Depression Treatment

Contents

• Why Seek Treatment for Depression?
• Program Philosophy and Benefits
• Treatment Options for Depression at Athletes Recovery
• Continuing Care

Depression is a mental health disorder that interferes with an individual’s physical and psychological well-being, as well as their ability to adequately function on a daily basis. Those with depression experience persistent feelings of sadness and a general loss of interest in the world around them. Major depressive disorder affects how an individual feels, thinks, and behaves often leading to a number of different emotional and physical problems. This disorder is not something that an individual can simply snap out of, it often requires long-term treatment.

The Athletes Recovery Program is a confidential, private treatment program that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of professional and collegiate athletes – both active and retired. We firmly believe in an individualized approach to treatment of depression and other unique challenges facing today’s athletes. Athletes Recovery understands that a culturally-competent, compassionate, and experienced treatment program is critical to best meet the needs of our clients in providing the tools needed for lasting recovery and healing.

Why Seek Treatment for Depression?

Many athletes are at risk for the development of depression due to high pressure sporting events, personal and team expectations, and even individual disposition. Being an athlete can put you in high pressure environments focused on winning and achieving success. Any type of setback has the potential to challenge an athlete’s self-esteem and feelings of self-worth which can lead to the development of depression. Retired athletes also have a high risk for developing depression as they have learn to cope with “regular life” a life where they are no longer in the limelight. Some retired athletes may even become depressed because they feel like they have become forgotten members of society. This drastic change in their social and professional lives can cause them to experience feelings of emptiness and for some a loss of identity, as their whole lives have revolved around their athletic careers.

Without getting proper treatment for depression, an individual can face a number of difficult circumstances. They may begin to withdraw from friends and family, experience fatigue and lack of concentration; all of which can begin to negatively affect an athlete’s career or home life. If left untreated, the symptoms tend to only get worse over time, which is why it is extremely important to identify and treat the symptoms of depression as soon as possible.

An inpatient treatment program designed for athletes that specializes in treating mental health disorders like depression has been proven to be an effective way to manage depression. By entering an inpatient program, you can remove the stressors you encounter on a daily basis and have the time to place all of your energy into getting better. Through a combination of medication and behavioral therapies, an inpatient treatment program can help get your depression under control and get you back into the game.

Program Philosophy and Benefits

Athletes Recovery treatment philosophy is based upon the acknowledgement that each athlete who comes to us is a unique person struggling with their own specific concerns. We alter our treatment approaches to fit each athlete’s needs, ensuring the most effective approaches and best opportunity for recovery. We have created our services based upon the mental and physical regimens our athletes are familiar with; placing a strong emphasis upon strength and accountability of team.

Treatment Options for Depression at Athletes Recovery

Our approach to depression treatment is to provide individualized, intensive treatment therapy based upon the assessment results which is conducted with each client upon arrival. Our therapeutic approaches are rooted in the principles of recovery, with an added emphasis upon spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. They are designed to transform the lives of the athletes we treat as they begin to heal from their depression. Some of the therapeutic methods we employ may include:

Medication may be used in the beginning of your treatment in order to help you get the symptoms of your depression under control, allowing you to fully engage in the therapeutic process. Over time, as you work through your depression and learn some better coping strategies, your medication may be slowly tapered down or eliminated altogether. All medication will be overseen by your treatment team and continuously monitored.

Individual therapy is an effective approach used in depression treatment that can help athletes get to the bottom of what is causing their emotional pain. In an individual session, you can explore private matters in a safe, non-judgmental space while your therapist helps you explore ways in which you can cope with your emotions.

Group therapy will allow you to work with other athletes who are facing similar struggles and together you can work get to a happier place in life. Through multiple group sessions, you can learn how to identify and work through upsetting emotions while gaining insight and support from those around you.

Family therapy is an important aspect of the treatment process as struggling with depression can put strains on familial relationships. At Athletes Recovery, we will take the time to educate your family about depression and teach them ways in which they can be supportive during this time. Additionally, we will open the lines of communication, allowing each family member to express their feelings and begin the process of mending broken bonds.

In addition to our traditional therapeutic methods, Athletes Recovery offers a number of experiential programs to help heal the whole individual. Some of these may include:

• Exercise (pool exercise, yoga, weights, aerobic, dance)
• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy
• Animal therapy
• Massage therapy
• Nutrition
• Prayer and meditation

Continuing Care

As you come to the end of your treatment program at Athletes Recovery, you will work directly with your treatment team to develop an aftercare plan that will best suit your continuing needs. Some individuals may decide that they need to continue their recovery journey in a less intensive environment and opt for a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both of these programs allow our clients to continue their therapy while slowly reintegrating back into their community. Others may feel that they have made enough progress and choose to discharge home with referrals to traditional outpatient therapy and community resources for any additional support. Whatever your decision, Athletes Recovery is behind you the whole way.