Whitney’s friends and family have noticed a marked change in her demeanor. Only a few months ago, she was vivacious, happy, and charismatic. But now that vibrant personality is buried somewhere deep. While Whitney doesn’t seem open to talking about what’s bothering her, it’s obvious that something is wrong.
From Whitney’s perspective, she’s been feeling sad and apathetic. She doesn’t want to distance herself from the people she loves, but she can’t help it in this state. The other day, her best friend Dez called, concerned that Whitney’s depressed — she recommends that Whitney speak with a counselor. Although Whitney feels apprehensive, she thinks that depression therapy might help.
Depression therapy at Thriveworks in Irvine, CA can help people like Whitney understand their symptoms and better manage their depression. If you have noticed a change in your thoughts, feelings, personality, or behaviors, and you think that you might be depressed, consider connecting with one of our depression therapists. We’re here to help.
Am I Depressed? What Does Depression Feel Like?
The symptoms of depression can vary from one person to the next. That’s part of why it’s so important to open up to a counselor about the ways that depression is affecting you—by providing that feedback, you’re allowing your provider to offer personalized mental health care. With that in mind, there are several common signs of depression to look out for, including:
- Feeling chronically fatigued
- A noted lack of interest in sex, hobbies, or relationships
- Feeling distant from loved ones and friends
- Decreased work performance
- Sleep disturbances (i.e. insomnia or hypersomnia)
- 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 just a few of the main signs and symptoms of depression. It’s important to remember that depression can look different from one person to the next—for example, one person might distance themselves from their loved ones and struggle to fall asleep each night; another might neglect self-care practices and sleep all the time.
How Can Depression Therapy Help Me?
Depression can be effectively treated by a counselor, therapist, or psychologist. These mental health professionals help everyday people like yourself to manage their depression and will work to:
- Better understand their specific depression symptoms
- Dig into potential causes of the individual’s depression
- Serve as an outlet for those burdened by this mood disorder
- Use talk and behavioral therapy to provide helpful coping strategies
For certain people, especially those with more persistent or severe forms of depression, connecting with a psychiatrist is helpful, too. Psychiatrists are:
- Medical doctors who specialize in mental health
- Able to prescribe and manage medication, like antidepressants
- Qualified to provide therapy
Regardless of which mental health professional you work with at Thriveworks, you’ll receive the customized depression treatment that you need and deserve.
What Type of Depression Could I Have?
Though there are many types of depression, our therapists and psychiatrists commonly treat:
- Minor depression: As the name implies, this is less severe than major depression but just as harmful. Because those with this disorder may go long periods without feeling depressed, identifying what’s triggering their sadness can be difficult for those with minor depression.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression affects women who’ve given birth; those who underwent caesarian sections or had a miscarriage are at higher risk. This disorder can onset immediately or months after childbirth.
- Major depression: This disorder causes emotional detachment, sadness, hopelessness, and apathy. Those who suffer from major depression may become socially isolated, further exacerbating their condition. It’s what most people think of when they hear the word “depression.”
- Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder can cause depression when the mood swings that it causes fluctuate. Those with bipolar disorder may feel extremely happy for a minute and furious or dejected in the next.
Schedule Depression Treatment at Thriveworks in Irvine, CA
Getting the help you need to better manage the symptoms of your depression shouldn’t be difficult; and at Thriveworks in Irvine, CA, we’ve made it easier than ever to get the psychiatry or depression therapy you need. When you call our office, you’ll be connected with a scheduling specialist who can assist you with enrolling with us. Our scheduling team is available seven days a week to help with everything from setting up your insurance, to finding the perfect depression therapist.
Plus, enrolling with Thriveworks comes with an array of exclusive benefits, including:
- Online therapy options: Meet with your provider virtually, and enjoy the freedom to do so from home or the office.
- Our Therapy Buddy app: A personal progress assistant that helps track your journey as you attend therapy.
- A digital copy of “Leaving Depression Behind”: A valuable resource that aims to help people recover from and cope with anxiety.
- Talk with a life coach at Thriveworks: Our Q/A chat line can help you out in-between appointments.
Depression is a mental health disorder that can put distance between you and the things as well as the people you love most—take the time to talk to a professional about how you’re feeling and work toward a happier life. Schedule depression treatment today by calling Thriveworks in Irvine, CA.
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