Depression is a common but serious mental health disorder that can have major effects on your daily life. It’s more than just feeling sad or down — it has the power to negatively influence the way you feel, think, and act.
Many people with depression experience symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in their life. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest may interfere with your relationships, performance at work or school, and even your ability to complete basic daily tasks. You may experience sluggishness, difficulty concentrating, or a change in sleep or eating habits. Ignoring your depression symptoms can make them more intense and lead to a variety of emotional or even physical problems.
It can be difficult to recognize or face depressive disorders on your own but help is available. If you think you may be experiencing depression, consider meeting with one of our counselors or therapists at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL. We can often accommodate new clients within 24 to 48 hours, and we would be happy to meet you and begin your journey to better mental health.
Recognizing Depression: Common Signs and Symptoms
Depression comes in many forms and can look and feel different for everyone. Specific forms of depression can have some commonalities though, and the causes or symptoms may be more similar among people who suffer from these variants. For example, postpartum depression is always linked to childbirth while seasonal affective disorder often occurs in the winter months when there is less sunlight.
Some forms of depression don’t always have an easily identifiable cause. Either way, there are several common depression symptoms to look out for, including:
- Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or social interaction
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Fluctuation in appetite and weight
- Dizziness, headaches, or unexplained aches and pains
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, you don’t have to face them on your own. The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL are highly trained mental health professionals who are ready to help you overcome your symptoms and cope with your depression or other mood disorder.
Can Depression Therapy Help Me?
Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize depression, and even harder to keep it from interfering with your life. Depression doesn’t usually go away on its own, and self-coping mechanisms can be ineffective or lead to harmful behaviors like substance abuse. Working with a knowledgeable provider is the best way to reach a diagnosis for your depression and take the necessary steps to begin feeling better.
Treating depression is a highly personalized process. Your therapist will create a unique treatment plan that is tailored to your specific issues, symptoms, and concerns. Your treatment plan may consist of one or more types of therapy and may include the addition of prescription medication to help ease your symptoms.
Some common forms of therapy used in treating depression include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT). Your counselor or therapist may also recommend family therapy if your condition is having a strong impact on your family members.
When you pursue therapy for depression, you’ll likely notice improvements in your thoughts, feelings, behavior, or other areas of your life. Depression therapy can help you:
- Identify negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with positive, healthy ones
- Pinpoint and adjust issues and behaviors that contribute to your depression
- Learn how to solve problems and cope with challenges and emotions
- Set realistic goals for yourself and your life
- Improve communication skills and develop meaningful relationships
- Create satisfaction and contentment in your life
If you are ready to regain control of your life, we can help. The therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL are experienced in treating many kinds of depression, from major depressive disorder (MDD) to manic depression (bipolar disorder), and many disorders in between. You can book your first therapy session online or by calling our helpful scheduling team.
Help Is Here — Begin Therapy for Depression With Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL
Asking for help with your depression or mood disorder can feel scary, and the stigma built around mental health issues may discourage you from seeking therapy. But pursuing counseling is a hugely important step in the right direction, and there’s no shame in improving your mental health and your life.
When you are ready to take that step, Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL is here to make it easy for you. We offer therapy sessions seven days a week and our providers keep early morning and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules. Counseling can even be conducted online via phone call or video chat for the days you’d prefer to meet your provider from the comfort of home. We accept many health insurance plans and even offer a flexible cancellation policy.
You don’t have to let your depression symptoms come between you and your best life. Connect with a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL to start taking control of your mental health. You can thrive — we can help.
