What is Inpatient Rehab for Depression and  Anxiety?

Inpatient depression and anxiety treatment is an option for individuals who are suffering from more severe forms of the conditions or have reached a point where other treatment options have been ineffective. Inpatient rehab is a residential mental health treatment program that offers 24/7 care and support. 

In contrast to outpatient treatment, where the individual attends therapy sessions in an office or clinical setting on a regular schedule, inpatient treatment is immersive. While at the inpatient rehab center, an evaluation is performed to understand how the individual is suffering from depression or anxiety. Along with this, the assessment will look for signs of other co-existing mental health or substance use disorders. 

After the initial evaluation, the individual will meet with mental health practitioners and develop a treatment plan. During their stay, a person may engage in depression and anxiety treatments that can include individual therapy, group therapy, evidence-based complementary therapy, and recreational activities that encourage mental health. 

The duration of stay is dependent on the individual, the severity of their depression or anxiety, and their goals for treatment. The most effective inpatient treatment programs for anxiety and depression are tailored to the individual’s needs. 

Benefits of Inpatient Mental Health Treatment 

It’s not uncommon to feel apprehensive about committing to inpatient treatment. It requires a significant investment of time and energy, requiring that you put many other parts of your life on hold during your stay. Some people are also concerned about the stigma associated with inpatient mental health care, but it’s important to understand that the benefits can significantly outweigh these concerns. 

Treating anxiety and depression through inpatient treatment offers the opportunity for a level of comprehensive, holistic treatment that isn’t achievable through outpatient treatment. 

If you are considering an inpatient program for depression or anxiety, here is a list of the top benefits you can expect from treatment. 

Continual Support

Anxiety and depression don’t exist on a schedule. Symptoms can peak at any time of the day or night, requiring an elevated level of support. Inpatient treatment offers the round-the-clock care a patient needs when they need it. 

Comprehensive Care

During an inpatient treatment center stay, patients have access to a full range of treatment options and a highly skilled, professional staff that specializes in each approach. Evidence-based therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can be explored, among other traditional and complementary therapies. 

A Sense of Safety and Security

Anxiety and depression can come with fears, including hurting oneself or being hurt by others. An inpatient rehab center for mental health offers a feeling of safety and security, knowing that the only thing you need to focus on is healing. 

Time Away from Outside Stressors

Every area of life, from relationships and work to finances, can create stressors. High levels of stress can be difficult for anyone to manage, but even more so when depression and anxiety are present. Time spent in residential treatment allows for a respite from outside stressors. Yes, they are still there, but being removed from normal everyday life can help you better manage them and keep them in perspective. 

Improved Sleep

Sleep issues are common with mental health conditions, and they greatly impact a person’s health and quality of life. Inadequate or too much sleep can also cause anxiety and depression symptoms to worsen. During treatment, healthy sleep is prioritized, and there is comfort in knowing you can rest but still have access to immediate care should you need it. 

Feeling a Sense of Control

Anxiety and depression can make you feel like your life is spiraling out of control, especially if it has been difficult or impossible to manage symptoms. The therapies used during inpatient treatment can help you regain your sense of control. 

Skills for Long-Term Recovery

Developing the skills and strategies for coping with depression and anxiety is something that requires time and practice. During inpatient treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to develop and work on building these skills consistently while in a therapeutic setting. 

Peer Support

Inpatient treatment provides the opportunity to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges with anxiety and depression through group support and daily interactions. Peer support is important for reducing feelings of isolation and building a support community to turn to, even after inpatient treatment is complete. 

Medication Management

There are a number of highly effective medications for depression and anxiety, however, it sometimes requires trial and error to determine which medication works best, and in what dosage. During inpatient treatment, medication can be prescribed, controlled, and monitored by the mental health professional who is familiar with you and your health record. This provides an opportunity to adjust medications accordingly during treatment. 

Knowing When You Need Inpatient Mental Health Treatment 

Making the decision on your own to seek inpatient mental health treatment can be a challenging time in your life. You might be weighing the severity of your depression or anxiety against your daily obligations and maybe feeling concerned over the financial aspects. 

If you feel as though inpatient rehab for anxiety and depression is something you need, then trust your instincts and seek help. If you’re unsure, here are some of the indicators that it’s time to reach out for inpatient care.