Clinical depression is more than just an occasional feeling of sadness. It is perfectly normal to experience sadness over the loss of a job or the death of a loved one. On the other hand, clinical depression has symptoms that linger far longer than what physicians consider healthy. These symptoms can range from sleeplessness to oversleeping, from overeating to not eating at all. However, one symptom that is typically present among people with clinical depression is chronic overwhelming sadness.

Individuals who are experiencing a bout of depression may cry each day. They may also express other emotions such as aggression and anxiety. Individuals with mild depression may have symptoms that can be treated by a family doctor. However, when symptoms are severe, inpatient rehab treatment for depression may be needed. 

Depression Symptoms That May Require Inpatient Rehab Treatment

Symptoms that persist for months and are getting progressively worse usually may require inpatient rehab for depression. Loss of weight, no interest in everyday activities, or even angry outbursts for no reason are key signs that a person may be depressed. Some individuals with depression may hide their mood from the world and carry on as if nothing is wrong. The real concern here is that the inner turmoil will likely get worse if the condition is not being treated. If your symptoms have reached the point where you can no longer function effectively at home, school or work, you may need inpatient depression treatment.

Depressed people who do not receive treatment may experience thoughts of suicide. On rare occasions, they might also take the lives of others close to them as the pain is projected onto close relatives and friends. If you have serious thoughts of suicide, you need urgent processional care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, clinical depression and thoughts of suicide are very treatable.

Individuals With Suicidal Thoughts Need Inpatient Treatment

Once an individual starts talking about suicide inpatient depression treatment rehab is the best course to prevent this from happening. Other maladaptive behaviors such as abusing drugs and alcohol to cope with depression also suggest that inpatient depression rehab treatment is needed. Some treatment facilities offer what is called partial hospitalization, where an individual comes in for a part of each day and then goes home at night. In any case, depression treatment rehab is more than just an occasional visit to a counselor or therapist. It may involve group counseling, one on one counseling, medication, and other therapeutic techniques.

One treatment that is usually delivered during inpatient depression rehab is eletroshock therapy or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This type of treatment involves sending a series of mild electrical shocks to the brain and is only used under intense medical supervision. ECT appears to cause changes in brain chemistry and can quickly alleviate symptoms associated with depression and other mental health issues. This treatment is used sparingly on only the most serious cases when other forms of treatment are not practical or have failed. 

Why Do Individuals Delay Inpatient Treatment For Depression? 

Clinical depression is a very serious and very common mental health issue. Yet, many people who need inpatient treatment for depression may avoid getting it. Why is that? One primary reason is that there is a stigma attached to mental health issues such as depression. Some people are ashamed of having depression and may choose not to seek help because they do not want other people to learn about the emotional issues they are having. 

It is important to remember that depression is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, most people will experience at least one depressive episode at some point in their life. However, it can be difficult to ask for help when you feel depressed and unmotivated.  Seeking professional assistance under these circumstances is a sign of strength and courage.

Another reason individuals may put off inpatient depression treatment rehab is that they do not think their health insurance will cover the cost. A decade ago insurance companies did not always pay for high end rehab. Now, most insurance companies do cover some of the costs of treatment in a depression rehab and some cover all associated costs. If you need inpatient depression rehab, check with the treatment centers in your area and ask about their insurance options and payment plans. 

Treatment After Inpatient Depression Rehab

After a stint in a depression rehab facility, follow-up is always important. Depression can be overcome but the chances of relapse are quite high. Frequent check ups are needed to ensure symptoms are effectively managed. The advice of a therapist or even regular visits to a family physician are usually recommended. Many people also experience symptomatic relief after getting regular physical exercise and switching to a healthier diet.

Medication might be prescribed to help people with severe symptoms. Although most individuals do not have to take antidepressants for life, some people may have to take them long term to stay clear of depression symptoms. Some antidepressant medication may have unpleasant side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, diarrhea, or nausea. Whether or not you will have to take medication long term will depend on your general health, the severity of your symptoms and your financial situation.

Summarizing Depression and Inpatient Depression Rehab Treatment

Depression is a disease. It not as a failure of spirit or weakness in an individual. If left untreated depression can have catastrophic consequences. The sooner it is treated the quicker afflicted individuals can return to a normal lifestyle. If you suspect that you may have depression, reach out to a mental health center in your community and get a diagnosis. 

Mental health professionals may recommend inpatient treatment for individuals with severe symptoms of depression. This form of care may be especially needed if the individuals is at risk of harming himself or other people. Although depression is a serious issue, many effective treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, ECT, inpatient care, and outpatient care are available. Rather than suffer in silence, you can seek professional treatment and regain control of your life.