Depression affects many people in the United States. The fact that suicide is one of the top ten causes of death is an indicator of the seriousness of this mental health condition. Though depression rates in Massachusetts are concerning, the Commonwealth isn’t at the top of the list, ranking #34 out of all the states. However, it is only 10 percentage points behind the state that has the highest depression rate, West Virginia. Depression therapy in Boston at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health provides support for anyone in the eastern part of Massachusetts who is struggling with depression.
Depression rates in Massachusetts
Nearly a quarter of adults in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have been diagnosed with depression. Of course, this statistic excludes anyone who hasn’t sought help for their symptoms, which means that the numbers are likely higher. Because of stigma surrounding mental health treatment, concerns about how to pay for therapy, and denial that there is anything wrong, people often don’t receive the care they need.
Some of the factors that contribute to the high depression rates in our state include:
Lack of healthcare
For those who don’t have access to a primary care physician and don’t receive regular healthcare, depression can go undiagnosed. Also, physical health symptoms can lead to depression, especially when left untreated.
Economic factors
In parts of Massachusetts where there are higher rates of poverty, there are higher rates of depression.
No insurance
In Massachusetts, the number of uninsured is actually much lower than in many other states because MassHealth is easily accessible and provides good coverage for those below the poverty line. However, the 1.7% of uninsured residents in MA are much more at risk for undiagnosed and untreated depression than those with insurance.
Correlation with addiction
Addiction and depression often co-occur. What is the addiction rate in Massachusetts? The Commonwealth’s addiction ranking of 23 out of 50 puts Massachusetts in the middle of the pack regarding substance use addiction in the United States.
Receiving evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment offers the best possible outcomes and the chance at a life free from the weight of depression.
Depression treatment in the Boston metro area
Treatment centers like Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health are responding to the depression rates in Massachusetts by offering quality mental health care in the Boston area.
Evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment modalities combined with mindfulness practices such as meditation provide a scaffolding of support. Clients with depression work on transforming their thoughts and patterns of behavior while learning that depression is a disease, not a flaw.
In an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a partial hospitalization program (PHP), you don’t have to put your life on hold to receive a high level of care. Living at home and scheduling appointments for your treatment allows you to meet your responsibilities to your job and family while taking care of your own mental health.
At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health, we offer:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-informed therapy similar to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Internal family systems
- Narrative therapy
The primary mission of Rockland Recovery Behavioral Therapy is to help our clients return to health by learning how to:
- Manage emotions
- Accept themselves without judgment
- Shift thoughts and beliefs to affect outlook and behaviors
- Process life’s challenges
- Recognize the signs of depression when they occur
- Accept the help and support of others
In addition to therapy with caring, experienced staff, medication is sometimes prescribed to help with depression. Depression has an effect on the body, but is centered in the brain. Medication can interrupt the neurological and chemical pathways that keep you depressed by elevating the related neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).
Contact Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health today to start depression therapy in Boston
At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health, we strive to have a positive impact on mental health rates in Massachusetts. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, let our highly capable clinical staff help.
Call 855.520.0531 or use our online contact form to connect. We are just thirty minutes south of Boston’s center and provide a safe, welcoming environment in which to heal.