What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily life. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions, often interfering with sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration.
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It can take over a person’s life, affecting daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. In the US, an estimated 21 million people experience depression each year. Unlike short-term sadness or grief, depression causes long-lasting emotional pain and a consistently low mood.
To be diagnosed, symptoms must be present nearly every day for at least two weeks and interfere with everyday functioning. These can include emotional, physical, and cognitive changes. Depression is treatable, and with the online treatment for depression, recovery is possible.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Depression shows up in different ways and can affect how you feel, think, and act.
- Emotional symptoms often include persistent sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that once brought joy. Many people experience low self-esteem, guilt, or a sense of worthlessness.
- Cognitive symptoms may involve difficulty concentrating, trouble making decisions, or memory issues. In more severe cases, suicidal thoughts can also occur.
- Physical symptoms commonly include changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels. You may experience insomnia or oversleeping, weight loss or gain, and ongoing fatigue or unexplained aches and pains.
- Behavioral changes often involve social withdrawal, a loss of motivation, or neglect of work and relationship responsibilities.
These symptoms may not all appear at once, and some can be subtle, so it’s important to pay attention to early signs. East Point Behavioral Health offers holistic mental health treatment that addresses the full picture, helping you build a path to lasting recovery.
What Causes Depression?
There isn’t a single cause of depression. Instead, it often results from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Common contributors include:
- Family history and genetics: A family history of depression or other mental health conditions may increase your risk.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can disrupt emotional regulation.
- Chronic medical conditions: Ongoing illnesses, hormonal imbalances, or chronic pain can contribute to depression.
- Substance use: Alcohol or drug use can interfere with brain chemistry and worsen emotional health.
- Trauma and life events: Stressful experiences such as abuse, loss, or childhood adversity can trigger depressive episodes.
- Personality traits: Low self-esteem, high stress sensitivity, or a pessimistic outlook may make individuals more vulnerable.
- No clear cause: In some cases, depression can develop without a specific trigger or identifiable reason.
Everyone’s experience with depression is different. East Point Behavioral Health is here to help you move forward, whether online or in person.
What are the Different Types of Depression?
There are several types of depression, varying in cause, severity, and how they affect daily life.
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): One of the most common and severe forms, MDD causes persistent sadness, loss of interest, and impaired daily functioning.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Also known as dysthymia, this long-term depression is less intense than MDD but lasts two years or more and can impact motivation and mood.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This type is linked to seasonal changes, often worsening in fall and winter due to reduced daylight.
- Postpartum Depression (PPD): Occurs after childbirth and includes intense sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that interfere with parenting and daily life.
Identifying the type of depression is key to choosing the right care. At East Point Behavioral Health, we tailor online treatment for depression to meet your specific needs.
How Does East Point Behavioral Health Treat Depression?
East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts offers comprehensive treatment services for mental disorders like depression. Because millions of people suffer from this condition, it’s one of the most common disorders we treat at our facility. With the right support, you can better understand your symptoms, how to manage them, and how to live a satisfying life. Here are some of the ways that treatment can improve depression:
Comprehensive Care
East Point Behavioral Health provides complete depression treatment in Beverly, MA. We don’t just treat the symptoms; we look at you as a whole. During your time in treatment, you will explore the root cause of your symptoms, identify your triggers, and learn how to develop and apply healthy coping mechanisms. Our medical experts will monitor your progress and ensure that you always have the right tools at your disposal.
Individual Depression Treatment Plans
Even though depression is one of the most common conditions, it still affects people differently. This is why having individualized treatment plans is so important. You never have to worry about generic, cookie-cutter treatment plans with East Point Behavioral Health. Our mental health professionals take the time to learn about each person, their unique circumstances, and the challenges and goals they have.
Medication Management for Depression
Co-Occurring Disorders
It’s not uncommon for depression to co-occur with other conditions, such as anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or substance use. East Point Behavioral Health can treat co-occurring conditions of all severities using evidence-based treatments and alternative therapies. Treating all conditions simultaneously leads to the best outcomes, as the symptoms from each disorder are controlled.
Outpatient Depression Programs and Therapy Sessions
East Point Behavioral Health offers Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) that gives people the opportunity to receive quality care while living at home. Some people start with an inpatient program where they are stabilized, while others step directly into our program. We can accommodate all individuals seeking help with individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) for Depression
For those seeking care in Massachusetts and neighboring state our in person and virtual IOP mental health services may be the ideal fit. Many people are unaware that depression treatment can be this comprehensive and include a full assortment of therapeutic interventions, including medication management. If you need more than one therapy session a week, our IOS will fill the gap and help you transition to everyday life. Here are some advantages of IOS to consider:
Prompt Treatment
Generally speaking, outpatient programs have shorter wait times because they’re able to accommodate more people at once. This allows you to start treatment sooner. Keep in mind that depression is a progressive condition that gets worse over time without intervention. Additionally, you get access to a qualified team of mental health professionals to address your needs.
Flexible and Accommodating
Personalized Treatment Approaches
East Point Behavioral Health is known for creating individualized treatment plans that ensure everyone gets the care and attention they deserve. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, helps clients identify and modify negative thought patterns that contribute to depression, while dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) combines CBT principles with mindfulness practices.
Do I Qualify for Intensive Outpatient Services in Massachusetts?
At East Point Behavioral Health, we provide personalized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. Our Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) are ideal for those stepping down from inpatient hospitalization or seeking more structured support than traditional outpatient care. With a focus on immediate intervention and compassionate treatment, we ensure you receive the help you need when you need it most. Contact us today to take the first step toward mental health recovery.
How Effective is Online Treatment for Depression?
Online care isn’t just a convenient option – it’s a core part of how we help people heal at East Point Behavioral Health. We know that reaching out for depression support can be difficult, especially if you’re juggling work, family, or simply don’t feel up to leaving the house. That’s why our online depression treatment is designed to bring expert care directly to you; without sacrificing quality, connection, or results.
Many of the individuals we work with across Massachusetts and beyond have found that online depression therapy gives them the flexibility they need to stay consistent and engaged in treatment. Proven approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy work just as well online as they do in person, and we also offer telehealth-based medication management to help you get antidepressants online with clinical oversight you can trust.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or searching for one of the best treatment centers for depression in MA, we’re here to support you, online or in person, with care that’s focused, personalized, and grounded in real progress.
Contact Us for Outpatient Depression Treatment in MA
Every recovery journey begins with a decision to reach out. If you are ready to talk, our team at East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts is here to listen. We offer multiple ways to get in touch – whether by phone or through our secure contact form. From the first conversation, we take the time to understand your goals and match you with care that fits your needs. There is no one-size-fits-all path, but there is always a way forward. Let us help you find it. Contact us and discover how personalized, compassionate online treatment for depression can make a difference in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can i help a depressed person?
There are several ways to help a person who is depressed. Sometimes, simply being present and providing a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on is enough. Try to listen without judgment, offer consistent support, and encourage the person to seek professional help. Assure them you will support them throughout their recovery. Instead of trying to fix them, focus on showing patience and empathy.
What are natural depression remedies?
There are quite a few suggestions on different natural remedies to fight off depression. Some experts recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent sleep patterns. Others highlight the importance of vitamin D and regular exposure to sunlight. Finally, some people believe that using mindfulness practices and building supportive social connections can help you overcome major depressive disorder. However, while beneficial, these approaches alone are typically insufficient to deal with the underlying causes of depression. The best results are achieved when they serve as a complementary method to online depression treatment.
How long does treatment for depression last?
Many factors impact the treatment length so there is no way to determine in advance how long exactly your depression program will last. Some people feel better after only a few weeks, while others require months of continuous care. Best treatment centers for depression in MA recommend continuous therapy that lasts for 6–12 months after symptoms improve to reduce relapse risk. Additionally, chronic depression might require long-lasting support.
Can I get a prescription for depression medication online?
You can absolutely get antidepressants online. As a part of your East Point Behavioral Health online treatment for depression, you can count on virtual medication management. Online management of medication allows for a swift assessment, adjustment, and acquisition of the antidepressant prescription. Only a board-certified professional can be your online doctor for depression and support you in this.
What medications are commonly prescribed to treat depression?
The majority of depression treatment centers in Massachusetts typically prescribe antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Common prescription meds include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). Your online doctor for depression might also prescribe SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, or tricyclics. Many factors should be considered when ensuring the use of telehealth antidepressants.