It’s common to experience sadness, despair, worthlessness, and other uncomfortable feelings from time to time. This is just a normal part of the human experience — emotions are bound to come up when you’re juggling a career, close relationships, hobbies, and other day-to-day responsibilities.
But for some people, those sad feelings can reach overwhelming levels, making it hard to complete basic tasks or even get out of bed in the morning. It can get to the point where it consumes everything they do.
Some people hold off on treating depression because they feel hopeless about the future (a common symptom of depression) or because they think other people won’t be able to understand what they’re going through. They may even feel completely isolated in their condition.
The truth is that millions of Americans seek counseling for their depression every year, including famous celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow. After Paltrow’s father died, she struggled with clinical depression. After she gave birth to her first child, she also dealt with postpartum depression. Paltrow knew it was time to seek help and now leads a happier, more productive life.
This same opportunity is available to you when you’re ready to take the next step. If you are experiencing feelings of depression that are interfering in your life, consider contacting the depression counselors at Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA. Our mental health professionals are trained to carry out proven therapies that can help you enjoy a higher quality of life.
What Are Common Depression Symptoms?
We all feel sad now and again but for some people, depression significantly affects their ability to function. Here are some depression symptoms that are worth taking seriously:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Excessive feelings of guilt
- Low energy
- Lack of concentration
- Agitation
- Suicidal thoughts
- Substance abuse
If you are dealing with one or more of these depression symptoms, help is available. Thriveworks in Cedar, IA will get you the support you need to manage these feelings so you can start enjoying life again.
Types of Depression and How Therapy Can Help
There are many different forms of depression. These include the following.
- Major depression: Major depression is characterized by feelings of all-consuming sadness or loss of interest in activities. It’s one of the most common forms of depression.
- Persistent depressive disorder: Those with persistent depressive disorder will not feel as acutely depressed as those with major depression. Instead, they may feel milder symptoms that last for months or years.
- Bipolar disorder: Also called manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by feelings of soaring highs countered by bottomless lows.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression occurs in some women after giving birth and is characterized by insomnia, numbness, and inability to bond with the baby.
When you meet with a depression counselor or therapist, the first step will be to assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. Different types of talk therapy might be used to encourage you to identify your emotions and concerns so you can address them.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, is often used to change harmful thought patterns into helpful ones while dialectical behavior therapy can help teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills.
Depression counseling can help you become a happier, healthier, and more productive person again. It can improve your outlook on life and help you develop healthier relationships with those around you. When you’re ready to start, give us a call at Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Start With a Depression Counselor at Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA
Many people put off getting therapy because they don’t think they will be able to find time in their busy schedules for appointments. But at Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA, we make it as easy as possible to get started.
We offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments. You can even cut out the commute by scheduling remote therapy appointments by phone or video. New clients can often see a therapist within 24-48 hours of reaching out. And if something comes up at the last minute, you can leverage our flexible cancellation policy.
We accept various types of insurance and offer clients exclusive Thriveworks benefits like our counselor-moderated discussion forums, educational video content, and a free e-copy of “Leaving Depression Behind.” Our therapists and counselors are even available between sessions by phone or email.
You don’t have to let depression keep you from enjoying life. Call and make an appointment with Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA today.
