Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the US and the world. This mental illness affects how one feels, thinks, and acts. It comes with feelings of intense sadness and a loss of interest in once beloved activities. It can cause various problems in one’s day to day life. Here are a few important statistics on depression:
- Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. (World Health Organization, 2017)
- Major depressive disorder affects an estimated 17.3 million adults in the US, or 7.1% of the adult population, in any given year. (National Institute of Mental Health)
- 9 million children have a diagnosed depressive disorder. (Centers for Disease Control)
- 7 million adults aged 65 years and older have depression. (Centers for Disease Control)
- Women are almost twice as likely as men to have depression. (Centers for Disease Control)
The good news is that depression is also highly treatable. There are several forms of treatment that prove to help individuals manage depression symptoms, including depression therapy, medication, and self-care. Treatment is decided on a case by case basis—one individual might benefit from medication and therapy, while another individual might best benefit from a combination of therapy and self-care.
Your depression therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CT can help you figure out which combination is best for you. These professionals have specific skills and knowledge in helping people to manage depression symptoms, identify potential causes of their depression, and live a happier, healthier life in spite of their depression. If you are exhibiting signs of depression, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling today. We’ll set you up with a depression therapist at your earliest convenience. Give us a call at (203) 433-3563 to schedule your appointment.
What Are Common Signs of Depression?
Depression isn’t a straightforward illness. Virtually, every individual that develops depression has a unique experience. For example, some people experience physical disruptions like fatigue, muscle tightness, and trouble sleeping. Others, though, experience only mental and emotional symptoms like sadness, loneliness, and guilt. Still, others might experience all of the above! Here is a comprehensive list of common depression symptoms, some of which we just mentioned:
- Despair or depressed mood
- Lack of interest (or pleasure) in activities the individual once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite; weight gain or loss
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-hatred
- Inability or diminished ability to think, concentrate,
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
These symptoms are present for at least two weeks for an individual to be diagnosed with depression. If you are experiencing any combination of the above, talk to a medical professional. You might have depression, and it’s important that you begin treatment for it as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CT has depression therapists who are ready and able to help.
Therapy for Depression: How Does It Work?
Depression therapy is very effective in treating this disorder and helping people get back to living the lives they know and love. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach in depression therapy, as it focuses on helping individuals to change their negative thinking patterns, which then enable them to change their problematic behaviors. Additionally, depression therapists help their clients to manage their symptoms, get to the root of what may have caused their depression, and reminding them of their value.
“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” –Fred Rogers
Sometimes, therapy is used in conjunction with other treatments, of which we mentioned above: medication and/or self-care strategies. Antidepressants can help to relieve symptoms of depression, and self-care can help one to improve their overall wellbeing. Your depression therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CT can help you find self-care techniques that you can engage in, enjoy, and benefit from.
Work with a Depression Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CT
If you are exhibiting symptoms of depression or you feel depressed, consider working with a depression therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CT. You can schedule an appointment today, to see one of these professionals at your earliest convenience. We have flexible scheduling options to choose from, including extended hours on the weekends and in the evenings.
We want to help you manage the harmful symptoms of depression, get to the bottom of why you might feel depressed, and live an overall better life. Call us at (203) 433-3563 when you’re ready to schedule your appointment.
