Retreats For Depression

Depression can be overwhelming, so choosing a method of treatment can feel challenging. Many people may not know where to turn, and others may feel uncomfortable expressing their desire for help. The most well-known option is meeting with a therapist, but one of the more unique options is going on a retreat. 

Retreats can offer a different perspective about how to cope with depression, which can be very helpful; some individuals may benefit more from retreats than therapy. Here are the benefits of each of these treatment methods so you can decide which is best for you.

How therapy can support mental health

Many people seek help for depression through regular outpatient talk therapy sessions. Therapy is one of the most common treatments for many mental health disorders and can be highly effective in helping people treat their depression and improve their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Therapy can often be the first step to treating depression since it has an excellent success rate and is easy to fit into the modern lifestyle. It usually only requires a couple of hours a week, fitting into most busy schedules. There are many different types of therapy, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy focused on identifying and replacing unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which can be similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, but also focuses on the mind-body connection and teaches awareness of thoughts and emotions
• Couples therapy, therapy focusing on the dynamics between romantic partners
• Family systems therapy, a treatment with a focus on resolving conflicts between individuals in the family
• Group therapy, where sessions are conducted in a group setting utilizing various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. Group therapy may take place at a recovery center, church, or community center
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps people accept their circumstances and change negative habits and patterns, can be an effective depression treatment for those with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, affective disorder, and more

Signs you may need intensive depression treatment

When therapy is not enough, your doctor may recommend other options, such as medication or in-patient services. These programs can be more rigorous, time-consuming, or lifestyle-altering than outpatient therapy, but are effective for some people experiencing symptoms that require intensive care. Some symptoms that may go beyond the realms of talk therapy include:

• Depression that is exacerbated by alcohol and substance use disorder
• Depression experienced with eating disorders
• Chronic lack of sleep
• Changes in medications
• Suicidal thoughts
• Psychosis or manic episodes

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.

Meditation retreats for depression

Many people seek out retreats if they find that traditional talk therapy does not alleviate all their symptoms. Retreats can be much more intensive than talk therapy, as they include full-day care and multi-day stays. While retreats are not particularly common, nor do they fit easily into the modern schedule and day-to-day life, they can often provide stellar results and high success rates. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is often a major component of depression retreats, alongside other healing, holistic practices, such as exercise and meditation, with the goal of boosting energy and improving overall well-being. 

Since retreats are around-the-clock treatment settings, they can often lead to more concrete outcomes more quickly than weekly therapy. Retreats provide spaces for patients to engage with professionals in more in-depth ways than traditional therapy offers. Patients can also connect with others who may be going through similar struggles, an option that standard talk therapy may not provide. Many people who choose to attend a retreat enjoy the multiple interpersonal relationships they develop.

Should you choose therapy or a retreat for depression? 

A depression retreat will often be an intensive program that allows someone to focus on healing while they’re away from daily life. Like a wellness retreat, the time someone’s away for a depression retreat may vary. However, wellness retreats aren’t usually geared toward depression recovery or addressing a mental health condition the way that depression retreats are. With this in mind, it’s important to look into the program at a depression retreat, or retreat centers for any other condition, thoroughly to assure that you or a loved one will be in good hands. Often, there will be reviews and testimonials for retreat centers from previous guests.

Online therapy for depression, anxiety, stress, and more

Research on internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) suggests that online therapy can help individuals reduce depression symptoms and symptoms of other mental health issues, including but not limited to anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from a traumatic event.  

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Online therapy can be a great option for coping with depression. Clients can talk with a licensed mental health provider to explore concerns about depression from the comfort of their own homes. Studies have found that digital therapy yielded “meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety”.

The benefits of online therapy for participants

Online therapy through BetterHelp is a convenient and cost-effective option for those who need mental health support or want someone to talk to about what’s going on in their life. If you want to learn more about whether online therapy is right for you, reach out to BetterHelp to get started.