We all face hardships in life that make us sad. We might experience grief from the death of a loved one or the loss of a job we enjoyed. A relationship might end or we might make a mistake that deals a hefty blow to our self-esteem. For most of us, we’ll feel sad for a time and then start to return to our normal lives.
But for some, the feelings of sadness can be so powerful and sustained that they start to become a new emotional baseline. For millions of people who experience major depression, otherwise known as clinical depression, it can feel like they’ve fallen into a hole they have no way to climb out of. They may experience sadness, hopelessness, and other symptoms that seep into every aspect of their lives. These aren’t feelings that a nice chat with a loved one or a good workout can help.
If you are struggling with depression symptoms, the counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Bismarck, ND are here to help you climb out of that dark hole. With compassion, patience, and hard work, we’re here to help you reduce your symptoms and get your life back on track.
Symptoms of Depressive Disorders
Depression can develop at various stages in a person’s life for a variety of reasons. While environmental factors can certainly play a role, brain chemistry, hormones, and family history can all contribute as well. People who suffer from substance abuse are also more likely to experience depression.
If you face some of the following symptoms, you may have a depressive disorder:
- Loss of interest or enthusiasm for things you once enjoyed
- Persistent feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and sadness
- Trouble sleeping or tendency to oversleep
- Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Appetite changes affecting weight gain or weight loss
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Nearly constant sad mood
- Loss of energy
- Thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide
These symptoms can manifest in different types of depressive disorders. For example, major depressive disorder refers to a depressed mood lasting at least two weeks, while persistent depressive disorder (otherwise known as dysthymia) is characterized by symptoms that last over two years. Postpartum depression is characterized by depression symptoms or emotional numbness in new mothers in the weeks or months following childbirth. Meanwhile, seasonal affective disorder affects people often in the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight.
If you think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms or forms of depression, it’s important to know this is not a battle you have to fight on your own. The mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Bismarck, ND are here to help you each step of the way.
How Can Depression Therapy Help?
Depressive episodes can be debilitating but even the most severe cases can be treated. Treating depression often involves talk therapy, medication, or a multi-faceted approach incorporating the two. Your provider will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and environmental stressors before arriving at a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be especially effective in treating depression. During talk therapy sessions, a depression therapist will work with you to identify and address thought patterns that might be impacting or worsening your symptoms. Our Thriveworks therapists in Bismarck, ND are committed to fostering a comfortable and compassionate environment for you to open up about your struggles.
If your provider determines you would benefit from medication, they’ll likely refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe it to you. Outside of your sessions, your psychologist may help you implement lifestyle changes to allow for healthy coping. Some common ones include building exercise into your routine, avoiding depressants like alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule.
Wherever you are in your journey, our Thriveworks providers in Bismarck, ND are here to support you as you take control of your life again.
Starting Therapy for Depression With Thriveworks in Bismarck, ND
Dealing with depression can be difficult but you don’t have to do it alone. Our trained professionals are here to provide support and guidance seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. If you call or click to schedule an appointment today, you might even be able to see a provider as soon as tomorrow.
We’re here to accommodate your needs however we can. That’s why we offer online and in-person sessions, whichever is more convenient for you. To keep our mental health services highly accessible, we accept most major insurance plans and offer affordable rates to those paying out of pocket.
When you sign up with Thriveworks, you’ll also gain access to exclusive perks like:
- A text message support line
- Counselor-moderated online forums
- A 24-hour ask-a-coach Q&A
- A free e-copy of “Leaving Depression Behind”
We know what you’re going through right now may not be easy but we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment today with Thriveworks in Bismarck, ND.
