Depression is often described as a dark cloud that envelops a person’s life, making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. Individuals struggling with depression may feel sad, hopeless, restless, or tense. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, affecting sleep, appetite, and overall well-being. Once a person experiences one depressive episode, they are at a higher risk for future episodes. Depression can interfere with work, relationships, and daily life.
Clinical depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a brain disorder affecting our thoughts, feelings, and actions. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), depression is characterized by a disruption of neurotransmitters — the brain’s chemical messengers that regulate mood, emotions, and feelings. It affects 15-18% of Americans and can result from a combination of genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, stress, trauma, or the use of mood-altering chemicals.
Throughout history, depression was often misunderstood, with ancient theories attributing it to spiritual or psychological causes. Today, we know depression is a medical condition with physical, mental, and emotional components that require a holistic approach to treatment.
At Cottonwood Tucson, we believe in treating the whole person. Our comprehensive treatment approach addresses both the biological and psychological aspects of depression. Our board-certified medical director utilizes non-habit-forming medications to gently regulate neurotransmitters, helping to stabilize mood and improve mental clarity.
We provide individual and group therapy that helps patients identify the behavioral and attitudinal components contributing to their depression. This therapy helps patients develop more adaptive ways of managing thoughts and feelings that may trigger depressive episodes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in assisting individuals to challenge unhealthy or irrational beliefs that cause emotional pain.
We also offer grief groups, trauma therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help patients process painful memories and explore the root causes of their depression.
Research has shown that depression can shrink key areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus. At Cottonwood Tucson, our clinicians use targeted therapeutic exercises to stimulate the release of chemicals that promote the growth of new brain tissue, helping patients recover and stabilize their mental health.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in stabilizing mood and improving brain function. Our depression treatment program includes activities designed to enhance mental clarity, increase energy, and support mood stability.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in the recovery process. Our behavioral health dietitians work closely with patients to create personalized nutrition plans that ensure adequate vitamins and amino acids to support brain health, improve mood, and promote overall wellness.
Depression is a serious, treatable condition, and Cottonwood Tucson offers an innovative, nationally recognized inpatient treatment program to help you recover. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, contact us to start your journey toward healing and regain control of your life.
