Depression affects how people think, feel, and function from day to day. While it can look different for each person, the weight it creates often makes even simple tasks feel harder than they should. Since depression can overlap with substance use, anxiety, trauma, or medical issues, many people feel lost about where to start. At Hickory Grove Recovery, treatment is built to support the full picture of what someone is experiencing, especially when multiple conditions interact.
Our approach combines therapy, medication support, and consistent follow-up so clients can regain stability and build confidence in daily life.
Understanding depression
Depression is more than sadness. It affects energy, sleep, concentration, motivation, and a person’s overall sense of interest or pleasure. Some clients describe feeling numb, while others feel restless or overwhelmed. Since symptoms shift from person to person, treatment works best when it adapts to each person’s internal experience.
Common symptoms
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest in hobbies or responsibilities
- Changes in sleep (too little or too much)
- Fatigue or slowed movement
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Thoughts of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Withdrawal from people or activities
A client may wake up feeling exhausted despite a full night of sleep, while another might push through a workday despite feeling disconnected from everything around them. Depression affects both mood and functioning, which is why integrated treatment makes a difference.
Types of depression
Depression appears in several forms, and recognizing these patterns helps guide care.
Major depressive disorder
Symptoms last most days for at least two weeks and disrupt daily functioning.
Persistent depressive disorder
Symptoms are less intense but last for years, often leading people to believe “this is just how I am.”
Seasonal patterns
Mood changes occur during certain times of year, often winter.
Postpartum depression
Depression following childbirth, sometimes accompanied by anxiety or intrusive thoughts.
Substance-induced depression
Mood symptoms develop or worsen due to alcohol, stimulants, opioids, or other substances.
Since depression often blends into other mental health conditions, each client receives a full psychiatric evaluation to identify what’s contributing to their symptoms.
What causes depression?
There is no single cause. Depression stems from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors:
- Family history of depression or mood disorders
- Chemical imbalances affecting neurotransmitters
- Chronic stress or trauma
- Medical conditions such as thyroid issues or chronic pain
- Substance use or withdrawal
- Grief, relationship conflict, or major life changes
While someone might understand that their stress is high, they may not realize how much sleep disruption, nutrition changes, or substance use are also influencing their symptoms. Treatment connects these pieces so clients can address them with clarity.
Co-occurring depression and substance use disorders
Depression and substance use frequently occur together, since each condition can worsen the other. For example, someone may rely on alcohol to sleep despite noticing that their mood crashes the next morning. Another person may feel depressed during opioid withdrawal, which can lead to increased cravings. Because these conditions feed into each other, treating only one often leaves the other unresolved.
Integrated care through our co-occurring disorders program supports mental health and substance use disorders at the same time. This creates steadier progress and reduces relapse risk.
How we treat depression at Hickory Grove Recovery
Treatment combines several evidence-based approaches. Since each client’s symptoms and history differ, plans are built individually.
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis
Every client receives a full assessment that includes mental health history, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and substance use. Clinicians look at how symptoms developed and how they show up across settings. If a client reports feeling fatigued and unfocused, for example, the team explores whether this is depression, ADHD, trauma-related exhaustion, or the result of withdrawal.
Accurate diagnosis guides the rest of the treatment plan, ensuring that clients receive care that matches their needs.
Evidence-based therapies
Therapy helps clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. It also provides ways to regulate mood and respond to stress more effectively.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps clients notice patterns such as “nothing will ever get better” or “I always fail,” and replace them with realistic, balanced thoughts. A therapist might walk a client through a recent situation—such as avoiding a social event—to explore assumptions and practice more supportive self-talk.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation skills. A client who feels overwhelmed in conflict, for example, might learn grounding exercises to stay centered long enough to express their needs calmly.
ACT and mindfulness-based therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps clients build flexibility in how they respond to difficult thoughts. Mindfulness practices allow clients to observe their internal experience without feeling consumed by it.
Medication management
Medications can reduce symptoms of depression, especially when paired with therapy. Psychiatrists may prescribe antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or other medications depending on the client’s symptoms. Since finding the right medication often takes time, follow-up appointments ensure the treatment plan stays aligned with how the client is feeling.
In some cases, medication adjustments help with sleep, anxiety, or appetite changes that make depression harder to manage.
Advanced options
Some clients need more specialized support, especially when symptoms are severe or resistant to initial treatments.
Brain stimulation therapies
Although these are not provided on-site, clients may be referred for options such as TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) or ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) if clinically appropriate. These services are used when depression does not respond well to medication and therapy alone.
Holistic and supportive strategies
While medical and therapeutic care lay the foundation for recovery, daily routines also play an important role.
- Sleep hygiene and consistent schedules
- Nutrient-dense meals and hydration
- Physical activity that matches the client’s energy level
- Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or grounding techniques
- Journaling to track mood patterns
- Creative outlets that encourage emotional expression
Clients often experiment with multiple strategies to find what supports them best.
Family involvement and education
Family members often want to help but may feel unsure about what to say or do. Psychoeducation sessions help families understand depression’s impact and learn communication strategies. A family might practice giving reflective feedback instead of offering quick solutions, or they may work on setting boundaries that protect everyone’s emotional health.
Since depression can isolate people, supportive relationships often make a meaningful difference in recovery.
Crisis support and safety planning
If a client experiences thoughts of self-harm, the treatment team creates a personalized safety plan. This may include identifying warning signs, listing supportive contacts, and outlining steps to use during moments of distress. Clients also learn grounding skills they can use if emotions escalate quickly.
If immediate danger is present, emergency services or crisis hotlines are contacted right away.
Aftercare and long-term support
Depression recovery continues long after symptoms begin to improve. Clients may move into outpatient therapy, alumni support, or medication follow-up. Since relapse can occur during stressful periods, clinicians help clients build routines and habits that keep them supported.
The depression treatment and medication-assisted treatment programs integrate structure, follow-up, and continued skills practice to maintain progress.
FAQs
If mood changes begin affecting work, school, relationships, or sleep, or if you notice withdrawing from responsibilities, professional support can help.
Some people improve through therapy and lifestyle changes alone. Others benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. Treatment is tailored to each person.
Yes. Our program specializes in treating depression and substance use together through integrated dual diagnosis care.
Length varies. Some clients see change within weeks, while others continue therapy and medication management for several months or longer.
Clients who did not improve with previous care may benefit from different therapy styles, medication adjustments, or integrated treatment focused on co-occurring conditions.
Begin treatment today
Depression can feel isolating, especially when it affects focus, motivation, or relationships. Even when progress feels slow, steady support helps people regain clarity and energy. Hickory Grove Recovery provides therapy, medication support, and ongoing guidance to help clients move toward a more stable, connected, and fulfilling life.
Call us today at 501.509.5143 or reach out online to learn more about depression treatment and start your recovery journey.
