The psychologist James Hillman once stated, “Depression opens the door to beauty of some kind.” This may ring true in the long-term, but when a person is feeling depressed, beauty can feel like a distant memory. The daily reality of depression is a lot uglier: overwhelming feelings of sadness, lethargy, and self-flagellation. But the good news is that depression is highly treatable. And with the right treatment, someone can emerge on the other side of depression with important psychological insights into who they are and how their mind works.
The licensed depression counselors at Thriveworks in Davenport, IA can diagnose, treat, and help prevent future episodes of depression. Treatment options include psychiatric medication like antidepressants, evidence-based psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy. It’s best to get professional intervention early when you think you’re suffering from depression, but anytime is better than never.
How Can Counseling Help Depression?
Counseling at Thriveworks in Davenport, IA can alleviate depression in a variety of ways. In addition to psychiatric interventions which may include medication, talk therapy works by helping Thriveworks clients achieve the following:
- Identify problems that might contribute to their depressive state.
- Create realistic goals.
- Recognize distorted thinking and belief patterns (cognition) that can be modified in a healthy way.
- Return to a place where they can experience joy and pleasure again.
Counseling can successfully treat all kinds of depression disorder, for instance:
- Bipolar affective disorder or manic depression
- Major (clinical), moderate, and mild depression
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia (depression that lasts longer than two years)
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Postnatal depression (PPD, previously postpartum depression)
How Do I Know If I’m Depressed?
If you’ve experienced depression before, you’re probably familiar with the following symptoms:
- An enduring depressed mood (feeling sad and/or negative for a prolonged time)
- Anhedonia (not experiencing interest or pleasure)
- Profound feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Physical fatigue and exhaustion
- Changes in libido (sex drive)
- Irritability (which can often manifest in depressed men more than women)
- Unintentional weight gain or loss
- Drinking or using drugs to alleviate distress
- Self-isolation or withdrawal
- Diminished energy levels in thought and action (psychomotor retardation)
- Accelerated energy levels in thought and action (psychomotor agitation)
- Sleeping too much or too little (insomnia)
A depression counselor at Thriveworks in Davenport, IA can help identify the symptoms of depression and rule out other causes, like thyroid issues or other medical origins.
What Is the Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Depression?
Depression can sometimes be disguised by other symptoms like substance abuse or addiction. A licensed depression counselor at Thriveworks in Davenport, IA is trained to look for physical, social, and psychological indications, for example:
- Social isolation
- Sleep disruption
- Job loss
- Breakups of intimate relationships
- Heart disease
- Physical pain
- Compromised immune system
- Weight issues
Due to cultural reasons, some people may feel more comfortable expressing their sad feelings by crying or opening up to friends and family, while other people may hide their feelings, or try to camouflage them with external behaviors.
What Prescription Drugs Treat Depression?
There are a number of effective psychiatric medications to treat depression, including the following:
- Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Selective serotonin & norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Bupropion
- Tetracyclic antidepressants
- Serotonergic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antagonists
A licensed psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Davenport, IA can work with clients to manage medications in the short- or long-term. Thriveworks psychiatrists want frequent client feedback so they can modify doses as needed when someone experiences side effects or their symptoms fluctuate.
Get Help from Your Exceptional Depression Counselor at Thriveworks in Davenport, IA
The depression counselors at Thriveworks in Davenport, IA have the wisdom, compassion, and expertise to help their clients combat depression and prevent future episodes. No one deserves to suffer from a condition that is so treatable. The therapists at Thriveworks apply all their knowledge toward preventing needless psychological suffering. Our psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, and therapists can meet with clients online or in person, depending on convenience and comfort levels. And because all our mental health providers are fully licensed, they can accept most health insurance. Everyone deserves premium psychological care at affordable prices.
When you call the Thriveworks office during our extended business hours, you’ll reach a human being, not a voicemail, who can direct you to the right mental health provider. You may meet with your depression counselor in as few as 24-48 hours so you can start getting the help you need to feel better as quickly as possible. Additional benefits include email and phone access to your counselor between sessions, and our exclusive e-book on depression.
Don’t suffer when you don’t have to. Depression has complex genetic, environmental, neurochemical, and psychosocial causes that may require a professional to unravel. Call the Thriveworks office in Davenport, IA today and start receiving the help you need.
