Depression can have a profound impact on a person’s life and finding effective treatment options can seem a real challenge.

Here at Sierra Recovery in Malaga, we have a range of programmes that can help when seeking relief from depression or other mental health disorders.

Depression Statistics in Spain

Mental health conditions are increasing significantly with indicators blaming multifaceted causes such as overpopulation, environmental, social-economic, racial, and more.

In particular, depression is one of the most frequent conditions worldwide; 3.8% of the general population, 5% of adults and 5.7% of adults over 60 years old suffer from it. In 2020, 5.3% of the Spanish population over 15 years old reported having a depressive state. Regarding sex prevalence, depression is more common among females than in males (7.2% vs. 3.2%, respectively in 2020).

What Causes Depression?

It is often thought that depression is just a bout of sadness and will simply pass over. The reality is that depression is a serious mental health condition and can impact a person’s thoughts, emotions and daily activities.

Depression can be characterised by a noticeable lack of interest in activities that are normally enjoyable, a loss of feeling pleasure, known as anhedonia and constant feelings of despair. Simple tasks can seem overwhelming and there is little or no motivation to do them.

It should be remembered that depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can shake off. According to research, It goes much beyond being a state of mind as its root cause stems from a complex mixture of genetic, environmental, biochemical and psychological factors indicating imbalances of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters as the main contributors. When these chemicals are altered in line with brain structure changes, they can have a significant role in producing symptoms of depression.

The first step to treating depression is to accept the condition as a legitimate medical concern that requires professional help. Depending on the individual, the treatment generally consists of prescribed medication, therapy or making lifestyle adjustments to help restore a balance of mental wellness.

Many people struggling with depression feel reluctant to ask for help because it is believed to be a weakness but reaching out is a courageous act and is a vital step taken towards recovery.

Symptoms of Depression

It is normal to experience mood fluctuations, many factors can determine how we feel such as the weather or how much pressure we may be under and feelings can come and go without giving them too much thought.

However, should you feel persistent sadness that won’t go away or a feeling of complete emptiness within that seems deep-rooted, it could be a symptom of depression. If this emotion is accompanied by irregular sleep patterns with changes in appetite and a lack of interest in activities you generally enjoy doing, it could be a sign of developing major depression.

Other symptoms like excessive tiredness, and difficulty in concentrating or making decisions may also manifest and can cause negative thoughts of worthlessness or guilt. Sometimes, these negative thoughts can be so profound there is a possibility of self-harm or suicidal intentions, both being extremely serious signs requiring immediate attention.

People often complain of physical ailments without a medical cause, a sign that depression also has an impact on physical well-being not just mentally.

Depression can extend these symptoms over long periods making it a complex condition that can affect a normal functioning life and make one feel excessively miserable. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional help for anxiety and depression.

Sierra Recovery provides personalised treatments to help with depression that can improve mental health and assist with recovery.

Types of Depression

There are different forms of depression, each type possessing unique symptoms with different challenges. These episodes of depression can affect individuals differently so it is beneficial to understand what type of depression you may be experiencing so you can ask a health professional for the most effective mental health treatment.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This type of depression is perhaps the most commonly recognised because it involves the typical intense and persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness most people experience.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia). This disorder entails chronic depressive symptoms that persist and last for at least two years.
Postpartum Depression. In recent years, this type of depression has had more awareness than before and was commonly known as having the ‘baby blues’. It affects new mothers who experience severe mood swings and exhaustion, making maternal bonding complicated.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of depression relates to seasonal changes, impacting mood and energy levels and affects thousands of people, particularly in locations where seasons are extreme. During long dark days in winter, there are more cases of attempted suicide.
Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar is not specifically considered as depression but the condition itself can display extended depressive episodes after experiencing bouts of manic highs.

Being aware of these distinctions in depressive symptoms is an essential practice for designing tailored treatment approaches, something that Sierra Recovery recognises and applies as part of our diagnosis and treatment.

Our Depression Treatments in Malaga

At our treatment centre In Malaga, we recognise that each cause of depression is unique. Our psychological treatment is designed to cater to the individual needs of our clients and how they experience depression.

People with depression are different so different treatments that work may be applied especially if an individual has experienced depression in the past and not responded to other treatments.

We specialise in a range of resources and use evidence-based therapies to ensure that everyone who turns to us for help finds the support and care they need to navigate their path to recovery.

Our Therapies For Depression

At our treatment centre in Malaga, we provide various therapy options to treat people with severe depression, moderate depression and mild depression.

Every modality is specifically designed to suit the individual and not just treat the condition. This is particularly useful when distinguishing the needs of depression in adults, prenatal depression, postnatal depression or children and adolescents who are likely to have depression.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy sessions are more suited for clients who prefer a more personalised approach allowing one-on-one time with a therapist. This type of therapy provides a more profound focus on personal growth and allows addressing individual challenges.

Working closely with a therapist within a private setting enables the individual to explore their inner self and identify personal issues. These sessions help to manage symptoms of depression by developing different coping strategies.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is always a good way to share experiences and receive mutual support. Our sessions provide the perfect setting to connect with others facing similar challenges and find belonging. Realising that there are many people with depression going through similar struggles can help to understand you are not alone on this journey and that recovery is possible.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a crucial part of our services and is highly recommended to involve family members or friends in the therapy sessions. Receiving support from a loved one enhances the recovery journey as it builds a strong foundation for the future.

Process Groups

Process groups are structured yet flexible allowing individuals to open up and discuss their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours related to depression and learn about depression from another perspective.

Process groups are carried out by professional therapists who provide feedback from peers as individuals endeavour to delve deeper to understand their mental health.

Modality Treatment Options

At Sierra Recovery, we apply Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). These therapies are internationally renowned for their effectiveness in treating depression and other mental health conditions.

CBT is a type of talk therapy that allows patients to adjust negative thought patterns and behaviours and adopt new ones.

DBT is an educational therapy that teaches new skills to manage and cope with unpleasant emotions and helps to reduce issues with conflictive relationships.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapy designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories that could be a root cause of depression.

Motivational Interviewing is also another therapy available that helps empower individuals to find motivation within themselves so they may willfully change harmful behaviours that are associated with depression.

Levels of Care For Depression

At Sierra Recovery, our opinion is that treatment of depression, depending on the severity and nature, requires varying levels of care and support that are suited to an individual’s needs.

For this reason, we offer a range of resources that may be better suited and offered as the optimal service for healing and recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP) for Depression

IOP treatment provides structured treatment without the need for round-the-clock medical supervision. This programme is better suited for those with less severe symptoms and who are not at high risk for depression intervention. Individual therapy, group sessions, medication management, and educational support are provided within a treatment plan but without the need for hospitalisation.

Inpatient or Residential Treatment for Depression

Our inpatient/residential programme provides 24/7 medical supervision and care for individuals struggling with severe depression symptoms. A medical team monitors procedures while providing necessary focused therapy, organized activities, and discharge preparation. Residential treatment provides a safe environment for patients in need of it offers a secure and encouraging setting for individuals requiring prompt stabilization and intensive care.

Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders

Depression is often related to other mental health challenges in the forms of substance use, bipolar disorder or anxiety.

Taking into account that there could be a co-occurring disorder, we use our integrated care to meet the needs of individuals who may have more than one diagnosis. Combining therapy and personalised support, we look at the full picture and will treat any other mental health condition at the same time.

In doing so, recovery is quicker and with less chance of feeling unwell in the future.

Benefits of Depression Treatment Programmes

The benefits of a depression programme are numerous and can transform a person’s life.

It stands to reason that the relief gained is by far the biggest benefit but beyond that comes a wave of other benefits that can enhance your quality of life.

Improved Mood and Energy

Mood and energy receive a boost. The heavy weight of depression is lifted bringing back positive thoughts and feelings. As mood improves, daily activities become more interesting and obstacles brought by depression are pushed aside.

Restored Interest and Motivation

Interests that have been neglected that were once loved become rekindled bringing a sense of joy and well-being.

When interests are restored, there is more motivation to explore other pursuits, such as new hobbies, socialising or engaging in enjoyable activities.

Better Relationships

Depression can strain relationships with friends, family, and colleagues and can often be broken.

Treatment can help to mend relationships or improve understanding and communication. Even when relationships have hit rock bottom, you will be capable of building deeper connections and maintaining them through a supportive network that will help you with your well-being and long-term recovery.

Effective Coping Strategies

Treatment for depression provides new coping strategies that help you to manage stress and anxiety that come your way and will arm you with the tools to reduce the fear they may cause. Over time, these coping strategies will build resilience allowing you to confidently and effectively deal with any future challenges.

Empowerment and Fulfilment

One of the most significant benefits of depression treatment options is the feeling of personal fulfilment and the strength found within oneself.

Knowing that you are in control of your life and can manage depression makes a person feel more empowered with a desire to achieve goals, build new relationships and enjoy a healthier and happier life.

Get Help for Depression Today

If you are experiencing depression, you may feel overwhelmed and isolated and probably tell yourself that nobody cares.

This is far from the truth and you should not think that you are alone, there is help and there is treatment.

At Sierra Recovery, we understand how it feels and we know that it takes a lot of courage to pick up a phone and ask.

We have a friendly team who will listen. They are non-judgemental and will guide you with advice and information to help you find the treatment needed.

Nobody will put pressure on you to make a commitment or hasty decision or expect you to take any form of action but they will ensure you have the information to find suitable treatment.

We want to help you out of the shadows of depression so why wait longer? Why don’t you contact us now and begin your first steps to restoring the joys of life that you so deserve?

Levels of Care

Modalities

Therapy