Drew has a life that most people only dream of. She’s a travel writer and works on her own schedule. Her assignments take her all over the world, from Chicago to Calcutta. Drew knows that she’s lucky and values the globetrotting that has defined her life over the past several years. But with all of the bouncing around that she does, it’s hard for Drew to call anywhere home for too long—and it’s starting to bug her. Though she puts on a happy face and goes about as normal, on the inside she just feels cold and empty.
After deciding to take a two-week vacation to clear her head, it still doesn’t feel like Drew is refreshed. In fact, she’s spent most of the past two weeks at home, paralyzed by her lack of desire to do anything. Drew knows that something has to give, but in all honesty, she’s starting to wonder if depression is creeping up on her. With only a few days remaining, Drew’s decided that enough is enough. Talking to a mental health professional is what she wants to do—it’s time for her to process what she’s feeling.
You may not travel the world like Drew, but it’s possible that you can relate to her unhappiness. Many of us enjoy our daily lives, but occasionally, we get held down by negative thoughts, events, or emotions that are strong enough to interfere with our happiness. There’s no need to go through this cycle endlessly; at Thriveworks in Evanston, IL we offer depression therapy to help you reclaim those happy feelings.
Am I Depressed? What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
The symptoms of depression may vary from one person to the next. However, there are still common indications that might warn when someone is depressed, including:
- Feeling chronically fatigued
- A noted lack of interest in sex, hobbies, or relationships
- Feeling distant from loved ones and friends
- Decreased work performance
- Overeating or avoiding eating
- Lack of self-care (i.e. personal hygiene or a clean living environment)
- Drug or alcohol abuse to cope with emotional pain
These are only a few of the many ways that depression might manifest for you. If you’re diagnosed with depression, you might find that your depressive symptoms vary. In the meantime, it’s better to not try and self-diagnose. Only a qualified mental health professional, like those on our team at Thriveworks in Evanston, IL can do that. In fact, that’s why it’s important to share your experience and perspective during depression therapy—by doing so, you’re giving your provider 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 common forms include the following:
- 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—though it’s typically less severe in 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.
What Type of Provider Should I Talk to About My Depression?
Our clients at Thriveworks in Evanston, IL commonly work with counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Each type of mental health professional can help you to manage and mitigate the symptoms of depression, but they may have different treatment methods. For example, psychiatrists are:
- Medical doctors who are licensed to conduct therapy sessions
- Able to use 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 Depression Counseling Session at Thriveworks in Evanston, IL
Taking the time to prioritize your mental health with depression therapy might seem frivolous or unnecessary, but doing so could offer you real relief from the harmful effects of untreated depression. Thankfully, we’ve made enrolling with Thriveworks as easy as possible, thanks to 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
- Same or next-day appointments and flexible cancellations
- Email and phone access to your provider outside of sessions as needed
- Online therapy options for added flexibility and convenience
- The digital edition of “Leaving Depression Behind” and other electronic mental health resources
The mental health professionals at Thriveworks are here to help you better understand and manage your depression. With assistance from our qualified team in Evanston, IL, you can reduce the effects of depression and start enjoying life once more with depression therapy treatment.
