Harris doesn’t usually think of himself as someone who feels down very often, but after the last several months he’s not so sure. Even though he’s still doing well at work and making time for friends and family, he’s not happy. Harris is pretty good at faking a smile, but underneath, he knows that his mental health is suffering.
After some thinking, and some concerned comments from those he’s closest to, Harris is wondering if he’s experiencing depression. Even though he was initially embarrassed to consider the possibility, he knows that anyone can get depressed and that it’s treatable. His next decision has been whether or not to talk with a mental health professional about his situation. While he feels uncertain, Harris is open to the benefits that professional guidance and insight could offer him.
If you’re like Harris, and you’ve been feeling symptoms of depression, don’t hesitate to contact Thriveworks in Concord, CA to get the mental health assistance you need. Talking to one of our providers could offer you the tools you need to find your balance once more.
Am I Depressed? What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Depression symptoms can vary from one person to the next; however, there are common indications that might serve as warnings when someone is depressed, like:
- A noted lack of interest in sex, hobbies, or relationships
- Feeling distant from loved ones and friends
- Decreased work performance
- Feeling chronically fatigued
- Overeating or avoiding eating
- Lack of self-care (i.e. personal hygiene or a clean living environment)
- You’ve been abusing drugs and alcohol to cope with emotional pain
These are just a few of the ways that depression might manifest. If you’re diagnosed with depression, you might find that your personal experience varies. In the meantime, it’s better to not try and self-diagnose. It’s tempting to try, but only a qualified mental health professional, like the ones on our team at Thriveworks in Concord, CA can do that. In fact, that’s why it’s important to share your experience and perspective with our providers—by doing so, you’re giving them the feedback they need to offer your personalized mental health services.
What Are the Different Types of Depression?
“Depression” as we like to think of it actually refers to a group of closely related emotional disorders. There are many different types of depression, but some of the most common that our providers help people manage include:
- Major depressive disorder: This condition captures the popular perception of depression. Those with major depression experience emotional detachment and hopelessness. These factors usually take away from their work, relationships and hobbies.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that arises after a woman gives birth. Women who undergo caesarian sections or experience a miscarriage are even more likely to experience this type of depression.
- Minor depression: As the name suggests, minor depression is related to major depression—it’s typically severe in its effect and duration. Still, those with this condition still will seem distant, withdrawn, or overwhelmed with sadness. Minor depression can be harder to detect.
- Bipolar disorder: This mental health condition can alter someone’s emotions wildly, ranging from elation in one moment to overwhelming despair in the next. Those with bipolar disorder might find it hard to maintain close relationships or jobs due to their unpredictable mood swings.
Who Can Help Manage My Depression?
Our clients work with counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.t. All of these mental health professionals can help everyday people mitigate the symptoms of depression, but they may treat the mental health condition in different ways. For example, psychiatrists are:
- Medical doctors who are licensed to conduct therapy sessions
- Able to use helpful prescription medicine and therapy as needed to assist people
- Often a better option for those with more severe cases of depression
In comparison, counselors and psychologists can help clients cope with depression by:
- 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
- Using talk and behavioral therapy to implement coping strategies for clients
Schedule a Counseling, Therapy, or Psychiatry Session at Thriveworks in Concord, CA
Taking the time to prioritize your mental health might seem frivolous or unnecessary, but doing so could offer you real relief from the disruptive and damaging symptoms of depression. Thankfully, we’ve made enrolling and getting treatment from our mental health professionals as easy as possible with the help of our scheduling team. They’re available to assist you seven days a week with everything from setting up your insurance to finding the perfect provider to fit your needs.
Plus, we offer a great variety of benefits for those who enroll with us, including:
- Evening and weekend scheduling availability
- Email access to your provider outside of sessions as needed
- Online therapy options
- The digital edition of “Leaving Depression Behind” and other electronic mental health resources
The mental health professionals at Thriveworks can help you better understand and manage your depression. With assistance from our qualified team in Concord, CA, you can reduce the effects of depression and start enjoying life once more.
