Everyone feels sad or lonely now and then. Major life changes, the loss of a loved one, or unexpected changes in physical health can all cause fluctuations in how you feel. But sometimes, feelings of sadness don’t go away. They may become overwhelming or even interfere with your life.
Depression is a serious mood disorder that can control the way you feel, think, and behave. It comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes and can affect a person of any gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. Depressive disorders can be mildly disruptive or severely affect your ability to perform basic tasks or maintain relationships.
It can be tough to recognize depressive disorders without the help of a mental health professional. But with the help of a therapist or counselor, even the most severe cases of depression can be treated and you can learn to cope with and manage your condition in the long run.
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, consider speaking with a mental health professional at Thriveworks in Brookfield, WI. One of our licensed therapists or counselors can help you determine the source of your troubling emotions and help you move forward. Consider contacting our office today to set up your first session with a professional.
Recognizing Depression: Common Signs and Symptoms
Because there are many different types and causes of depression, there are also countless possible symptoms of depressive disorders. Depression can manifest both physiologically and psychologically, which makes it even more challenging to identify at times.
Depression can look very different from one person to the next, from the symptoms experienced to the way a person expresses or exhibits those symptoms. While depressive manifestations vary widely, some commonalities distinguish depression from other mental health conditions. People with depression may experience at least one of the following symptoms for two weeks or more:
- Feeling sad, lonely, worthless, or hopeless
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Changes in sleep — insomnia or oversleeping
- Sluggishness, lethargy, speaking or moving slowly
- Restlessness, fidgeting, and pacing
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
If any of these symptoms seem familiar or depressing thoughts and feelings interfere with your daily life, a therapist or counselor from Thriveworks Counseling in Brookfield, WI can help. You can schedule your first session online or by calling our friendly scheduling team.
Can Depression Therapy Help Me?
You may not know what is causing your depression, and that is very common. Depression does not always develop as a result of life situations or experiences and can otherwise be caused by genetic or biological factors, substance abuse, health conditions, or injury.
Working with a licensed therapist or counselor is the best way to discover the root cause of your depressive disorder. Once you’ve determined which specific mood disorder or form of depression you’re up against, depression therapy or counseling can help you overcome it and manage your symptoms. Some forms of depression that can be effectively treated include:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Situational depression
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Your provider will consider your specific concerns, symptoms, personality, and past experiences when creating a treatment plan to tackle your depression. Treating depression usually involves at least one form of talk therapy, most commonly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help you understand how you think and recognize harmful patterns of thought, teaching you how to replace those with more positive, constructive techniques.
Prescription medication, lifestyle adjustments, and other therapeutic techniques may also be part of your recommended treatment plan. These methods can be combined with talk therapy to produce effective, long-lasting results that make it possible to manage depression.
Depression therapy can help relieve the weight of your symptoms while giving you the tools you need to manage depression in the long run. At Thriveworks in Brookfield, WI, we can help you manage depression, no matter what life may throw at you.
You Can Begin Therapy for Depression with Thriveworks in Brookfield, WI
Depression can be a frustrating, overwhelming, and consuming disorder, but we want you to know that support is available. Depression therapy and counseling at Thriveworks in Brookfield, WI, can help you regain control. Contact our office today to get started.
At Thriveworks, we want mental health services to be as convenient as possible. We accept many insurance plans, offer appointments on the weekends and in evenings, and maintain a flexible cancellation policy. Online counseling opportunities are available, and you can even access your provider by phone or email in between sessions. Online tools like our exclusive video content and your free e-copy of “Leaving Depression Behind” help you continue your therapeutic journey from home.
You can book your first session online or call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Brookfield, WI, today to get started. Our therapists and counselors can help you move past your depression and live your best life.
