Depression and suicide are more prevalent now than ever before. We’re working more, socialising less and we constantly feel like we’re missing out. But, because there are few physical signs and symptoms, it is oftentimes ignored, despite being one of the biggest killers across the western world.
The term ‘rehab’, however, has connotations of drug and substance abuse, addiction treatment and group therapy.
The idea of going to rehab for depression, however, might not be an obvious decision.
In this article we’ll explain why rehab is a great way to overcome depression, and why it might be the thing you or your loved ones need to overcome this silent killer.
Giving weight to depression
Depression comes in many forms. For some, depression could be a deep-scented feeling of unhappiness, worthlessness and apathy. For others, it could be a lack of energy, a low sex drive or simply just difficulty making decisions.
The signs and symptoms of depression can vary from person to person.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), doctors categorise depression by its severity. This includes:
- Mild depression: Has some impact on your daily life.
- Moderate depression: Has a significant impact on your daily life.
- Severe depression: Makes it almost impossible to get through daily life.
The underlying point is this:
Depression affects everyone differently.
But, the first step to getting help with depression is to accept that it does
Once we acknowledge a problem, we can begin to open ourselves up to outside help.
Dealing with depression
There are many ways to handle depression. Last year, The Guardian reported a story about a 24-year-old woman who reduced her medication and went cold-water swimming once a week. Within four months, she was medication and symptom free. Hydrotherapy is a known method to help overcome depression, but for many, this might be ineffective.
Another answer, however, is rehab. There are multiple benefits to attending rehab for depression. For example:
Receive individual support
The best treatment centres often offer completely customisable treatment plans that are individually tailored to a patient’s needs, from individual therapy to personalised detox plans to help you remove external factors that contribute to depression.
Depression is entirely unique for everyone. Support, then, is tailored to cater for these differences.
You’re not alone
Depression can be an isolating mental condition due to the fact that it is almost impossible to understand. As a result, many people end up facing it alone.
Rehab removes the barriers of loneliness. You’re surrounded by others who are going through similar troubles to you, and there is often comfort in this understanding. Nobody is alone in their depression, and rehab reinforces this feeling of togetherness.
As author John Donne once said:
‘No man is an island.’
Learn coping strategies
It requires a lot of work to overcome depression and maintain a healthy, happy mindset. At rehab, you learn not on your own, but with experts who can show you how to handle your depression for the long-term.
Oftentimes, depression is a lifelong perspective that must be monitored, maintained and worked on. Rehab, then, gives you the tools to you need to keep it in check and live a fulfilling, happy life.
When to seek help for depression
Besides coming to terms with it, the first and most important step to overcoming depression is to seek help. Perhaps it’s from family members and loved ones, or maybe from a professionally trained psychologist. Whoever you speak with, what’s important is that, when you think you need help, you speak.
A recommended first step is to see a professional.
Once you begin working with someone in a clinical environment and you build up a relationship, they can offer you expert advice on how to handle depression. Perhaps that means rehab, perhaps it means medication or therapy.
In truth, we all think we know what’s right for us, but an objective opinion from an outsider is often more valuable than anything to help you understand the true extent of a situation.
More than anything, it’ll help you realise that you’re not alone.
