While many of us think of depression one-dimensionally, the truth is that depression is a complex emotional disorder whose effects can impact everyone differently. Most people think that depression is simply about feeling sad all the time. For some, feelings of sadness and hopelessness are present, but there are also days where these sensations are gone, and in their place lies apathy. Still, for others, their depression manifests high points of bliss that bottom out into despair.
Thankfully, if you’re feeling like you’re suffering from the various symptoms of depression, you don’t have to face these issues alone. With the help and support of a counselor or psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Billings, MT you can learn to manage your depression. By working to develop ways of coping that allow you to grow and prioritize yourself, the people, and the things that you love.
How Can a Mental Health Professional Help with My Depression?
It’s important to remember—diagnosing yourself with a mental health condition, including depression, isn’t possible. The only people qualified to diagnose you are licensed mental health professionals, like the ones at Thriveworks in Billings, MT. With their professional insight and guidance, you’ll be on your way to better mental health. With that being said, there are a few common signs and symptoms that might indicate that you’re struggling with depression, including:
- Feeling chronically fatigued
- Seeming distant from loved ones and friends
- Overeating or avoiding eating to cope with stress or sadness
- Decreased work performance
- Lack of self-care (i.e. personal hygiene or a clean living environment)
- Drug and alcohol abuse to cope with emotional pain
- A noted lack of interest in sex, hobbies, or relationships
These are just a few of the many ways that depression can manifest. If you’re diagnosed, you might find that your personal experience varies. By talking to a counselor or psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Billings, MT, your personal experience will help shape your treatment plan. The feedback you provide helps our providers to understand your perspective and unique mental health needs more clearly.
How Can Thriveworks in Billings, MT Help Treat My Depression?
The type of treatment that you’ll receive depends on the severity and type of depression that you have. Clients that we treat typically see either a counselor, therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist for more persistent cases of depression. All of these providers work with everyday people to improve their mental health, but they do so in different ways. For starters, a therapist or counselor will help you treat depression by:
- Using different forms of therapy (i.e talk or behavioral types)
- Creating a candid, professional relationship between themselves and the client.
- Pulling from the client’s personal experiences and needs to create custom treatment plans that include coping strategies and the formation of healthy boundaries.
In comparison, psychiatrists are better equipped for more severe instances of depression because they’re:
- Medical doctors in addition to being licensed to conduct therapy sessions.
- Able to prescribe helpful medication to people in order to assist them in managing the disruptive effects of mental health disorders like depression.
- Able to use a combinative approach with prescriptions and a form of talk/behavioral therapy to assist those who see them.
What Type of Depression Might I Have?
Depression takes different forms—meaning that our common understanding of this mental health disorder is often a bit skewed. The reality is that “depression” actually refers to a group of closely related disorders. Don’t be concerned though, as our providers are capable of treating many of them, including:
- Major depressive disorder: This disorder constitutes what most people think of when they imagine depression. Major depressive disorder sufferers endure long stints of emotional detachment and despair. These factors, combined with a lack of interest in relationships, hobbies, or their own wellbeing can socially isolate those with this condition.
- Minor depression: As the name suggests, minor depression is similar to major depression but somewhat less severe in effect and duration. Still, those with this condition still will seem distant, withdrawn, or overwhelmed with sadness.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that develops during a mother’s recovery, resulting in dissociation, confusion, and apathy. Women who undergo cesarean sections are even more likely to experience this type of depression.
- Bipolar Disorder: It might seem strange to categorize Bipolar disorder as a form of depression. But this mental health condition can change someone’s emotions from elation to incredible hopelessness in an instant. Despite their best intentions, those with bipolar disorder often suffer to maintain close relationships due to their unpredictable mood swings.
Call Thriveworks in Billings, MT to Schedule Therapy or Psychiatric Services for Depression
If you’re ready to move forward, call our office in Billings, MT to become a Thriveworks client. Our scheduling specialists can assist you, and with their help with everything from setting up your insurance to finding the perfect provider, we’ve made becoming a Thriveworks client as easy as possible; and we also offer exclusive benefits, including:
- Our Therapy Buddy app.
- Ask a life coach a question, with our Q/A chat feature.
- A fast response time from your provider’s office. Most of our clients have their first session within 24-48 hours of calling in for the first time.
- Assistance setting up your insurance to cover costs.
- Flexible appointment options, including those in the evenings and on the weekends.
Taking the time to prioritize your mental health could provide you with relief from the symptoms of your depression. And as a serious mental health disorder, managing its symptoms might leave you better able to appreciate the people and things that you love the most.
