Some people will do everything they can to escape acute feelings of pain and sadness. They might drink too much alcohol or participate in risky, addictive behaviors. They might play video games all day long, or pick fights with their spouse. But sometimes when you think that you’re covering up your depression with certain behaviors, you’re only making it worse. For example, the person who eats thousands of calories in a sitting because it makes her feel less lonely might earn herself some temporary relief, but when she’s done eating, the feelings of isolation might be stronger than ever. So when you find yourself masking your feelings with unhealthy actions, it may be time to seek help.
Depression counseling at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL could be the first step toward feeling better and ultimately overcoming your depression. Mental health providers at Thriveworks specialize in recognizing the symptoms of depression, and they can help you initiate a treatment plan that may include psychotherapy and/or antidepressant medication.
Learn to Recognize the Symptoms of Depression
Over the past few years, Cathy had gradually been losing her mother to Alzheimer’s disease. She and her mother had always been close, and it was painful to witness her mother’s happy memories disappear one by one. Cathy worried that a day would come when her mother wouldn’t even recognize her. It broke her heart. How would she survive if she couldn’t lean on her mom for support anymore? Where would she find her strength? Cathy began to feel more and more lonely. She had a hard time sleeping and she completely lost her appetite. Sometimes Cathy skipped visits with her mom at the assisted care facility altogether because they made her too sad. But then she beat herself up for neglecting her mom. She felt like her mind and body were operating under a heavy weight.
In this scenario, it seems like Cathy is suffering from long-term grief due to her mother’s illness. Only a qualified mental health provider can officially diagnose Cathy with depression, but she definitely meets a few of the mood disorder’s criteria (within a two-week period), for instance:
- A depressed mood
- Loss of feelings of pleasure (anhedonia)
- Sleep difficulties
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Excessive guilt
- Psychomotor retardation (slowed thoughts and movements)
- Loss of appetite
- Poor concentration
Whether you’re experiencing these symptoms, or you notice them in someone you love, the top-rated skills of an exceptional depression counselor at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL can help lift you out of your sadness rut with targeted therapy and support.
9 Types of Depression
Depression can be caused by chemical changes in your brain, or external life events, or something else. Depression isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why specialized depression counselors and psychiatrists at Thriveworks first take a full assessment of their clients to determine what kind of depression they may be experiencing. Labeling depression as one of the following can be a useful clinical tool when developing a treatment plan:
- Peripartum (postpartum) depression, which can occur shortly after childbirth
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression), which also includes mania
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which often occurs during the winter months and disappears in spring and summer
- Major depression, which can last weeks or months
- “Situational” depression, which can be caused by the death of a loved one
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), aka dysthymia, which lasts for two years or more
- Atypical depression, also called major depressive disorder with atypical features, which can temporarily disappear when things are going well in your life
- Psychotic depression, which can include hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can occur at the start of a woman’s period
Treatment plans can vary widely depending on diagnoses. For instance, someone with PMDD might be treated with oral contraceptives rather than antidepressants. And someone with situational depression may just need short-term psychotherapy, not a psychiatrist with a prescription pad, in order to talk through their feelings of grief.
Find Your Thriveworks Depression Counselor in Champaign, IL
Depression can be acutely painful and complicated, and you deserve to speak to the best therapist available. Depression counselors at Thriveworks in Champaign, IL are highly qualified and fully licensed to diagnose and treat mood disorders like depression and anxiety (which often go hand in hand).
At Thriveworks our depression counselors know that depression is serious, but they also know that it’s highly treatable with the right clinical tools like psychotherapy and medication. Many people who suffer from one episode of depression will develop symptoms again in the future, so it’s usually wise to be proactive about your disorder and talk to a depression counselor who can help prevent future episodes, even if you’re not currently in crisis.
Clients who enroll with Thriveworks get the benefit of quick appointments (usually within 24-48 hours) and phone access to counselors between sessions. Thriveworks clients in Champaign, IL can also opt for online instead of in-person sessions if the former are more convenient.
Call our office today to get matched to your superior depression counselor and start therapy as soon as tomorrow.
