James has always considered himself to be independent and contributes a lot of his success in life to his being able to advocate for himself. As an entrepreneur, a lot of his time is spent doing things to keep his business running. He enjoys the freedom and the ability to be his own boss, but at the same time, the uncertainty of having a small business conjures up intense feelings of apathy and hopelessness. Though he does his best to remain consistent, James has days where he knows his mental health is suffering.
After having experienced these feelings for weeks, James is concerned that he could be depressed. Even though he wants to tackle the issue on his own, he knows that his prioritizing his mental health is more important; so James is considering talking to a mental health professional. He’s interested in the ways that professional insight and guidance could help him grow and manage the symptoms of his depression.
If you feel like you can relate to David’s experience, it’s possible that you’re also experiencing depression. However, at Thriveworks in College Station, TX, we have mental health professionals that can help you treat your depression. With the assistance of a therapist or a psychiatrist, you can start working your way towards better mental health.
What Does Depression Feel Like?
Like many emotional disorders, depression can feel drastically different depending on who is suffering from it. For many, though, depression commonly manifests as:
- A general lack of energy, resulting in lethargy
- An unusually short-temper, or the sensation of being emotionally drained
- Ongoing sadness that lasts for weeks, or even days without end
- Lack of interest in existing relationships or hobbies
- Possible anti-social behavior
It’s important to keep in mind that this list of symptoms is just a few of the many ways that depression can present itself. If you’re diagnosed by a mental health professional, you might find that your experience varies; if you haven’t been diagnosed, it’s not possible to do so yourself. But by partnering with one of our therapists or psychiatrists, you can get quality treatment for whatever your condition may be.
How Can a Therapist Help Me with My Depression?
One of the reasons that opening up to a mental health professional is so important is that your feedback allows them to understand your situation and perspective more clearly. While it might feel scary to start talking about personal issues, it’s helpful to remember that your therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist isn’t going to judge you.
Psychologists and therapists help those with depression by:
- Using talk and behavioral therapy to implement coping strategies for clients
- Creating a professional connection with their client to better understand their depression
- Serving as a verbal and emotional outlet for those burdened by this mood disorder
Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are:
- Medical doctors who are licensed to conduct therapy sessions
- Able to use a blend of helpful prescription medicine and therapy as needed to assist people
- Often a better option for those with more severe cases of depression
Regardless of the provider type that you’re paired with, teaming up with a mental health professional can offer you professional insight. With their assistance, you’ll be better equipped to take on depression.
Common Forms of Depression
As a complex mental health condition, what is commonly thought of as “depression” is actually an umbrella term for a group of closely related emotional disorders. There are many, but some of the more common that our providers help people manage include:
- Minor depression: As the name implies, this is less severe than major depression but just as harmful. Because those with this disorder may go long periods without feeling depressed, identifying what’s triggering their sadness can be difficult for those with minor depression.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression affects women who’ve given birth; those who underwent caesarian sections or had a miscarriage are at higher risk. This disorder can onset immediately or months after childbirth.
- Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder can cause depression when the mood swings that it causes fluctuate. Those with bipolar disorder may feel extremely happy for a minute, and furious or dejected in the next.
- Major depression: This disorder causes emotional detachment, sadness, hopelessness, and apathy. Those who suffer from major depression may become socially isolated, further exacerbating their condition. It’s what most people think of when they hear the word “depression”.
Receive Depression Help at Thriveworks in College Station, TX
With the stability and support of a mental health professional, depression doesn’t have to call the shots in your life. If you’re ready to start improving your mental health, call Thriveworks in College Station, TX. Our scheduling support specialists are standing by to assist you.
Plus, those who become Thriveworks clients get access to exclusive benefits that few providers can match, including:
- Online therapy: Meet with your provider virtually, and enjoy the freedom to do so from home or the office.
- Talk with a life coach at Thriveworks: Our Q/A chat line can help you out in-between appointments
- Our Therapy Buddy app: A personal progress assistant that helps track your journey as you attend therapy
- A digital copy of “Leaving Depression Behind”: A valuable resource that aims to help people recover from and cope with anxiety.
Choosing to seek mental health services from Thriveworks in College Station, TX could make a difference in your quality of life by helping you treat and manage your depression. You can thrive—we can help.
