Understanding and Treating Depression

Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The impact of depression reaches far beyond the individual; it can have an impact on your relationships, work productivity and overall quality of life. It’s crucial to understand that depression isn’t a sign of weakness or a personal flaw - it’s a legitimate medical condition that needs attention and treatment.

In this guide, we’ll aim to provide you with valuable insights, evidence-based strategies, and a supportive approach to navigating depression treatment. Remember, depression is entirely treatable, even in the most severe of cases.

Prevalence of depression

Depression is a pervasive mental health disorder that affects people from all walks of life. Statistics collected on depression from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it’s estimated that around one in six people in the UK will experience depression at some point in their lives.

These numbers highlight the significance of this condition and emphasise the importance of raising awareness and understanding. Depression doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender or socioeconomic status; it can affect people from all backgrounds.

Understanding depression

To effectively navigate depression treatment, it’s important that you have some understanding of this mental health condition. Depression typically causes you to experience persistent low moods. Sometimes, these can be so bad that you find that you can’t function effectively in your daily life. Other symptoms of depression include things like:

• Persistent feelings of sadness
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Changes in your appetite and sleep patterns
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physical health problems, such as aches and pains
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

The causes of depression are complex and are believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. While anyone can develop depression, certain risk factors may increase your susceptibility to this condition.

There are also lots of different types of depression. Each type has distinct characteristics and triggers, and need tailored treatment approaches. These include:

• Severe depression
• Severe depression with psychotic symptoms
• Mild to moderate depression
• Bipolar depression
• Dysthymia (also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD))
• Recurrent depressive disorder
• Postpartum/postnatal depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Depression as part of a “cyclothymia” where one’s mood cycles rapidly between feeling good and feeling bad. This may even occur in the same day.

Diagnosing depression involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, usually a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist. The diagnostic process includes a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, medical history, and potential causes and risk factors.

Healthcare professionals may use standardised criteria, such as the DSM-5, to help them to diagnose you with depression. They may also aim to rule out other medical conditions that can mimic depression symptoms. Getting a diagnosis for your depression is really important because it lays the foundation for developing an appropriate treatment plan, helping you to take steps towards a positive future

Depression treatment options

When it comes to depression, there are a variety of treatment options available. These have been designed to address the complexities of this condition, and support people to get back on track. Treatment plans should be tailored to each person's specific needs, and a combination of approaches is likely to be the most effective.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies play a vital role in depression treatment. One of the most common types of depression therapy is a technique known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)​. CBT is used all over the world to treat lots of mental health conditions, including depression. It’s based on the principle that unhelpful, deep rooted thought patterns and behaviours often lead to experiencing negative emotions and complications with mental health problems like depression.

CBT works by identifying and changing your unhealthy thought patterns and any negative behaviours. This helps you to think in a more balanced way and challenge any negative assumptions you have.

It also helps you to learn coping mechanisms that you can use for the rest of your life. These allow you to recognise when you’re experiencing negative thoughts and respond to them in a healthy way. This reduces the likelihood of you becoming depressed again in the future. Find out more about CBT for depression.

Other therapies may also be beneficial in depression treatment, depending on your individual needs and preferences. These include:

• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT)
• Mindfulness
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
• Compassion focused therapy (CFT)
• Emotion focused therapy (EFT)
• Person-centred therapy (PCT)
• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) - an innovative treatment method which uses rapidly changing magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation

Medication

Alongside CBT and other forms of therapy, medication can also be useful in treating depression. This can help to complement talking therapy and also acts as a further barrier against your depression.

However, for some people, antidepressants will be the first line of treatment for depression, especially when:

• Your depression is severe or comes and goes
• You have responded well to antidepressants in the past
• Talking therapies alone haven’t been successful in tackling your depression
• There is a history of depression in your family
• Your depression is making you feel suicidal

Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can help regulate brain chemicals and alleviate symptoms. Difficult to treat depressions may also be managed with mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) although these ae rarely used now.

It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to find the most suitable medication for you, understand its potential side effects and make sure you’re taking this as prescribed.

Alternative treatments

Alternative treatments for depression are also worth considering. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and herbal remedies like St John's Wort have shown some benefits when it comes to tackling mild to moderate depression.

Also, mind-body techniques such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can promote relaxation and emotional wellbeing, helping to reduce depression symptoms. Lastly, light therapy, specifically used for SAD, involves exposure to bright light to regulate your circadian rhythm and improve mood.

Hospital and residential treatment

In some cases, you might need residential depression treatment within a hospital. This is especially the case if your depression is severe, or accompanied by significant risk factors.

Residential mental health hospitals can provide specialist inpatient treatment for depression, offering intensive therapy, medication management, structured routines and a supportive environment. It also gives you the chance to spend some time away from any outside influences that might be making your depression worse.

Residential depression treatment is likely to be the best option for people who need a higher level of support to stabilise their condition.

Lifestyle changes

In addition to professional interventions, lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in coping with depression symptoms. A balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, relaxation techniques, and doing things you enjoy, can significantly improve your wellbeing. These lifestyle adjustments can complement other treatment approaches and enhance the effectiveness of depression management strategies.

Remember, each person's experience with depression is unique, and treating it takes patience and collaboration. However, with the right support, it’s entirely possible for you to make a full recovery.

Depression treatment at Priory

At Priory, we’re renowned for our comprehensive and specialised depression treatment options, providing people with a range of choices to suit their needs. Whether you need intensive care or are looking for more flexible treatment options, we can offer a variety of programmes to support you.

We will always learn about your unique circumstances before setting out any treatment options, so that we’re able to give you the support that works for you. Depending on the severity of your depression, we have a number of different treatment programmes that we can offer to you.

Inpatient treatment for depression

Inpatient depression treatment at Priory involves people staying at a specialist hospital on a residential basis. Here, you will receive round-the-clock care from our expert professionals, in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, medication management and wellbeing activities. This option is beneficial for people with severe depression or when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Outpatient treatment for depression

For individuals who prefer a more flexible treatment approach, we also offer outpatient treatment for depression at our hospitals and wellbeing centres. Outpatient treatment allows people to attend weekly therapy sessions, while being able to live at home and maintain their daily routines and responsibilities. This option is suitable for individuals with less severe depression symptoms, or those who are stepping down from inpatient care.

Day care for depression

Day care treatment is another valuable option available at Priory, providing structured therapy and support during the day, while allowing people to return home in the evenings. This approach offers a balanced combination of therapy sessions, group activities, and skill-building workshops to enhance coping strategies and foster long-term recovery. We offer full or half days, depending on your needs.

Online therapy for depression

At Priory, we recognise the importance of accessibility and convenience, which is why we also offer online therapy for depression. These virtual sessions give you the chance to receive evidence-based therapy from the comfort of your own home. Online therapy at Priory maintains the same high standards of care as in-person treatments. Our experienced clinicians will guide you through your depression treatment journey via secure and confidential platforms.

Depression treatment experts

What sets Priory apart is our team of highly skilled professionals, who have extensive experience in treating depression. Our Priory team consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses and support staff, all of whom are dedicated to providing personalised support to everyone we care for. We have extensive expertise in understanding the complexities of depression and tailoring treatment plans to address your unique needs. By taking a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, we ensure that you receive comprehensive support for your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

We also focus on empowering you to take an active role in your recovery. Through collaborative treatment planning and a person-centred approach, we will help you to develop strategies for managing your depression symptoms. This enables you to achieve long-term wellbeing, giving you the tools you need to maintain your progress when your initial treatment with Priory is over.

Patient stories

Every year at Priory, we care for thousands of people who have chosen to take the first steps to recovery. You can read their stories here.

These are inspiring accounts of people who have received depression and mental health treatment with us, showing what can be achieved through specialist care and support. Each story is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Priory team, and the life-changing impact that comprehensive mental health support can have.

Coping and support

If you’re struggling with depression, there are a range of coping strategies and sources of support that you can draw upon. Here are some tips to help you cope and find the support you need:

1. Seek supportive relationships: surround yourself with understanding and compassionate people who can listen to you and offer emotional support. Reach out to trusted friends and family members, and involve them in your treatment journey as much as possible
2. Join support groups: consider joining local or online support groups specifically tailored for people with depression. These groups provide a safe space to connect with others who understand your struggles, where you can share your experiences and receive empathy and validation. Rethink Mental Illness provides information on various mental health groups throughout the UK, and Mind offers an online support community where you can access help any time you need it
3. Make use of hotlines and helplines: crisis hotlines and helplines can give you immediate support during difficult times. Organisations such as Samaritans offer confidential helplines, staffed by trained professionals, who can provide guidance and advice whenever you need it. If you feel you are in crisis with your depression and need urgent care, there are some crisis support helplines you can call, including your local NHS mental health helpline
4. Learn about depression: take advantage of resources and educational materials about depression. Organisations like the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) offer valuable information, guides and brochures to help you better understand depression, its symptoms and treatment options
5. Practise self-care: try to prioritise self-care activities that promote mental and emotional wellbeing. Identify things that bring you joy, relaxation and a sense of fulfilment, and try to incorporate them into your daily life. This could include exercise, hobbies, spending time in nature, or doing something creative
6. Establish routine: creating a structured routine can give you a sense of stability and purpose. Try to keep regular sleep patterns, eat balanced meals at the same time each day, and set time aside for activities that promote productivity and self-care
7. Consider getting professional help: depression is a complex condition and often needs professional support. If you’re struggling, reach out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist. They’ll be able to develop a tailored treatment plan, therapeutic interventions, and medication management if needed

Remember, coping with depression is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Be patient with yourself and look for support that meets your needs. By building a network of support and implementing healthy coping mechanisms, you’ll be able to start getting back on track.

Preparation for your first appointment

If you think you’re struggling with depression or have noticed that you’re showing some of the symptoms of depression, it’s really important that you speak to a professional. Without effective treatment, depression can get worse and can have a negative impact on all areas of your life. Getting help early is key.

Your first port of call would usually be your GP. They’ll be able to assess your symptoms and offer medical advice. There are a number of things you can do to prepare for this appointment, so you can make the most out of it.

1. Gather relevant information: before the appointment, it’s a good idea to make a list of your symptoms, including how long they’ve been going on for and how severe they are. It can also be useful to make a list of any medications that you’re currently taking. Be prepared to talk about any significant life events, stressors or changes that may have contributed to the way you’re feeling
2. Bring necessary documents: take any relevant documents with you to the appointment, such as medical records, previous test results or notes from other professionals you may have seen about your mental health
3. Prepare questions: write down any questions you have about depression and treatment options, as well as any concerns you have. This will help to ensure that you cover all your queries during the appointment
4. Be open and honest: during the appointment, it’s really important that you’re open and honest about your symptoms, thoughts and feelings. The more transparent you are, the better your GP will be able to understand your situation and recommend the best treatment for you. There’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about anything you want to say. GPs are experienced medical professionals and everything you say will be confidential – they are there to help you
5. Take notes: it might be a good idea for you to take a notebook to your GP appointment so you can jot down important information. This will help you to remember key points and any treatment recommendations
6. Discuss referral to a mental health specialist: if you feel that you need support from a mental health specialist for your depression, you can ask your GP whether they would be able to refer you to a mental health treatment provider, such as Priory. They’ll be able to give you more information on the referral process, next steps and potential funding options

Remember, a GP appointment is an opportunity for you to discuss your concerns, receive a professional evaluation and explore treatment options. By being well-prepared and actively participating in the discussion, you can maximise the benefits of your appointment. This can help you to take proactive steps towards getting the specialist help you need, which may be with a private provider of mental health treatment, such as Priory.