Tampa’s Best Depression in Seniors Treatment Center

Learn More About Treatment for Seniors with Depression in North Tampa

All people have experienced feelings of sadness at some point during their lives, but if you’re experiencing ongoing, persistent sadness, this may be depression, a mental disorder that affects 15 out of every 100 adults over the age of 65 in the United States. Depression is not a part of aging, rather it is a treatable mental illness that if left untreated can severely increase the likelihood of disability and mortality among older adults. Depression can occur in your later years as a relapse of an earlier depressive episode or you may experience it for the first time as a result of loss, chronic illness, or nursing home placement. You don’t have to live your life in a shroud of sadness. If you or a loved one is struggling with late life depression, know this illness can be treated and managed with proper support, therapies, and medications. It’s time to reclaim your life and begin living it to the fullest – call North Tampa Behavioral Health and regain control of your life today.

How to Convince a Loved One to Seek Treatment for Depression

It can be devastating to watch your loved one struggle with feelings of overwhelming sadness and despair. You may not know how to approach the situation or you may feel it’s the result of stressful life events. You know that your loved one needs help; you’re just not sure how to provide it.

First, learn as much as you can about late life depression and watch for signs of it developing in your loved one. As depression in the elderly may appear to be a part of a greater disease process, take the time to get to know the symptoms and be prepared to act upon them.

As the older generation may feel stigma about mental illness, reassure your loved one that the illness is not a sign of weakness or character defect; it’s simply a disease much like diabetes or heart disease. Spend time talking to your loved one about the way they’re feeling and look for patterns of depressive thoughts and behaviors.

Offer to make an appointment with their physician or psychiatrist. Depression can be so debilitating that it can be challenging to even try and book an appointment with the doctor. Offer to take your loved one to the appointment, take notes, and ask questions.

Research behavioral health centers that specialize in treating older adults and call them to find out more about the programs they offer. Then arrange a tour of the center with your loved one to minimize the fears of entering an inpatient program.

Gently remind your loved one that life doesn’t have to feel this way. Reassure them that with proper treatment and care of an inpatient center, they can return to their previous level of functioning and live a happy, normal life. Assure them that you will be behind them every step of the way.

Why Consider Inpatient Treatment at North Tampa Behavioral Health

As you get older, you may experience many of the challenges faced by older adults. You may have lost a loved one, been diagnosed with multiple chronic health conditions, and feel the social isolation that sometimes accompanies disability. You may find that you don’t want to participate in social activities that you once enjoyed or spend time with friends. You may feel the pressures of finances or health problems mounting and you may feel overwhelmed and despondent about the future.

At North Tampa, we’ve learned that the best way to treat late life depression is through a combination of medications and various therapies designed to help you reclaim your life. The inpatient setting allows you to escape from your daily struggles and focus upon what matters the most – recovery. The safety and security of an inpatient program allow you to bond with others facing similar struggles in a supportive, homelike environment.

Our Rehab Program’s Philosophy and Benefits

At North Tampa Behavioral Health, we understand that you are a unique individual who has experienced much in your life. Our team of nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and support staff are here to support you throughout your stay as you learn to heal from late life depression. The eclectic approach to treatment we provide for late life depression is tailored to your specific needs and addresses you as a whole person – mind, body, and soul. We’re a holistic treatment center that aims to heal the whole you, not simply the symptoms of your depression and our staff is ready to stand behind you every step of the way.

Types of Therapy We Use to Treat Depression in Seniors

When you come to us for help, you’ll first undergo several comprehensive assessments. Our medical examination will allow us to diagnose and treat any medical conditions you may be struggling with that can lead to feelings of sadness. Our psychiatric evaluation will help us determine if you are struggling with any co-occurring disorders. Combined, these evaluations will paint a picture of your needs from us and help us work with you to create a treatment plan that fits all of your needs.

Medication may be used at the beginning of your stay with us to manage any symptoms you may be experiencing and slowly tapered down as you begin to develop more appropriate coping mechanisms. Other people may require longer term medication management to manage late life depression and any co-occurring disorders. The usage of medication will be based upon the findings of the treatment team.

You’ll be able to discuss your feelings of grief, sadness, and loss and look for new ways to cope with these emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common form of therapy we use that allows us to focus upon the negative ways you may think and helps you to refocus them in a more positive light.

As we believe that group therapy provides much benefit to those who come to us for help, North Tampa Behavioral Health is proud to offer a variety of groups. Through group, you’ll have the opportunity to bond with others experiencing similar symptoms so that you can all grow, learn and heal. We offer process groups to allow you to process your emotions about a given topic such as depression, coping skills, and relapse prevention. We also offer psycho-educational groups in order to present information related to your diagnosis in a group setting.

Family involvement is a very important part of recovering from late life depression. Family sessions will allow us the opportunity to educate your loved ones about your depression, the treatments, and medications you take. Additionally, we will discuss aftercare options with your loved ones so that you receive the most seamless transition into your next phase of recovery.

Continuing Care – What Comes Next?

As your time in our inpatient center draws to a close, we are proud to offer a variety of step-down services to help you in your continued recovery. Many of our patients step down from our inpatient services to one of our intensive outpatient programs, such as our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Our IOP and PHP offer similar programs but at varying hours in the day and allow you return to your home environment in the evenings. If you feel you’ve made enough progress to discharge directly to home, we can set you up with our outpatient therapy services to allow for seamless continuity of care.