoms and effects of depression that can differ greatly from person to person, it is crucial that treatment be individualized to ensure the best possible outcomes. At Lakeland, we will never use a cookie-cutter approach to evaluation or treatment. Some of the specific treatment components we utilize for depression include:

Crisis intervention for individuals who are experiencing acute problems which they feel are intolerable and exceed their ability to cope. We use techniques to handle emergency situations with the objective of helping the individual in crisis to re-establish their equilibrium and return to their former level of functioning.

Medication management and education: medication can be useful for some individuals in the treatment of depression. You will be evaluated and possibly placed on medication to help address your symptoms. This may be just in the beginning of your treatment to make it easier to engage in psychotherapy or may be more long term if your treatment team decides it appropriate.

Cognitive behavioral therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be the most effective type of psychotherapy for depression. This type of therapy addresses maladaptive ways of thinking or negative thought patterns that lead to an increase in depression.

Coping and life-skills training: These techniques are aimed at helping you better deal with and manage stress in your day-to-day life. This may include instruction in social skills, different ways of evaluating the world, altering negative thought patterns, healthy living patterns, relaxation training, exercises to improve self-esteem, and problem-solving techniques.

Group therapy: We use groups both to provide education and teach skills.

Individual therapy: We use individual therapy to deliver personalized attention and to provide the opportunity for you to be able to discuss issues you may not feel comfortable sharing in a group setting.

Family participation: We know the importance of incorporating family members in your recovery process. Our staff includes family members whenever possible and are available during visitation hours to interact with families and help with questions or issues.

In addition, other types of therapeutic activities may be available. These include:

• Stress reduction
• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Expressive therapy
• Recreation therapy
• Pet therapy

Continuing Care and Levels of Treatment for Depression

At Lakeland’s treatment center in Missouri, we understand how difficult the decision to enter an inpatient clinic can be, especially when you suffer from depression. We work with you and any family members who are participating in your treatment to provide you with additional skills and techniques to help you maintain the gains you have made and continue your progress once you’ve left us. Your treatment team is concerned with your continued progress and will work with you to develop the most appropriate discharge plan or treatment option so you can continue your recovery and reach the goals you have set.