WHAT WE TREAT
Stories of Recovery
Depression
Depression can feel heavy and isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Through personalised care, proper assessment, and long-term support, we can help you feel seen and supported every step of the way.
Depression is one of the most challenging conditions to live with, and one of the most complicated conditions to treat. The root-causes are almost always multifaceted, ranging from ‘upper-level’ causes like your lifestyle, sleep schedule and diet, to deeper-rooted issues such as patterns of thought and behaviour, childhood experiences and internal belief patterns.
Through our unique combination of medical, psychological, and personal care, we are proud to be the only clinic in the world that addresses co-occurring conditions and every potential root cause of depression. Our approach includes a focus on identifying biochemical imbalances and underlying functional issues, which are often key contributors to depression. By utilising advanced medical treatments, including medication, rTMS, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, alongside intensive psychotherapy, we are able to target all aspects of your condition.
This holistic and comprehensive approach allows us to address the complex layers of depression, enabling you to recover in a matter of weeks, rather than months or years.
Clinically, depression is defined as a mood disorder that negatively impacts how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Clinical depression, otherwise known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is characterised by constant feelings of sadness and exhaustion for a period of at least two weeks. The resulting sense of numbness and apathy can feel overwhelming, as can the inability to feel joy or happiness.
There are many different types of depression: major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), peripartum/postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and atypical depression. Many factors such as genetics, life experiences, lifestyle factors, internal beliefs, medications, medical issues, and personal history all play a considerable role in the onset of depression.
Depression also has the highest co-morbidity rate of any mental health condition. The relationship between depression and substance abuse is bidirectional, meaning that people who suffer from substance abuse issues are more likely to suffer from depression and vice versa. The two conditions can also ‘feed into each other,’ which exacerbates suffering and delays seeking help.
The symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness or a feeling of emptiness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed (anhedonia).
- Fatigue or low energy, even with adequate sleep.
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or excessive guilt.
Additional symptoms include:
What are the psychological symptoms of depression?
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
- Irritability or frustration, even over small matters.
- Anxiety or constant worry.
- Difficulty in focusing or slowed thinking.
- Low self-esteem or self-confidence.
What are the physical symptoms of depression?
- Changes in appetite, leading to significant weight loss or gain.
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
- Unexplained aches and pains, including headaches or stomach issues.
- Psychomotor agitation (restlessness or slowed movements).
- Fatigue or decreased energy.
What are the behavioural symptoms of depression?
- Social withdrawal or isolation.
- Reduced productivity or difficulty completing tasks.
- Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance.
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
- Loss of interest in sex or decreased libido.
bespoke treatment
How we treat depression
We understand that living with depression can feel overwhelming and isolating, and while we can’t predict exactly what your four-week stay will involve, we ensure that every step of your treatment journey is uniquely tailored to your needs. At Paracelsus Recovery, no two patients follow the same path. Each client receives a bespoke treatment plan, designed specifically for them, with each day carefully structured to incorporate a range of therapies.
These therapies work in harmony to address all aspects of your health, from physical to emotional and psychological, offering you the best chance for recovery. While the process can be challenging, our holistic approach provides the support and tools needed to help you navigate through it.
We also provide support for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Click here to learn more.
Our approach considers the whole person: mind, body and soul
At Paracelsus Recovery, we reject the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Instead, we create a personalised treatment programme tailored to your specific needs. While we integrate cutting-edge therapies and holistic care, it is your individual experience with depression and any co-occurring conditions that guide our work together.
Our 360-degree approach combines advanced medical interventions and intensive psychotherapy. Each treatment plan is developed through extensive testing to uncover the underlying causes of your depression. We offer a range of treatments, including medication when appropriate, and incorporate innovative therapies such as rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and psychedelic-assisted therapy, which have shown promising results in treating depression. Additionally, psychotherapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) address the emotional and psychological dimensions of your condition.
With your unique needs at the forefront, we ensure a comprehensive, personalised treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your well-being, supporting your recovery and long-term mental health.
15+ team members, all dedicated to your health and well-being
Our team is made up of world-renowned doctors, therapists, and specialists, including a Nobel Prize-winning board member. This dedicated team of more than 15 professionals will support you during your entire stay with us. A live-in therapist will also be available for emotional support 24/7 from when you arrive to when you leave.
From the moment you arrive until your departure, your live-in therapist will be by your side, providing guidance, reassurance, and a consistent presence to help you navigate through the challenges of depression. In addition, you will have a dedicated psychiatrist who will manage your psychotherapeutic and medical care, ensuring the right balance of medication and treatment. Intensive psychotherapy, including personalised sessions with both specialist therapists and your psychiatrist, will address the emotional and psychological aspects of your depression, empowering you to make meaningful progress on your path to recovery.
Comprehensive programmes as unique as you are
Each of our treatment programmes is carefully curated to each client’s specific set of needs. Those needs may be physical and psychological, e.g. if our team identifies nutritional deficiencies or signs of addiction during the assessment period, your programme would be shaped with these in mind. However, those needs can be practical too, such as when a client needs to work or travel during their stay at our rehab for depression.
We can provide treatment for depression & any co-occurring mental health conditions at our private treatment centre in Zurich.
FURTHER READING