Depression is a mental illness in which many millions of Americans suffer every year. According to depression statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 9 percent of adult Americans have feelings of hopelessness, despondency, and/or guilt that generate a diagnosis of depression. At any given time, about 3 percent of adults have major depression, also known as major depressive disorder, a long-lasting and severe form of depression. In fact, major depression is the leading cause of disability for Americans between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the CDC.
At The Meadows, the majority of our patients may have this problem, along with addictions or other issues.
Traditionally, most family physicians and psychiatrists will prescribe antidepressant medication. Very often these medications will relieve some to most of the symptoms. However, all too often, many people re-experience their depressive symptoms after the medication dose is eventually decreased or stopped.
Then, what? They’ll probably end up taking antidepressant medication again.
A Different Approach to Depression
Dr. Shelley Uram recently spoke to the Meadows campus about an additional approach to depression that has often been found to be quite helpful.
The underpinnings of many depressive episodes may rest on certain beliefs and expectations of ourselves and others that are not met. This perceived failure triggers negative emotions, which can ultimately lead to altered brain neurochemistry that can lead to another depression.
By “nipping in the bud” our deep false beliefs and their related expectations, the cycle of repeated depressive episodes may be decreased or stopped. This was a very insightful presentation that helped the audience gain a better understanding of depression and the impact it has on our lives.
The Meadows Can Help
At The Meadows treatment center in Arizona, our competent and compassionate clinicians and therapists specialize in treating not only the symptoms of depression but also the underlying causes. We help patients heal and find freedom from debilitating depression, and learn the skills necessary to build and re-build fulfilling relationships.
To learn more about The Meadows’ innovative treatment program for depression, talk to an Intake Coordinator at (800)-244-4949 or contact us.
About Dr. Shelley Uram
Dr. Shelley Uram is a Harvard-trained, triple board-certified psychiatrist and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. She speaks around the country about how psychological trauma often interferes with our ability to thrive in life. She is best known for communicating very complex information in an interesting and easy-to-understand way.
Dr. Uram conducts patient lectures and provides ongoing training and consultation to the treatment staff at The Meadows. When she isn’t working as a Senior Fellow, she’s conducting workshops, lectures, and seminars across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom; or working as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Dr. Uram has written numerous articles about psychological trauma and the brain, and she’s currently writing a book on the subject.