When someone develops major depressive disorder (MDD), it feels like it swallows them whole. The world feels dark, and the person struggles to find reasons to get out of bed and endure another day of feeling low and hopeless. Therefore, living with MDD isn’t the kind of life anyone deserves, which makes getting help for it imperative.
Renewal Oasis operates first-class facilities designed to help people overcome the legacy of mental health disorders like major depressive disorder. We offer therapy via both outpatient and residential services to help people reconnect with the joy of living. Our dedicated staff meets each person where they are and shepherds them down a path of healing.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major depression disorder is a mood disorder that causes a person to feel tremendous sadness and hopelessness. No matter how hard a person may try to improve their mood or those around them attempt to cheer them up, the symptoms will not change. This is because MDD is a type of mental health disorder and requires treatment by a licensed therapist. This stressful condition impacts a person’s family life, friendships, career, and education by causing a multitude of symptoms. Different types of therapy help address the symptoms of major depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health challenges in the country. A study done in 2021 showed the following facts about adults in the U.S.:
- Approximately 21 million had a minimum of one depressive episode.
- Women have a higher rate of MDD than males, with the disorder affecting 10.3% of women and 6.2% of men.
- Additionally, the age group with the highest number of depressive episodes is adults aged 18-25.
- Those who report an ethnicity that includes two or more races have the highest prevalence of MDD among different races.
Is Major Depressive Disorder the Same as Depression?
Many people commonly use the term “depression” not realizing there are different types of this mental illness. To clarify, depression is an umbrella term that covers several types of depression, including major depressive disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMV), used by mental health clinicians to diagnose people, defines major depressive disorder as causing a period of two weeks or longer during which a person experiences a depressed mood and has a majority of the symptoms that come with this disorder. MDD can be more severe than other types of depression and may not be curable for some. Instead, they manage and reduce their symptoms through therapy and prescription medications.
Signs & Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder causes physical and, emotional symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of MDD include:
- Consistently feeling depressed and hopeless
- Suicidal feelings
- Cognitive difficulties
- Loss of interest in hobbies and pastimes
- Isolating from others
- Feeling tired all the time
- Crying spells
- Feeling guilty
- Mystery ailments like headaches, stomach aches, and diarrhea
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Using or abusing alcohol or drugs to help relieve symptoms of depression
Causes of MDD
Major depressive disorder can be caused by a variety of situations. For some, the cause is situational, such as the death of a loved one, going through a painful breakup, or experiencing a traumatic event. MDD can also have a genetic cause. Such as people with a family history of depression have an increased chance of developing the disorder. Also, depression can come about as a result of someone having a long-term illness or a longstanding substance use disorder. As well, there may not be one specific reason a person becomes depressed. Discussing the origins of a person’s major depressive disorder with a professional will help narrow down what may have contributed to developing it.
Treatment for MDD
Fortunately for those dealing with major depressive disorder, powerful treatment is available. Different types of therapy help minimize the symptoms. When someone attends a facility offering outpatient or residential care, they can often receive different types of therapy under the same roof.
The types of psychotherapy typically used include individual therapy, which provides regular one-on-one appointments with a licensed mental health professional. Many therapists provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because it helps a person target their pattern of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When they understand how they influence their MDD, they can learn healthy coping mechanisms that lead to the management of many of their symptoms.
Last, prescription medications give tremendous relief to many so they can get out from under the oppressive symptoms of MDD. Common meds used include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and more.
Treat Major Depressive Disorder at Renewal Oasis Today
Are you ready to address your major depressive disorder and want to get the best help available? It’s time to stop white-knuckling your way through every day struggling with the symptoms of MDD. Renewal Oasis created our program to treat depression with a goal of putting you back in charge of your life and how you feel. Our talented and compassionate staff of mental health experts helps each person set treatment goals and meet them. As a result, their symptoms of depression are minimized and they blossom with a new outlook on life.
Contact us today and let us help you take back the reigns of your emotional stability. We can answer any questions you have and help you get enrolled in one of our plans quickly.
