It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling—like the world is out to get you. But the truth is that when you stop and look around, you’ll see that everyone’s struggling. The old couple next door may be going on 60 years together, but they can’t stand each other; your boss may have enough money to vacation whenever she wants and retire early, but she never gets to see her kids; and your sister, with the fancy wrap-around porch and 100 acres of land, may brag about her luxurious lifestyle, but the truth is that she feels trapped. We all experience difficult feelings. We deal with crippling sadness, overwhelming anger, and serious anxiety. And sometimes, we even sink into a state of depression.
“A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear that results from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.” –Stephan Hoeller
Depression can make even the smallest tasks appear impossible. It can cause you to skip work or school because you just don’t have the energy or the motivation. And it can completely alter what you know to be the nuts and bolts of a beautiful, meaningful life. Essentially, it can change life as you know it.
Okay, are you ready for the good news? Depression is also completely treatable. If you feel depressed, you should know that you can learn to manage the harmful symptoms. How? By working with a depression counselor at Thriveworks Charlotte. Our providers are experts in their field: they have the proper skills, training, and experience to assist you during this difficult time. Most importantly, they care about you and are eager to help. To get started, reach out to Thriveworks Charlotte.
What Classifies as Depression? Am I Depressed?
There are different variations of depression: there’s major depression, minor depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, and many more. That said, when you hear the word depression thrown around, it’s probably referencing major depression. Major depression is common, as experts predict that around 19 million Americans are majorly depressed right now. Symptoms include:
- Persistent feeling of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in life
- Major changes in appetite and weight
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Changes in activity levels
- Loss of energy
- Trouble focusing
- Feeling of guilt or worthlessness
- Diminished self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts
To meet diagnosis for depression, you must experience one or both of the first items listed, as well as five additional symptoms, most of the day and nearly every day for at least two weeks. Now, if you’re experiencing any of the above and you’re concerned about your mental health, consider meeting with a mental health professional at Thriveworks Charlotte. The two of you can talk through your symptoms and work together to get you to a happier, healthier place.
How Can Counseling Help Me?
Your counseling sessions will be tailored to you and your presentation of depression. That said, it’ll involve discussing and working through problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, of which often play a significant role in depression and other mental health problems. You can expect to learn helpful tools during each session for destroying your negative thinking patterns and looking at life through a much wider, brighter scope.
Additionally, your counselor will talk to you about the importance of things like self-care, which will prove to further help you outside of the therapy room. Self-care is all about engaging in activities that prove beneficial to your mental health and wellbeing. You might find the following valuable:
- Exercising
- Painting
- Meditating
- Journaling
- Going out with a friend
- Staying in with a book
The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that have a positive impact on your life. If this means waking up early and going to the gym every morning, then that’s great; if this means sleeping in and then reading a book, then that’s great too! Your counselor can help you explore different activities and routines.
Schedule a Session with a Depression Counselor at Thriveworks South Charlotte
Are you experiencing any troubling symptoms and think you might be depressed? Seek refuge at Thriveworks South Charlotte. Our counselors can help you understand your symptoms, design an effective treatment plan around these symptoms, and ultimately assist you on every step of your journey toward happiness and success. If you’re ready to get started, or you’d like to find out more, just give us a call at (704) 969-2597. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you however we possibly can.
