Depression is a treatable illness

You may feel that you're in an impossible situation at the moment but it's important to remember the situation can change, that depression is treatable and that you can move into recovery.

There are people who understand the issues you are facing and are able to help you understand and cope with your depression. Recovery rates for people who go through treatment are very similar to those who get treatment for other chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma.  There are a number of treatment methods and community resources, including outpatient or residential treatment programmes and 12-step groups that are available to support you.

However, it is a progressive, life-threatening, psychiatric illness, meaning it gets worse over time if left untreated.

No matter how severe the depression, treatment can work, especially when a person is committed to working on recovery and has a strong support system. 

At Life Works, we can help treat depression. Please call our admissions counsellor now on 0800 081 0700 to discuss how Life Works can help start treating this illness or email us for more information.

What you can do about your problem with depression

1. Understand that you did not choose to become depressed. When you are depressed, your brain is functioning abnormally and your thoughts become distorted and overwhelming. We know that depression is an illness, not a character flaw – and as such, you need and deserve the same medical treatment that anyone else with a chronic illness would receive.
2. Find a treatment programme that also looks beyond your distorted thinking, depressed behaviour and physical symptoms. An effective programme will look at your distorted thought patterns but importantly, it will also examine and address the underlying psychological factors that influence these thoughts, behaviours and physical symptoms. Depression is not just about feeling low or thinking negatively – it is a life-threatening, psychiatric illness that is much more serious than just the symptoms it produces.
3. Find a treatment programme that includes assessment and treatment for any other pre-existing or co-occurring mental health issues, behavioural health issues or mood disorders - for example, anxiety or problems with drugs, alcohol or food – that may also be affecting you. These issues often exist alongside a person's depression and if left untreated, they can impair the effectiveness of treatment, so it's essential that they are identified and addressed as part of your treatment programme.

As a leading, private behavioural health clinic for the treatment of depression and other behavioural health issues, Life Works is Dedicated to Recovery. We are able to provide a holistic treatment programme that focuses on the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of the individual. Our treatment programme helps individuals look at the underlying causes of their depression, to come to terms with their illness and start to create healthy strategies for coping once they leave.

At Life Works, we value the role of the family in treating depression and other behavioural health issues and family therapy forms an integral part of primary, residential treatment at Life Works. Our Family Week programme provides a safe and nurturing environment to overcome the problems that arise from broken lines of communication between family members. We believe that together these elements provide a strong foundation for healthy, sustained, long-term recovery.

To find out more about our treatment programmes, click here.

Act now and start the recovery process

The earlier you act, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery. We are specialists in treating depression. You may feel there is little or no point in getting help – but this is the illness of depression talking. By not getting help, you are exposing yourself to serious risks, to your health, your safety – and your future. If left untreated, depression increases your chances of losing your job or career, losing relationships with your partner, family and friends, or developing addictions or other behavioural health issues. Other effects of depression can include self-neglect, severe mood swings and a much greater risk of suicide. But you do have a choice. You can let depression take control of your life – or you can get help. Please call us now on 0800 081 0700 and we will help you get the treatment you need.

There is hope and help available to you

Remember that people with depression can get well. They can improve their psychological and physical well-being and develop healthier relationships with themselves and with others.  This happens when you have started to break through the cycle of distorted thoughts and make the choice to be "in recovery".

Recovery is not instantaneous.  It's a process that requires work to maintain but it can lead to a profound life transformation with enormous personal growth.

If you think you may have a problem with depression, it's important to act now by calling Life Works on 0800 081 0700 or email us for more information.

What is recovery?

There are many misconceptions about what being "in recovery" means. Recovery is commonly misunderstood, especially by people who have not received treatment and also amongst their friends and families. At Life Works, recovery is about more than breaking through the cycle of distorted thoughts and depressed behaviour. We define recovery as supporting individuals in getting their lives back, especially those aspects that are valuable and precious to each individual. It also means putting more into life than a person may have previously and finding meaning either once again, or for the first time ever. Recovery means creating a healthy, fulfilling and meaningful life that is characterised by healthier thought patterns, more effective tools for coping with the stresses of life, and a greater connection with yourself, those close to you and the larger community.

At Life Works, we strongly believe that recovery is not about what you are taking out of your life, but rather, it is what you put back in. Depression is a disease of isolation. The life of someone with depression tends to get smaller and smaller. Recovery is about expanding your life.

By taking that first step and receiving treatment at Life Works for your depression, you will be able to start leading the new life you truly deserve.

Please call our admissions counsellor now on 0800 081 0700 to discuss how Life Works can help you or email us for more information.

There are consequences for your health, safety and future if you don't act now.

How is Life Works different from other treatment centres?

• We are Dedicated to Recovery.
• We are not a large psychiatric hospital treating wider mental health issues.
• We provide our clients with a small, safe community for their recovery.
• We provide support and relief for both our clients and their families.
• We value the role of family and friends as an integral part of the treatment process.
• We are honest, positive and caring.
• We do not offer treatment to clients with severe mental health issues.

Life Works is a leading, private behavioural health clinic for the treatment of depression.

If you need help or advice about your problem with depression, please call our admissions counsellor now on 0800 081 0700 to discuss how Life Works can help start treating this illness or email us for more information.