Depressive Episode Treatment in Spokane, Washington

By We Level Up WA | Author Kate Byrd, PharmD | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Experiencing a depressive episode can feel like being trapped under a heavy blanket, dulling your senses and draining your energy. 

Depression isn’t just feeling sad. It’s a complex condition that affects your mind, body, and spirit. With the right support and treatment approach, recovery is possible. 

Understanding Depressive Episodes

A depressive episode is more than just having a bad day or feeling blue. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a depressive episode involves persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that impact your ability to function in daily life.

These episodes typically last at least two weeks, though the duration can vary considerably from person to person. Depression can be a single event or a recurring condition. Some people have one episode, while others experience repeated episodes due to major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). 

How can you tell the difference between sadness and a depressive episode? It comes down to intensity, duration, and impact. Normal sadness is a response to specific events, while depression involves ongoing symptoms that affect work, relationships, and self-care, even without clear triggers.

The severity can range from mild (where you can still function but with increased effort) to severe (where basic daily activities become nearly impossible). About 21 million adults in the United States, over 8% of the adult population, experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

Recognizing the signs of a depressive episode is key to seeking timely help. The symptoms typically affect multiple aspects of your life and persist nearly every day for at least two weeks. 

These are common symptoms of a depressive episode:

Emotional Symptoms

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that doesn’t lift
• Increased irritability or frustration, even over small matters
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from others
• Reduced ability to feel pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
• Unexplained crying spells or being unable to cry when feeling sad

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

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Causes and Triggers of Depressive Episodes

Depressive episodes rarely have a single cause. Instead, they result from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors varying from person to person. Here are the most common causes and triggers of depressive episodes:

Biological Factors

Depression often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. Research indicates that individuals with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with depression have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing the condition themselves. However, genetics alone doesn’t determine whether someone will experience depression.

Physical health conditions can also trigger depressive episodes. Chronic illness, hormonal disorders (like thyroid problems), and certain neurological conditions may increase the risk of depression.

Environmental Factors

Stressful life events often precede depressive episodes. Major transitions (like moving, changing jobs, or ending relationships), financial problems, or work stress can overwhelm coping mechanisms and trigger depression.

Trauma, whether recent or from childhood, significantly increases the risk of developing depression. This includes physical or emotional abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, or witnessing violence.

In the Pacific Northwest, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to reduced sunlight exposure during our region’s darker winter months.

Psychological Factors

Personality traits like pessimism, a tendency to expect negative outcomes, low self-esteem, and being easily stressed can make someone more prone to depression.

A history of mental health conditions can increase the risk of future depressive episodes. This is especially true for those with anxiety disorders or previous experiences of depression.

Unhealthy thought patterns, like negative self-talk, catastrophizing, or all-or-nothing thinking, can also contribute to depressive states.

Treatment of Depressive Episodes 

Treatment of depressive episodes includes medication, therapy, or both. Holistic approaches help support these interventions. Here are some of the treatment options available for depressive episodes:

Evidence-Based Therapy 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) forms a cornerstone of treatment. This proven therapy helps identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to depression. Through CBT, you’ll learn to recognize distorted thinking, develop problem-solving skills, and build healthier thought habits.

If depression is linked to past trauma or relationship patterns, specialized therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and trauma-focused treatments can be effective. These approaches help individuals work through challenging experiences and learn to manage their emotions.

Group therapy provides valuable peer support and shared learning. In these structured sessions, you’ll connect with others facing similar challenges, practice new coping skills, and gain perspective on your own experience.

Family therapy helps loved ones support your recovery by improving communication, addressing family issues that might worsen depression, and teaching them how to best help you.

Medication Management

For many individuals with depressive episodes, medication can be an important part of treatment. Our psychiatrists carefully evaluate whether antidepressants or other medications might benefit your recovery.

If medication is recommended, we provide thorough education about how it works, potential side effects, and what to expect. We closely monitor your response to medication, making adjustments as needed to find the optimal approach with minimal side effects.

Holistic Support and Lifestyle Integration

Healing involves more than treating symptoms; it requires supporting overall well-being. Our holistic therapy program incorporates evidence-based wellness practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and physical exercise, which have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms.

Nutritional guidance bridges the connection between diet and mood, while sleep hygiene education improves this vital aspect of mental health. We also provide practical life skills training to help you maintain stability after treatment.

Dual Diagnosis

Many individuals experiencing depressive episodes also struggle with substance use disorders—a condition known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. 

The relationship between depression and substance use is often complex and cyclical. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate depressive symptoms, seeking temporary relief from emotional pain. Others develop depression as a result of substance use, which alters brain chemistry and worsens mood disorders. In either case, treating only one condition while ignoring the other leads to poor outcomes and relapse.

Treatment plans for dual diagnosis clients include specialized therapies that address both depression and substance use. These might include:

• Motivational interviewing—a collaborative approach to help people find their own reasons for change, to enhance commitment to recovery
• Relapse prevention strategies specific to both conditions
• Trauma-informed care that addresses underlying issues

Research shows that treating mental health and substance use disorders together, in an integrated approach, leads to better results than treating them separately. This combined treatment helps break the cycle where each condition worsens the other.

Major Depressive Disorder Statistics

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. For some individuals, major depression can result in severe impairments that interfere with or limit one’s ability to carry out major life activities.

Why Choose We Level Up Washington

Our facility is fully accredited and licensed, meeting the highest standards for mental health treatment. We provide dual-diagnosis treatment, treating both depression and co-occurring substance use disorders at the same time—a key approach for lasting recovery.

Our campus in Spokane provides a peaceful setting where you focus entirely on healing. Away from the stresses and triggers of everyday life, our private, comfortable environment offers the ideal space for reflection, therapy, and growth.

What sets us apart is our team of compassionate professionals. Our staff includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and experienced counselors specializing in depression treatment. They bring not only clinical expertise but empathy to every interaction.

We believe in evidence-based care tailored to individual needs. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we develop personalized treatment plans that target your symptoms, history, and goals. This might include a combination of therapy modalities, medication, and holistic wellness practices.

Your Path to Recovery Starts Here

Depression doesn’t have to define your future. At We Level Up Washington, we’ve helped countless individuals overcome depressive episodes and reclaim their lives. Our evidence-based approach, compassionate team, and comprehensive care create the foundation for lasting recovery.

No matter how long you’ve been struggling or how severe your symptoms, help is available. The journey may not always be easy, but you don’t have to go it alone. Our team supports you every step of the way, from your first call through treatment and beyond.

Take that first step today. Call us at (509) 348-4077 to speak with our caring team about how we can help you move beyond depression toward a brighter, more hopeful future. Recovery is possible—and it can begin right now.

Tips to Cope and Combat Depressive Episodes

Coping with depression can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to help manage your symptoms. Exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep can help improve your mood. Talking to a therapist can also be beneficial as they can provide additional resources and help you process your thoughts and feelings. Lastly, knowing what triggers your depressive episodes can help you better prepare for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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