We all know what sadness feels like. It’s a cloud that covers your day, leaving you feeling sluggish, gloomy, and hopeless. For many people, the sun eventually returns. For others, however, the sadness doesn’t fade.
People who experience profound, lasting sadness might detach from family and friends, disengage from work or school, and retreat into their own dark corners. They don’t want to be there but they’re also unsure how to get out of that pit.
If this sounds like you, it could be a sign that you’re suffering from depression. Millions of people struggle with depressive disorders. Fortunately, help is available. Through treatment with a mental health expert, those suffering can find a fresh approach to their problems and get the tools they need to move beyond their symptoms.
At Thriveworks, we take depression symptoms seriously but compassionately. If you are dealing with depression and striving for a brighter day, consider making an appointment for counseling at Thriveworks in Elk Grove, CA.
What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Depression consists of more than occasionally feeling sad or hopeless. It is a classified medical illness characterized by persistent symptoms that may lead to emotional and physical issues. Depressive disorders can inhibit a person’s ability to function at work and impact their home life. They can make people feel as though life isn’t worth living.
Depression symptoms might vary in how they present and their severity. An overwhelming sense of sadness is a primary symptom but you might face others as well.
These are some of the most common symptoms of depression:
- Feelings of worthlessness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in favorite activities or hobbies
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Angry outbursts, particularly if they don’t match the situation
- Sleep issues, such as insomnia or sleeping too much
- Fatigue that prevents you from performing simple tasks
- Trouble concentrating or feeling distracted
- Changes in eating patterns, such as loss of appetite or overeating
- Unexplained headaches or body aches
- Substance abuse
For people suffering from a depressive episode, which usually lasts for at least two weeks, these symptoms can negatively impact their daily lives.
You might fear that your depression symptoms are too much to bear. But guidance from a mental health expert can offer comfort and promise for the future. You don’t have to do this alone. Call today for an appointment at Thriveworks in Elk Grove, CA.
Would I Benefit From Depression Therapy?
Our mental health experts can help treat depression through a combination of methods, including therapy and potentially prescription medication.
Depressive disorders can be categorized in different ways. Major depressive disorder, for instance, is the most diagnosed form of depression, characterized by overwhelming sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities. Those with persistent depressive disorder may have symptoms that are less severe but can last for longer than two years. Postpartum depression can affect new mothers and may make them feel numbness, fatigue, and inadequacy.
Diagnosing someone’s particular depressive disorder is important to determine the proper course of treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is one component of a multi-faceted approach to treating depression. Talk therapy is important because it allows people to address their concerns in a safe and confidential environment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of talk therapy that helps people identify and address harmful thoughts or behaviors. Other forms of talk therapy can teach relaxation techniques or ways to tolerate triggers that cause symptoms.
Prescription medications like antidepressants are sometimes used in tandem with talk therapy to treat depressive disorders. If your psychiatrist determines that medication would help your situation, they will monitor it for safety, effectiveness, and any potential side effects.
You don’t have to let depression symptoms affect your life any longer. Make an appointment to discuss them with a mental health professional at Thriveworks in Elk Grove, CA.
Starting Therapy for Depression at Thriveworks in Elk Grove, CA
Depression can affect anyone but treatment is available. If you are suffering, Thriveworks wants to help.
The process to start counseling is clear and accessible. Thriveworks offer a range of appointments, including nights and weekends, to fit your schedule. First-time clients can often make an appointment and meet with their provider within 24-48 hours.
If in-person therapy doesn’t work for your schedule, try an online session instead. It’s effective and allows you to conduct appointments from home or wherever you are most comfortable. In fact, many clients prefer online therapy for that very reason.
Thriveworks accepts many major insurance plans, offers a flexible cancellation policy, and augments your experience with many benefits.
Depression might be daunting but you don’t have to face it by yourself. Consider making an appointment today at Thriveworks in Elk Grove, CA.
