Part of the human experience is going through waves of emotions—highs and lows, happiness and sadness. Of course, we all prefer to ride the wave that comes along with joy and contentment, but it is inevitable that you’ll experience grief, sadness, and other negative emotions at some points in your life.
For many people, feelings of sadness go away after a period of time. In extreme cases, such as the loss of a loved one, feelings of grief can linger. But if severe feelings of sadness and hopelessness begin to feel overwhelming, uncontrollable, or last longer than two weeks, it could indicate a depressive disorder.
Depression is a common but treatable mental health condition that affects millions of people. It is a mood disorder that goes beyond normal episodes of feeling sad or down and may appear at any time. When left untreated, depression symptoms can intensify and may interfere with your life, relationships, or performance at school or work.
Treating depression is easier and more successful in early, less severe stages. If you think you may be depressed, consider speaking with a mental health professional at Thriveworks in Greeley, CO, for help. Call our office or use our convenient online scheduling tool to set up your first appointment.
Recognizing Different Causes and Types of Depression
There are many different forms of depression, and each depressive disorder may have slightly different manifestations than others. As with many mental health conditions, symptoms tend to vary widely from one person to the next, even among individuals suffering from the same condition.
Some common types of depression include major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, situational depression, and persistent depressive disorder. While many of these mood disorders are characterized by sadness, disinterest in activities, or isolation, other symptoms may vary and range in severity.
There are many things that can increase your risk of developing a depressive disorder, including. :
- Genetic predisposition
- Physical changes or injury
- Environmental factors
- Traumatic experiences or events
- Certain health issues
- Hormonal changes
- Medications or substance abuse
Some depressive disorders may be influenced by a combination of more than one of these influential factors. For example, a woman may be more at risk of developing postpartum depression (generally correlated to hormonal and biological changes) if she is genetically predisposed to depression or mental illness.
If you are unsure of whether you’re experiencing the symptoms of depression, consider meeting with a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Greeley, CO. A mental health professional can help you determine what specific depressive or mood disorder you may be facing and guide you through therapy or counseling to help you overcome your symptoms and manage your condition.
How Does Depression Therapy Work?
Even the most severe forms of depression can be treated and overcome with the help of therapy, lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of methods. Treating depression is a very personal experience tailored around your specific issues, personality, and preferences. Your therapist or counselor will create a unique treatment plan that is designed around your individual needs and can include multiple therapeutic approaches.
Talk therapy is the most common method of treatment utilized in depression therapy and counseling. Talk therapy helps you recognize and understand the way you think and how that affects your emotions and behavior. Many forms of talk therapy can help teach you how to cope with difficult emotions, reset patterns of thought, and adjust the way you respond to challenges and different stressors.
Some typical forms of talk therapy used in treating depression include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Family therapy
Prescription medications may also help reduce depression symptoms and make depressive disorders more manageable long term. Antidepressants can be especially effective when combined with professional therapy and other stress-reduction techniques like meditation.
When you are ready to take the next step in overcoming your depression, you may be able to meet with a therapist at Thriveworks in Greeley, CO, in as little as 24 to 48 hours. You can schedule your first appointment online or by calling our friendly scheduling team for assistance.
Therapy for Depression at Thriveworks in Greeley, CO
At Thriveworks in Greeley, CO, we want to make it easy for you to begin treatment and get the help you need to manage the mental health issues you’re facing in life. We accept many insurance plans and offer appointments on weekends and in the evenings to help you find time for care.
Thriveworks also provides benefits that make accessing your provider convenient, even from home. Online counseling opportunities are available, and you can even contact your provider by phone or email between sessions. Exclusive online video content and 24-hour ask-a-coach Q&A provide additional support at any hour.
You don’t have to let your depression control your life. Mental health professionals from Thriveworks in Greeley, CO, can help you regain control of your mental health and face each day with confidence and control. Call our office today to set up your first appointment.
