Life is full of ups and downs, and dealing with the challenges life throws at you isn’t always easy. Major life changes, stress, or illness can cause fluctuations in your mood or mental health. It’s not uncommon to feel sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed when you’re going through changes, but if those feelings don’t go away, or begin to interfere with your daily life, you could be experiencing depression.
Depression is a common mental health issue faced by millions of people worldwide, but it is also a serious mood disorder that can make it difficult to carry on a normal life. When you’re facing depression, you may experience both physical and psychological symptoms that affect the way you think, feel, and behave.
Left untreated, the symptoms of depression may not go away on their own and could get worse or become more severe over time. Fortunately, with the help of a mental health professional, people with depression can overcome their symptoms and lead healthy, happy lives.
You don’t have to face depression on your own. The licensed professionals at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL can help you manage your depression symptoms so you can get back into the swing of things.
Getting To Know the Causes and Types of Depression
There are many different forms of depression and they can be brought on by a combination of genetic, environmental, biological, and psychological factors. Most often, depression begins during adulthood but it can sometimes appear in children and adolescents.
Common manifestations of depression include a low mood, irritability, loss of interest or motivation, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, or sleep disruption. While the causes and symptoms of depression can vary from one person to the next, each type of depression can have some similar symptoms or causes.
Some of the more common types of depression include:
- Persistent depressive disorder is a depressive disorder characterized by a markedly depressed mood that persists for two years or more. People suffering from persistent depressive disorder can experience episodes of severe depression as well as short periods of milder symptoms.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs primarily during the winter months when there are fewer hours of natural sunlight. SAD can be highly disruptive to your ability to perform daily tasks and is often accompanied by social withdrawal, weight gain, and excessive sleeping. This condition usually resolves during spring and summer but is likely to return annually without treatment.
- Postpartum depression is a form of depression experienced by some women after giving birth. Symptoms of postpartum depression may include sadness, fatigue, and emotional numbness that may make it difficult to care for yourself or your baby.
If you’re struggling with depressive episodes, it can be difficult to manage your symptoms without the help of a mental health professional. The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL can help you understand and manage your depression so you can focus on feeling better.
What Happens During Depression Therapy?
Depression symptoms rarely go away on their own. When people try to cope by themselves, they can sometimes pick up unhealthy behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm, in order to tolerate uncomfortable feelings. Reaching out for help can be difficult but it can be a big step in the right direction. Even the most severe forms of depression can be treated with the help of a licensed mental health professional.
When you begin depression therapy, your provider will first work to find a diagnosis for the issues you are experiencing. By evaluating your emotional state, personality, past experiences, and current concerns, a licensed professional can determine which type of depressive disorder you may be suffering from and offer a comprehensive treatment plan.
Treating depression often involves one or more types of therapy, prescribed medication, or a combination of treatment modalities. There are many styles of psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”) that may be used to treat depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy.
Ready to find a treatment plan that works for you? The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL are experienced in treating depression and are ready to help.
Schedule Your Appointment With Thriveworks Counseling in Arlington Heights, IL
A therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL can help you work through the issues causing your depression and give you the tools you need to cope with your symptoms and manage depression long term.
In addition to valuable coaching and guidance, Thriveworks clients also enjoy the following benefits:
- Evening and weekend appointments
- Online counseling opportunities
- Providers that accept many insurance plans
- Exclusive video content
When you’re ready to seek treatment for your depression, let Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL connect you with a therapist who can guide you through the healing process with compassion. You can thrive, we can help.
