Life isn’t always happiness and positivity. We all go through difficult times in our lives that make us feel bad. It’s completely normal to feel sad, for example, when a friend dies or when a project at work breaks down.
For many of us, we may grieve for a while and then start to move on with our lives. The sad times may even lead to a greater appreciation for the good parts of life.
But for some, these negative feelings and moods last for longer than expected. You might feel caught in a spiral of darkness and negativity that lasts for weeks, months, or even years.
If you’ve felt sad for a long time, or you frequently feel down in a way that interferes with your life, then you might be suffering from depression. Depressive disorders can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to turn. Thankfully, mental health professionals are trained in treating depression and its symptoms.
We want you to know that support is available. If you want to speak with a therapist or counselor, call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CA. Someone from our scheduling team will help you get started.
The Different Forms and Causes of Depression
When people talk about depression, they’re usually referring to a group of mental disorders. While many of these disorders share similar causes and side effects, each can affect different people in different ways. Some of the more common forms and causes of depression include:
- Major depressive disorder: This disorder is one of the most recognizable forms of depression. It’s categorized by persistent feelings of unworthiness, fatigue, and disinterest. It may be caused by genetics, trauma, substance abuse, or extreme stress.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD is a seasonal form of depression that usually occurs during the fall or winter months. The disorder is prompted by seasonal changes in your circadian rhythm, and it can cause fatigue, weight gain, and demotivation.
- Postpartum depression: This disorder may occur in women shortly after the birth of their child due to changes in hormone levels. Women with a history of depression are more likely to experience postpartum depression.
- Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic depression, is a mood disorder that brings extreme emotional highs and lows to a person’s mood alongside changes in sleep, thinking, and behavior. People with the disorder can experience periods where they feel incredibly happy and energized, followed by periods of extremely low mood.
Many of the symptoms and causes of mood disorders overlap, making it difficult for people to recognize which condition they’re experiencing. A professional psychiatrist, psychologist, or other providers at Thriveworks in Fairfield, CA, can diagnose your specific disorder and provide treatment that addresses your symptoms. To set up an appointment, simply call our office or use our convenient online scheduling tool.
What’s Involved When Treating Depression?
Treating depressive disorders begins with an open conversation with your provider. While your treatment method will be specific to your individual needs, most treatment plans include talk therapy, prescription medication, or a mix of multiple treatment methodologies.
The first step in any treatment plan is diagnosis. When you tell your provider about your behavioral, familial, and environmental history, you provide them with the information they need to assess your disorder correctly. Once a diagnosis is made, your provider will put together a treatment plan that’s individualized to your needs. Treatments can include:
- Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of talk therapy
- Medication, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants
- Stress-reduction activities, such as practicing mindfulness, yoga, or meditation
- Healthy diet and exercise
Depression can be difficult, but we want you to know that support is available for people living with a depressive disorder. To receive help from a provider at Thriveworks in Fairfield, CA, please call us to schedule an appointment.
Treat Your Depression With a Provider at Thriveworks in Fairfield, CA
Treating depression requires commitment and patience. But with an open mind and continued support, you can manage your symptoms and live a happier, healthier life. Consider calling our office today to get started.
We want to make therapy and counseling as convenient as possible. We offer extended evening and weekend hours to help our clients find time for treatment. You can work with a provider in person or online through video chats or phone calls, giving you options for how you receive care.
You’ll have access to providers between sessions via phone and email. We also offer other perks, including 24-hour Q+A support, exclusive video content, and our counselor-moderated community message board. We also accept many different insurance plans to help make treatment more accessible and affordable.
Do you want to talk to a mental health professional about your depression? Consider calling our office today at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CA. One of our team members can answer any of your questions and set up your first appointment. We can’t wait to help you thrive.
