Coping with depression isn’t a straight path, and everyone’s journey to healing is unique. Whether you’re struggling yourself or you’re supporting someone who is, understanding how to manage depression and when to seek professional help can make a big difference. 

Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is more than just feeling sad frequently. It’s a serious mental health condition that can affect how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. People who struggle with depression often feel hopeless and overwhelmed. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the world and affects approximately 280 million people. 

While some people with mild symptoms of depression may start to feel better on their own or with minimal help, it’s important for anyone who feels overwhelmed by depression to consider getting professional help. This can be especially important if depression symptoms make it hard for you to go through your daily life or if outpatient methods currently aren’t enough support. 

What is inpatient treatment?

Inpatient treatment means you’ll receive care in a hospital or similar facility. This type of treatment is usually recommended for people who are dealing with severe depression or experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Inpatient treatment can be like pressing a reset button on your mental health. It’s a place where you can focus on getting better without the distractions of everyday life. Inpatient treatment can provide you with:

• Safety — Inpatient treatment can provide you with a safe environment around the clock.
• Intensive support — You’ll be surrounded by a supportive team of therapists, doctors and nurses who specialize in mental health. They can help you understand your depression and develop healthy coping skills to help you better manage symptoms. 
• Time to heal — Inpatient treatment gives you the time and space to focus on your recovery without worrying about the pressures of work, school or family responsibilities.
• Connections — You’ll have the opportunity to meet other people who are going through similar experiences. Sharing your feelings with others can be helpful and empowering. 

Why you should seek inpatient treatment for depression

You should consider inpatient treatment for your depression if you are experiencing:

• Unhealthy coping methods 
• Difficulty taking care of yourself 
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors 

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you’re struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. 

What you can expect during inpatient treatment for depression

Your exact treatment will depend on your unique needs and concerns. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect during inpatient treatment:

• Therapy sessions — Daily individual and group therapy sessions will help you understand your depression, develop coping skills and learn healthy ways to manage your emotions.
• Medication management — Doctors will monitor your medication and make adjustments as needed. 
• Activities — You’ll be able to participate in structured activities that can boost your mood and energy levels, like:
• Art
• Music
• Exercise
• Meals and rest — Regular meals and opportunities for relaxation are important for physical and mental well-being. A predictable schedule can also help take away anxieties. 

Inpatient programs can vary from location to location, and your specific experience may be different. The goal is to provide you with the tools and support you need to start feeling better. 

What factors into how long you’re in inpatient treatment for depression 

The length of your stay in an inpatient facility can vary, between a few days to a few weeks, due to a variety of factors, including:

• Severity of symptoms
• Treatment goals
• Treatment progress
• Co-occurring conditions

Your inpatient care team will typically begin the discharge process once they see a significant reduction in your depression symptoms. 

The next steps to take following inpatient treatment for depression: Continuing care with Lightfully 

Finishing inpatient treatment is a big step! It means you’ve taken a brave step toward feeling better. At Lightfully, we offer four different levels of care, providing you whole-person-centered care to help you keep moving forward:

• Residential Treatment — Residential Treatment is like a stepping stone between inpatient care and home. You will live in a beautiful, homelike setting and still have around-the-clock care. However, you’ll have more freedom than in inpatient treatment. Residential treatment provides you a safe place to practice new skills you’ve gained and continued support as you prepare to return home. During Residential Treatment, you can expect:
• Three weekly individual sessions with a primary therapist
• Weekly family sessions
• Weekly session with a psychiatrist
• Weekly updated individualized treatment plan
• Daily group sessions
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — PHP, or our Day Treatment Program, is a more intense outpatient program. You may spend several hours a day at a treatment center for therapy sessions, medication management and other activities. At night, you’ll return home where you can sleep in your own bed. It’s a great way to transition from residential care to home life. You’ll have continued intensive support but can also practice your new skills at home. During a PHP, you can expect:
• Two weekly individual sessions with a primary therapist
• Six to seven hours of programming a day
• Weekly family session
• Weekly session with a psychiatrist
• Weekly updated individualized treatment plan
• Daily group sessions
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — An IOP is a less intensive program than a PHP. It’s designed to provide intensive day treatment for those who still need a higher level of support but are able to return home each night. During an IOP you can expect:
• One weekly individual session with a primary therapist
• Several hours of programming a day
• Several treatment sessions with family
• Weekly updated individualized treatment plan
• Daily group sessions
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) — We’ve broadened access to care through our vIOP. It’s the same as our IOP, but online. 

There is no right or wrong answer when choosing your next step following inpatient treatment. You’ll work closely with your treatment team to find the best option for you. They’ll help you understand the different levels of care and recommend the one that best fits your needs. 

You’ll have already made amazing progress by completing inpatient treatment. Keep up the great work!

Change is possible. When you’re ready, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.