Depression Treatment and Counseling
Depression can make daily life feel heavier, but with support, you can live with more clarity, stability, and connection. At Drift Behavioral Health, we offer personalized care to help you find balance again.
Understanding Depression
One of the most common mental health conditions in the US, depression is more than simply feeling sad from time to time. It can affect your mood, sleep, energy, and even how you think. According to the CDC, in 2020, 18.4% of adults reported being diagnosed with depression by a healthcare provider. While this condition can feel isolating, it’s treatable. With the right support, most people can see real improvements.
Living with a depressive disorder means more than having a bad day or feeling off. It can show up as a lack of interest in things you used to enjoy, or as constant fatigue, sadness, or irritability. You may feel hopeless or find it hard to focus. Some people struggle to get out of bed, while others function normally on the outside but feel numb or overwhelmed inside.
This condition doesn’t have a single root cause, often resulting from a mix of personal, genetic, and environmental factors.
Common causes include:
- Family history
- Major life changes or trauma
- Chronic stress
- Medical conditions
- Substance use
- Hormonal changes
Depressive disorders show up differently for everyone, but there are some common signs that might help you recognize what you’re feeling.
Common symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
- Low energy or loss of interest
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Types of Depression
There are several different forms of this condition, each with its own symptoms and causes. Understanding the type you’re facing helps us create a treatment plan that works for you.
MDD involves intense sadness or loss of interest that lasts for at least two weeks. It can interfere with work, relationships, and everyday activities. Many people with MDD also experience physical symptoms like fatigue or appetite changes.
PDD, or dysthymia, is a form of long-term depression that lasts for two years or more. Symptoms may be milder than MDD but are ongoing. People with PDD often feel like they’re “just getting by.”
SAD is tied to seasonal changes, usually starting in the fall or winter. Shorter days and less sunlight can trigger symptoms. Treatment often includes light therapy and other support.
This occurs after childbirth and goes beyond typical “baby blues.” It can cause sadness, mood swings, and trouble bonding with the baby. It’s common and treatable with proper care.
Atypical depression may include mood reactivity (feeling better when something good happens), increased appetite, and extreme fatigue. It often feels different from other depressive disorders but can still be deeply disruptive.
Treating Depression
This mental health condition is highly treatable, especially with a personalized plan. We combine different tools like therapy, medication, and holistic support to help you feel better over time.
Antidepressant Medications
Medications can help ease symptoms, especially in moderate to severe cases. Common antidepressants include SSRIs, SNRIs, and atypical antidepressants. Finding the right medication can take time, but we’ll guide you through it step by step. Your provider will work with you to find what helps and make changes if needed.
Depression Treatment Centers
In-person treatment at our Colorado location provides a supportive space to heal. You’ll have access to therapy, medication management, group sessions, and holistic support like mindfulness and art therapy. Remember: getting help early can make a big difference.
Diagnosing Depression
The first step is a mental health assessment. A licensed provider will talk with you about your symptoms and history. They may use screening tools like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess the severity of your symptoms and support a diagnosis.
Counseling and Therapy
Talk therapy can help you process emotions, build coping skills, and change unhelpful thinking patterns. We also match your therapy to the level of care you need, so you’re never over- or under-treated. At Drift, we use a range of evidence-based and holistic approaches, including:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Experiential therapies like art therapy, meditation, and yoga
Online Treatment
If you can’t attend in person, you can still access quality care through our secure Zoom platform. We offer online therapy and medication management, plus added case management and at-home testing when needed.
The Dangers of Untreated Depression
Leaving depression untreated can affect every part of life. It may lead to worsening symptoms, relationship problems, or issues at work or school. It can also raise the risk of substance use or self-harm. In the US, suicide is a leading cause of death, and untreated depressive disorders are a major contributing factor. According to the CDC, over 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Get Help for Depression at Drift Behavioral Health
At Drift, we offer personalized, evidence-based treatment for depression. Our team takes the time to understand your story and build a plan that fits your needs. We support adults of all ages through the following programs:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Full-day care 5–6 days a week
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible therapy 3–5 days a week
- Virtual Mental Health Treatment: Online therapy and medication management from home
Ready to take the first step? Reach out to our team today to get the support you deserve. Let’s talk about how we can help you move forward.
FAQs
What causes depression?
This condition can be caused by genetics, life events, medical conditions, or brain chemistry changes. Often, it’s a mix of several factors.
How to help someone with depression?
Be patient, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek professional help. Small gestures of support can make a big difference.
Is depression genetic?
Yes, this disorder can run in families. However, not everyone with a family history will develop it.
Is major depressive disorder a disability?
It can be. If it affects your ability to work or function daily, MDD may be considered a disability.
What’s the best therapy for depression?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often the most recommended. Other options like DBT, interpersonal therapy, or trauma-focused therapy may also help, depending on the person.
Can depression cause memory loss?
Yes, depressive disorders can affect memory, focus, and decision-making. These symptoms often improve with treatment.
