Depression rates are rising in Canada. A recent survey shows 4%–6% of Canadians experienced depression before 2019. After the pandemic, that figure increased to 10%. Depression is a serious mental health disorder that impacts mood and how people feel and think about themselves and others. Depression features symptoms like loss of enjoyment and extreme sadness. This disorder may impact even more Canadians than this survey reported. It is most prevalent among people aged 18 to 34. Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men, especially if they are 18–34 or older than 65. There is good news, though. Depression treatment in Toronto can help people manage the symptoms of this disorder. Below, we explain the most effective treatments that can help with depression.
Depression Treatment in Toronto
When left untreated, depression can interfere with people’s lives. It can lead people to develop new mental and physical health conditions. Depression can also cause major disruptions to work, school, and interpersonal relationships.
Luckily, there are a few types of depression therapy options in Toronto that can reduce these complications. Therapy is often the first line of defence against this disorder. The top therapy options available to people suffering from depression include:
- An inpatient treatment centre
- Outpatient therapy
- Self-help groups
Inpatient treatment centres are also known as rehabilitation centres. These facilities provide full-time services for people with mental health conditions. They also offer treatment for people with addiction.
Outpatient therapy includes a wide range of mental health services. For example, online therapy is a type of outpatient service. Getting outpatient therapy at a treatment facility also falls under this category.
Self-help groups are far more informal. People can talk to others who also experience symptoms of depression. They can occur in person at a designated time or online via a virtual chat room.
What Causes Depression in Young Adults?
Researchers are not exactly sure what causes depression in young adults, but genes and upbringing may play a role.
Having one or more parents or siblings with depression increases the likelihood by three times in developing it. At the same time, some young adults develop this disorder even if there is no familial link.
Genes may explain the abnormal brain chemistry common in people with depression. Experts have found that people with depression have lower levels of certain neurotransmitters.
Experiencing a traumatic life event may increase the risk of depression. This is especially true if the event occurs during early childhood or young adulthood. This applies to people with and without genetic predisposition to depression.
Certain medications and substances of abuse may feature depression as a side effect.
The Long-Term Effects of Untreated Depression
3–4 out of 10 people with depression started experiencing symptoms before age 25. It is crucial to seek treatment early. If not, symptoms can last into adulthood and cause side effects.
Young adults with depression who go untreated are at risk for social isolation. Long-term social isolation into adulthood has unhealthy consequences. It can negatively impact interpersonal relationships and even work performance.
Untreated depression can also impact physical health. Some of the more common physical health consequences of untreated depression are:
- Sleep disturbances
- Chronic diseases
- Weight problems
- Immune system dysfunction
- Chronic pain
Treating depression early can help reduce the risk of these complications.
Inpatient Programs for Depression
Inpatient programs are the most intensive form of depression treatment. They are highly effective for people experiencing severe depression symptoms. These individuals may pose a threat to themselves or others.
An inpatient program requires patients to live at a treatment facility full-time. Patients must take time off from work or school. Then, they receive therapy and other interventions to alleviate depression symptoms.
A high-quality inpatient program provider will customize the treatment to the individual. Treatment plans may include the following:
- Medication management
- Individual therapy sessions
- Family therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- Alternative therapies
People with depression commonly develop substance use disorders. The reverse is also true. Inpatient programs also provide treatment for co-occurring disorders, including addiction.
Inpatient programs provide a safe place to detox. Patients can receive therapy for their addiction and co-occurring depressive disorder. They may learn coping mechanisms to reduce the symptoms of both conditions.
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health offers inpatient treatment for depression. Clients can get treated for co-occurring depression and addiction or undergo treatment for depression symptoms only.
Online Therapy for Depression
Individuals dealing with mild depression symptoms may not need inpatient treatment. In this case, online therapy is always an option.
Online therapy is also a good option for individuals leaving inpatient programs. They can continue to get the help they need. Yet, they do not have to drive back and forth to the treatment facility for therapy.
What’s more, anxiety can be a symptom of depression. People dealing with excessive worry may feel relieved by virtual therapy sessions. Clients can receive treatment in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
Virtual treatment is similar to traditional therapy; the difference is that clients attend sessions via video chat, text, or phone. Clients can schedule sessions weekly or whatever schedule fits their needs.
Ideally, clients should choose an online therapy option offering audio and video sessions. Video chat therapy may be more effective than phone and text treatment sessions.
Yet, even video chat therapy may not be suitable for everyone. For example, people with severe depression may not benefit from online treatments. In that case, in-person counselling is the best option.
In-Person Counselling for Depression
In-person counselling for depression involves face-to-face meetings with a mental health professional. These sessions occur in an outpatient setting. Clients live at home and commute to their counsellor’s office.
In-person outpatient counselling is identical to the therapies available at inpatient centres. Clients can receive various types of therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
What Type of Counsellor Is Best for Depression?
The best type of counsellor for depression depends on symptom severity. People with mild to moderate symptoms can work with a Masters-level counsellor.
These professionals may have LPC, CCC, or LCSW credentials. These stand for licensed professional counsellor, Canadian certified counsellor, and licensed clinical social worker.
Individuals with severe depression can also work with these professionals. However, they may only benefit in the short term; working with a psychiatrist or psychologist may be more effective in the long term.
Psychiatrists and psychologists have advanced mental health training. They can help clients craft a long-term approach to depression symptom management.
Regardless of the type of mental health professional, treatment goals are similar. One of the main goals of therapy is to uncover the cause(s) of the depressive symptoms.
Another goal of counselling is for the client to learn positive coping mechanisms. That way, clients feel empowered to manage their symptoms independently.
Alternatives for Depression Treatment
People with mild to moderate depression may only need therapy. Clients can pair professional treatment with personal lifestyle changes to better manage symptoms.
People with more severe cases of depression may not benefit from therapy alone. In that case, medication or shock therapy may help.
Learn more about each of these treatment alternatives next.
Lifestyle Changes for Depression
Mental health experts often recommend lifestyle changes for depression. Changing certain behaviours and habits may decrease symptoms. These lifestyle changes can also help people better cope with their symptoms.
These changes include managing stress better and getting more sleep. Practising mindfulness and meditation has strong evidence for benefitting depression. Much research has also focused on diet and exercise changes.
Exercise may increase endorphins, which can improve mood. Plus, exercise helps to relieve stress and improve sleep. Exercising 30 minutes at least three to five days a week is recommended for optimal results.
Incorporating certain healthful ingredients can also support a depression management routine. These ingredients include:
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Branched-chain amino acids
- Micronutrients like magnesium, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12
Making these lifestyle changes is not a cure for depression and may not be enough to improve symptoms alone.
Note: Though supplement therapy can potentially help improve and manage depression, it should never replace professional treatment.
Medication for Depression
People with severe depressive symptoms may benefit from anti-depressants. Anti-depressants are Health Canada-approved prescription drugs that help with the symptoms of depression. They include:
- SSRIs like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft
- SNRIs like Cymbalta and Effexor
- Atypical anti-depressants like Wellbutrin and Rameron
- Serotonin modulators like Trintellix and generic trazodone
- TCAs like Norpramin and Silenor
- MAOIs like Nardil and Emsam
Depression medications do not work for everyone. Some people have drug-resistant depression. In that case, they may benefit from a medication called lithium.
Shock Therapy for Depression
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be beneficial for people with severe depression. ECT applies safe levels of shock to the brain. Experts theorize the shocks may reorganize depression-related circuits in the brain.
Additionally, ECT may help people with treatment-resistant depression. This is the term for symptoms that medications and therapy can’t treat.
Get Help for Depression in Ontario
Genetics, trauma, or a combination of the two can lead someone to develop depression. Unfortunately, there is no single or simple cure. Yet, therapy can help people with depression manage their symptoms.
Individuals with severe depression can receive treatment at an inpatient facility. Outpatient therapy is ideal for people with mild to moderate depression symptoms and can take place in person or online.
Are you searching for ‘depression treatment Toronto’? Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health is a treatment centre in the Ontario area. We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment options for people with depression.
Contact Simcoe to inquire about our treatment programs and get the help you need.