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Depression permeates your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, making it nearly impossible to deal with daily life. When you feel like you can’t face the day, you can turn to Natalie Chigozie, MSW, LCSW, and the compassionate team at IOP Mental Health at Cary Behavioral Health. They offer a virtual IOP that provides services in the entire North Carolina state. They offer intensive outpatient treatment, providing the support you need to cope with depression. Reaching out can be hard when you’re depressed, but don’t wait to connect. Call the office today or request an appointment online to take the first step toward recovery.
Depression Q & A
What symptoms does depression cause?
Depression begins for many possible reasons, from life conflicts and transitions to the death of someone you love or the diagnosis of a serious illness. Sometimes, depression takes hold without an obvious cause, possibly related to imbalanced brain chemicals or a genetic influence.
No matter how depression begins, you’ll experience several of the following symptoms:
- Feeling sad and hopeless or filled with despair
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Losing interest in or not enjoying your favorite activities
- Gaining or losing weight
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping more than usual
- Having little-to-no energy or deep fatigue
- Engaging in pointless activity (pacing, handwringing) or moving and speaking slowly
- Being unable to focus, concentrate, or make decisions
- Thinking about death, suicide, or harming yourself
If your symptoms last longer than two weeks, it’s time to connect with Natalie and learn about your treatment choices. Without treatment, your depression can get worse and last longer.
When does depression need intensive outpatient care?
The most important concern is the severity of your symptoms. During your first meeting, you discuss what symptoms you experience, how often they occur, and their impact on your daily life.
Your IOP Mental Health therapist also learns if you’re thinking about suicide or harming yourself. Then they determine if you will benefit from intensive outpatient treatment.
Traditional therapy usually means meeting with your therapist once every week or two. But a once-weekly session doesn’t provide enough support when you’re struggling with severe depression. An intensive outpatient program involves at least several appointments every week.
What treatments help me overcome depression?
Natalie and the IOP Mental Health team work closely with you to develop an individualized care plan. Then they provide your treatment through group therapy. You can also receive grief counseling and medication management if needed.
You may feel uncertain or hesitant about joining a group when you’re depressed, yet group therapy offers a unique environment that’s nurturing and supportive. You immediately know you’re not alone. You can relax and feel supported by people who share the same challenges.
Your therapist carefully structures each meeting, ensuring you get the help you need, from learning about depression to mastering coping skills that improve your daily life.
Call IOP Mental Health right away or request an appointment online to get help for severe depression.