Depression Treatment in Houston
We Treat A Wide Range of Disorders
from Mental Health to Substance Abuse
Whether you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorder, we are qualified to be able to help you find recovery.
Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can deeply affect a person’s life, relationships, and overall well-being. Without proper treatment, it can lead to significant emotional pain and even increase the risk of suicide. Each year, approximately 17.3 million adults in the U.S.—around 7.1% of those 18 and older—struggle with depression.
Individuals coping with depression deserve compassionate and effective care. Access to quality depression treatment in Houston is essential for those seeking to regain control of their lives. While depression can return over time, evidence-based therapies and supportive treatment can alleviate symptoms and help individuals resume their daily routines and experience lasting recovery.
What Is
Depression
Feeling sad is a natural response to difficult situations—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a rough day, or significant life changes like job loss. These experiences can lead to temporary sadness or situational depression, which, while painful, usually improves over time. Support from friends, family, or a grief counselor can be helpful in these cases, and most people eventually return to their usual emotional state.
However, not all depression is short-lived. For some individuals, depressive feelings persist for weeks, months, or longer and can interfere with daily functioning. This type of clinical depression goes beyond normal sadness and can become so overwhelming that it leads to hopelessness, isolation, or even thoughts of suicide. Unlike temporary emotional lows, this level of depression often requires professional treatment and support.
Depression can make you not want to get out of bed, it can result in not making it to work, it can cause people to lose their job. It is a very real illness that can have a devastating impact on somebody’s life, relationships, and career.
Symptoms of
Depression
There are several types of depression, each arising under different circumstances—like postpartum depression following childbirth or seasonal affective disorder, which typically occurs during specific seasons, such as winter or summer. Despite their differing causes, these forms of depression often share similar core symptoms.
- A persistent bad mood, being sad, anxious, or empty.
- Pessimism and hopelessness.
- Irritability.
- Irrational feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
- Loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities.
- Decreased energy.
- Slower movement or speech.
- Difficulty sitting still.
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Changes in weight and/or appetite
- Suicidal ideations or self-harm.
- Headaches, digestive problems, or aches and pains that have no apparent cause.
A person experiencing depression may exhibit any combination of these symptoms, and for a diagnosis, they must persist over time. A consistently low mood along with multiple ongoing symptoms is typically required. The need for treatment often depends on how many symptoms are present and how severe they are.
If you’re noticing these signs, it’s important to consult a medical professional. Depression is a common, treatable condition—nothing to be ashamed of. Many individuals with depression go on to live fulfilling lives. In some cases, the condition may fully resolve, though there can be a chance of recurrence.
Types of
Depression
While a number of people believe that depression is simply one condition, it is actually a term used to refer to multiple types of depressive states. While you are not able to diagnose yourself, speaking with a trained professional can help you identify which disorder.
Major Depression
Major Depressive Disorder involves intense and persistent symptoms like insomnia, lack of motivation, fatigue, low self-esteem, and trouble focusing. These symptoms must be long-lasting and significantly impact the individual.
This condition interferes with daily functioning, affecting a person’s mood, social interactions, and behavior. The effects can endure for months or even years, making it difficult for the individual to engage in everyday life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia is a lesser form of depression but can last longer. Oftentimes, individuals who struggle with persistent depressive disorder will consider their symptoms to be personality traits rather than real problems.
Bipolar Disorder (BD)
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is marked by dramatic mood shifts that alternate between high-energy manic episodes and deep depressive lows. During manic phases, a person shows no signs of depression, but once the episode ends, they often experience symptoms similar to major depressive disorder.
Though antidepressants may be used, they are not always the primary treatment. Mood stabilizers or other medications are typically prescribed to help manage and regulate these intense mood fluctuations.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically develops during the winter months when reduced daylight exposure affects a person’s mood and energy levels. As spring and summer arrive and sunlight increases, symptoms often improve or disappear altogether. Because SAD can mimic other types of depression, getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. Consulting with a professional at Solace Texas can provide clarity and guidance for effective treatment.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Those who experience major depression in the weeks and months following childbirth may have postpartum or peripartum depression. In the peripartum period, about 1 in 10 men experience depression. It is similar to treating major depression that is unrelated to childbirth with antidepressant drugs.
What Causes
Depression?
Depression is very common, and is caused by a mix of biological and environmental factors. Because of this there are three primary risk factors:
- Family history of depression
- Major life changes, stress, or trauma.
- Certain illnesses or medications. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Parkinson's disease both cause depression and can be made worse by it.
In many cases, depression results from a combination of factors. A person may have a genetic predisposition to depression, and when faced with a difficult life event, they experience more severe and prolonged effects than others might. Once someone has been through an episode of depression, they’re also at greater risk for future episodes.
Depression often goes hand-in-hand with substance abuse, as individuals may attempt to self-medicate in an effort to alleviate their emotional pain.
Treatment Options for Depression
with Solace Texas
Some individuals with depression benefit from medication, while others do not require it. At our depression treatment center in Houston, we prioritize non-medication therapies, which can be used alone or alongside prescription treatments when needed.
Our approach centers on clinically validated therapeutic methods tailored to each person’s needs. We offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a research-supported treatment shown to be effective for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
