Depression Treatment San Luis Obispo

Robles Ranch Mental Health provides primary mental health care within a residential setting for individuals seeking treatment for depression. Located in the heart of San Luis Obispo County, Robles Ranch offers the perfect setting for healing with a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery and top-tier clinical expertise. 

Learn About Depression

Depression is a complex mental health disorder that affects about 21 million U.S. adults each year. Anyone can be affected by depression, regardless of age, sex, race, or economic status. 

Of primary concern is how depression contributes to a loss of pleasure and interest in life, which then increases the risk for suicide. Depression is a serious mental health disorder that should always be taken seriously.

The exact cause of depression isn’t well understood, but the following risk factors are likely involved:

• Genetics.  Family history of depression or other types of mental illness is a predictive factor for developing depressive disorder.
• Gender. Due to a woman’s reproductive and hormonal fluctuations, females are more prone to developing depression than men.
• Stressful life events. Significant events can trigger emotional distress, such as the death of a loved one, a job loss, divorce, or domestic abuse.
• Brain chemistry. Ongoing research into brain activity, brain structures, and chemical imbalances reveal these as factors in mood regulation.
• Long-term illness. Being bedridden or severely limited in physical activity can trigger a depressive episode.
• History of trauma. Having a history of childhood trauma or abuse, past sexual or physical assault, or witnessing a disturbing event can be a trigger for depression.
• Age. Hormonal fluctuations are more pronounced in young people, making them more susceptible to depression. However, seniors may develop depression due to loss of a spouse, deteriorating health, or loneliness.
• Personality traits. Our unique temperaments play a part in how we process and cope with stressful life events.

Types of Depression Treated at Robles Ranch

Because depression manifests in various forms, the expert staff at Robles Ranch is highly trained to treat all types of depression. These include:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): When someone feels sad most of the time for at least two weeks they may have MDD. The diagnostic criteria for MDD states that five or more of the following symptoms must persist for two weeks or longer:

• Feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
• Loss of interest in usual activities or hobbies
• Fatigue
• Feeling sluggish, slowed cognitive thoughts and movements
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Weight loss or gain
• Difficulty making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts

Dysthymia: Dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder, features symptoms of chronic depression that last for more than two years. Symptoms of dysthymia include:

• Hopelessness

• Changes in sleep habits
• Changes in eating habits
• Fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Premenopausal Dysphoric Depression (PMDD): PMDD is a more intensified version of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMDD include:

• Severe fatigue
• Mood swings
• Highly emotional
• Difficulty concentrating
• Heart palpitations
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness
• PMS physical symptoms

Postpartum Depression: Some women (and men) may experience a depressive episode following the birth of a child. Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Feelings of sadness
• Intense irritability
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Loss of appetite
• Thoughts of harming the baby
• Thoughts of suicide

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): In some regions that lie further from the equator, a type of depressive disorder can occur due to a lack of sunlight during winter months. Symptoms of SAD include:

• Persistent low mood
• Hypersomnia
• Weight gain
• Decreased energy
• Irritability
• Reduced libido
• Physical symptoms like headache and stomach distress
• Trouble concentrating

Most Effective Therapies for Depression

At Robles Ranch, we utilize evidence-based treatments for depression recovery. Depression treatment San Luis Obispo includes these highly effective therapies:

Antidepressant Drug Therapy. Antidepressants are a core treatment protocol for helping to reduce depression symptoms and improve quality of life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is a short-term type of psychotherapy that helps the individual learn to recognize disordered thought and behavior patterns. CBT helps reshape negative thoughts toward positive affirming ones.

Psychodynamic Therapy. Psychodynamic therapy is a long form therapy that examines the individual’s past in search of lingering issues that might be contributing to depression.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. DBT emphasizes self-acceptance while providing constructive new skills. DBT uses mindfulness to help regulate emotions, improve relationship health, and increase distress tolerance.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). When trauma is a factor in the depression, EMDR can help reduce the distress by desensitizing the individual to the trauma memory.

How Holistic Therapies Aid Depression Treatment San Luis Obispo

Robles Ranch embraces the mind-body-spirit connection by including various relaxation methods to the treatment plan. These allow individuals heal their spiritual sides while also introducing lifelong coping techniques to help manage stress. We offer the following holistic activities:

• Yoga class
• Meditation
• Art therapy
• Grounding techniques
• Acupuncture
• Trauma-based labyrinth
• Therapeutic massage

The Role of Health and Wellness in Depression Recovery Outcomes

Robles Ranch emphasizes health and wellness as an integral part depression treatment. Research has shown that making certain lifestyle modifications can help minimize the symptoms of depression in recovery. These wellness measures include:

• Regular exercise. Routine exercise is the best way to boost the brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that improve mood and reduce stress.
• Nutrition. A diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables promotes brain health, and reducing fast foods, processed foods, and sugary treats helps maintain a balanced mood state.
• Sleep. Getting sufficient sleep each night improves the quality of life and aids in depression recovery. Get at least seven hours of sleep and keep a regular sleep schedule.

Robles Ranch provides high quality residential depression treatment near San Luis Obispo with a personalized, targeted approach. Reach out to us today to begin your journey to wellness.