Types of Depression Treatment
Let’s take a look at some of the most common methods for treating depression, how we use these at The Sanctuary, and what’s different about our approach.
Medication
Many mental health professionals use medication as a first line of defense for treating depression. Commonly prescribed depression medications include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Celexa and Lexapro
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), like Cymbalta and Pristiq
- Tricyclic
- Non-categorized antidepressants, like Wellbutrin and Remeron
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
While medications certainly help some people ease their depression symptoms, they also carry additional risks. Recent research shows that depression medication may actually cause the chemical imbalance it’s purported to fix. The brain adapts to the constant presence of serotonin inhibitors and adjusts its natural functions accordingly. That’s why quitting antidepressants abruptly can cause withdrawals, increased depression or even suicidal thoughts.
A board-certified psychiatrist heads the Sanctuary’s clinical team, and we’re more than happy to review the medications you’re currently taking to make sure your regimen makes sense for you. However, prescription medications aren’t our primary go-to and do not serve as the backbone of our program. Our goal is to encourage your mind, body, soul, and spirit back into a state of balance so that depression naturally subsides.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy consists of talking with a therapist, who may use methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or interpersonal therapy. This can help you:
- Identify the negative thought patterns that lead to your depression and replace them with truer, more positive ones
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Set goals for changes you want to make
- Adjust to the challenges you’re facing
- Learn how to manage stress
- Have a place to talk about what’s going on
Holistic Therapies
Holistic treatment focuses on healing your whole self from depression. While most conventional treatment focuses only on the psychological aspects of addiction, holistic depression treatment at The Sanctuary employs advanced strategies for:
- Healing the brain using a brain-healthy, anti-inflammatory diet, natural supplements, and brain-calming activities like meditation and eco-therapy
- Healing the body using bodywork to release depression from where it lives in your cells
- Healing the spirit using energy medicine to address the larger energetic causes of depression and release it from your energetic field
- Healing the soul using ritual, ceremony, and therapeutic creativity to help you reconnect to your essence and restore your passion for life
The residential setting of our holistic depression healing center offers a completely immersive treatment experience. This means you’ll have access to a high level of support at all times, and live in a safe, calming environment that supports the thorough therapeutic work you’re doing.