In some reports, depression has been called the most “over diagnosed” disease in this country. In others, it is still considered to be a mental health issue largely undetermined in a number of individuals due to lack of symptoms or other contributing factors. Practitioners are trying to better implement depression screening, but exactly when to introduce the process can still be somewhat questionable. Now, Science Daily has released a report examining new research that suggests screening could begin in children much earlier than previously thought. As depression is the most common mental health disorder in the United States, screening early and effectively is critical for an individual’s well-being.
Do you need to know more about a depression treatment program? Call us today at 844.875.5609.
The Science of Depression and Depression Screening
A University of Washington study suggests that screening can begin as early as second grade. In following 1,000 children from the second to the eighth grades, researchers found five distinct patterns for the way in which symptoms of depression develop among adolescents. “Some children are reporting that they don’t have as many friends, feel lonelier and are more anxious than their peers,” said James Mazza, in Science Daily. Mazza is a UW professor of educational psychology and lead author of the study. “They are telling us that they feel different from the typical happy- go-lucky second grader.
Mazza noted that it is possible to start to build a profile of a child’s mental health in the second grade. This early detection and understanding of a child’s mental state could help to reduce the risk for mental health concerns during adolescence.
Researchers are trying to gain a better understanding of how actual depression—and not merely feeling sad—starts and evolves in childhood in order to develop effective interventions. “Our children are our best resource in knowing what they are feeling inside. But it is also important to have multiple perspectives. Collecting assessments from parents, teachers and the child to identify children at early risk for depression is a good method for spotting those who may go on to have later mental health risks,” Mazza said.
What Is Depression Treatment?
Depression treatment is an intervention designed to help people who suffer from depression. Treatments for depression can include medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies such as yoga or meditation. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of your depression and how it has affected your daily life.
It’s important to know that getting help is the first step to feeling better. It is important to talk to your doctor and other mental health professionals about the best way to treat your depression. They will help you develop a plan that works for you and provides you with the support and resources you need.
In addition, it’s important to remember that there are many lifestyle changes that can be beneficial in treating depression. These include getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating well-balanced meals, connecting with friends and family members, and taking time for yourself. Taking steps to improve your health can influence the way you cope with depression and help you manage it better.
Depression Treatment At Promises Behavioral Health
At Promises Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive and integrated treatment for depression. Our evidence-based programs focus on the individual’s physical, psychological and spiritual needs to achieve lasting recovery. We combine traditional therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy with holistic approaches like yoga, meditation, mindfulness training and nutrition counseling.
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of depression, including the biological, psychological and social issues. We also offer support services to help individuals with their transition back into normal life and sustain lasting recovery. With our team of experienced clinicians, we will create an individualized treatment plan based on the client’s specific goals and needs.
If your child is suffering from depression, it’s important to seek help. Contact Promises Behavioral Health today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about our comprehensive and integrated treatments for depression. We are here to help you on the path to recovery.