Preferred Acute Hospital for Depression

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or life circumstances. While the exact cause of depression isn’t fully understood, research suggests that it likely results from a complex mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. 

Known risk factors for depression include: 

• A family history of depression  

• Co-occurring mental health concerns 

• Imbalances in brain chemistry 

• Major life changes, such as divorce or the death of a loved one 

• Past trauma, abuse, or significant traumatic stressors 

• Chronic illness or ongoing medical conditions 

• Hormonal changes, such as those that are experienced during pregnancy or menopause 

• Substance abuse 

• Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem 

• Loneliness, isolation, or lack of social support 

When left untreated, depression can have wide-ranging and long-lasting effects. Beyond interfering with day-to-day responsibilities, untreated depression can contribute to ongoing emotional, physical, and social difficulties. 

Potential effects of untreated depression include: 

• Physical health problems, including chronic pain and insomnia 

• Strained relationships or social isolation 

• Decreased academic or work performance 

• Substance abuse 

• Increased risk for self-harm or suicidal thoughts 

• Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety or PTSD 

• Financial or legal issues 

The effects of depression can feel overwhelming, but with professional support, it’s possible to rebuild your sense of empowerment, reconnect with others, and improve your quality of life. 

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2023), in the U.S. alone, nearly 3 in 10 adults (29%) are diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, and about 18% are currently suffering from depression. 

Additionally, more than 10% of pregnant women and new mothers globally struggle with depression, as reported by the World Health Organization. 

Despite the widespread prevalence of depression both in the U.S. and around the world, stigma, fear, and lack of access to treatment still prevent many people from seeking help.  

Like many mental health conditions, depression is still widely misunderstood. These misunderstandings can play into existing stigmas, fueling shame and making it harder to ask for help. At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, we believe that understanding is one of the first and most critical steps toward healing.  

Here are some of the most common myths about depression, and the truths behind them: 

Myth: Depression is just sadness. 

Truth: While sadness is one possible symptom, depression goes much deeper. Depression can affect the body, mind, and spirit in many ways, and every person’s experience is unique. Yours may include feelings of hopelessness or physical symptoms like fatigue or trouble sleeping. Someone else’s might involve a loss of interest in activities or difficulty concentrating. Depression is a highly complex and variable condition. 

Myth: You have to have a reason to have depression. 

Truth: While a traumatic experience can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression, you don’t have to have an obvious cause to be affected by depression. Depression impacts people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and walks of life.  

Myth: You can “snap out of it” if you try hard enough. 

Truth: Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can overcome with positive thinking. Like any other medical condition, it requires professional treatment, such as therapy or medication. Support from loved ones is important, but long-term healing takes time and care. 

Myth: It’s easy to tell when someone has depression. 

Truth: Some people may appear “high-functioning” even when they’re struggling. They might go to work, smile, and keep up with daily responsibilities while hiding their pain. Depression doesn’t always look like what you would expect, and it affects everyone differently. 

No one should have to navigate depression alone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a courageous and critical first step toward healing. Seeking support for depression can be life-changing and help you regain a sense of purpose and stability. 

In addition to delivering relief from persistent sadness or emotional pain, seeking proper treatment may help you have: 

• Improved energy levels and day-to-day functioning 

• Stronger relationships and social connections 

• Better sleep and physical health 

• Increased self-esteem and self-worth 

• Healthier coping mechanisms and life skills 

• Rediscovered hope and motivation 

• Reduced thoughts of self-harm or suicide 

You can learn to manage depression symptoms through personalized treatment and support. Healing is possible, and our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way. 

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital is a trusted provider of high-quality behavioral healthcare. We offer a complete continuum of services to meet you wherever you are on your mental health journey, including inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programming, and intensive outpatient programming. 

When you choose ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, you benefit from: 

• A personalized treatment plan that is designed to reflect your unique experiences, needs, and goals 

• Evidence-based therapies delivered by licensed professionals who have experience treating depression 

• A multidisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, master’s-level therapists, certified registered nurses and nurse practitioners, case managers, and support staff 

• Discharge planning that connects you with appropriate follow-up care and community resources for sustained healing 

• A safe healing environment where you are treated with dignity and respect 

We understand how hard it can be to ask for help, but you don’t have to face depression alone. If you or a loved one is struggling, please reach out to ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital today. Our admissions team is available to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you determine the level of treatment that’s right for you. 

Healing is possible, and it begins with a single step. Contact us today to learn more about our depression treatment center or begin the admissions process.