Luxury Depression Treatment Center

Treatment for depression

At Paracelsus Recovery, our treatment for depression is centred on helping the whole person, not just the symptoms. In our 360-degree treatment approach, we first identify all underlying causes for depression and any co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or substance abuse. We will then address all of the underlying factors.

Treatment of the underlying causes of depression involves an in-depth biochemical analysis supervised by our functional medicine specialists.

Our core psychotherapeutic team will provide one-to-one therapy to help you develop strategies to deal with the symptoms of depression and to process any underlying traumas or stressors that have led to these symptoms. You will be assigned a live-in therapist who will stay in the same residence and be available for emotional support 24/7. Complementary therapies such as reflexology, massage, acupuncture or yoga are provided to

help you process any physical stress and to help restore your inner sense of peace and wellbeing. Our psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but would only do so for severe symptoms and if absolutely necessary. If treatment with antidepressants is required, we will carefully select the medication that best suits your needs based upon genetic testing results.

We can provide treatment for depression at our residential treatment centre in Zurich and London.

Symptoms of depression include

A negative perspective on life.
A profound loss of interest in life.
Increased fatigue and sleep problems.
Changes in appetite accompanied by either weight gain or weight loss.
Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
A lack of hope - feeling like things will never change.
Feeling apathetic or numb.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
Aches, muscle tension, cramps, headaches and digestive issues.
Thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.

It is often stated that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance within the brain and whilst this is true, it is also an oversimplification of a complicated mental health condition. Many factors such as genetics, chemical imbalances, medications, medical issues and personal history all play a considerable role in the onset of depression.

Understanding depression

Depression is a mood disorder that negatively impacts how a person thinks, feels and acts. It is characterised by constant feelings of sadness, exhaustion and an intense sense of apathy. Depression is the number one cause of disability worldwide and occurs commonly with other mental health conditions. Studies show that people diagnosed with a mood disorder are twice as likely to abuse substances and are also more likely to suffer from anxiety or burnout than people without the condition.

It is important to understand the difference between feeling depressed and suffering from clinical depression. It is normal to feel sad and low on energy when someone loses a loved one, loses a job, goes through a break-up or has undergone a stressful experience. In these situations, this intermittent sadness will change as the situation changes or as the person comes to terms with the difficult event.

However, when a person suffers from clinical depression, otherwise known as major depressive disorder (MDD), there is no variation in their feelings for an extended period (at least two weeks). As a result, they can begin to feel an overwhelming sense of numbness and apathy which can bring negative emotions such as sadness or anger with it. In many cases, it is the inability to feel joy or happiness that is the most painful part of the depression, rather than the feelings of sadness or anger.

FAQs

What is the most effective treatment for depression?

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The best treatment for depression is centred on extensive psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and medication (if deemed necessary). As depression often occurs alongside anxiety and substance abuse issues, a treatment programme that can treat multiple mental health conditions at once is the most effective. Psychotherapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy or interpersonal therapy are highly effective in minimising the symptoms of depression. Adequate sleep, exercise, a healthy diet and a strong mind-body connection are also crucial to aid recovery from depression.

How is depression treated at Paracelsus Recovery?

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At Paracelsus Recovery, we use a 360-degree approach that treats the entire person - body, mind and soul. Depression is interrelated to other mental health conditions and springs from an interplay between many complex factors, so a multidisciplinary treatment approach is crucial. We provide inpatient treatment for depression in Zurich where our team comes to your luxury residence to provide treatment. In London, we can also provide treatment from the comfort of your own home or a leading hotel.

Does depression cause substance abuse issues?

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The relationship between depression and substance abuse is bidirectional, meaning that people who suffer from substance abuse issues are more likely to suffer from depression and vice versa. People who are depressed can end up relying on substances such as alcohol for dopamine release, but alcohol is a depressant and will exacerbate symptoms in the long term.

What are the different types of depression?

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There are many different types of depression - major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), peripartum/postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and atypical depression. We will identify the specific type of depression you are struggling with during the assessment procedure.

Is there a waiting period?

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As we aim to treat only one client at a time, there are times when we cannot admit someone at short notice. Please get in touch with us to discuss availability.