Dan Reynolds, the lead singer for the band Imagine Dragons, once stated, “People who have never dealt with depression think it’s just being sad or being in a bad mood. That’s not what depression is for me; it’s falling into a state of grayness and numbness.” Depression might be a different experience for everyone. Some episodes of major depression might manifest as anger or irritability. Other bouts might manifest as withdrawal from friends and family. Some people turn to the bottle or to numbing drugs in order to manage their negative feelings. They may also cope with depression for many years, not recognizing it as a treatable mental health condition and thinking it’s just their personality.
Unique people deserve unique treatment for their depression. That is why Thriveworks in Joliet, IL offers a wide variety of licensed specialists to help people face and overcome their mood disorders. Thriveworks has psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, licensed counselors, and other mental health providers that you can choose from to help you understand and manage your depression. If you are experiencing feelings of depression, our staff can get you started with a qualified therapist right away for in-person or online counseling. Uninsured residents can access Thriveworks’ mental health services here, while residents with insurance can schedule an appointment here (where any out-of-pocket expenses will be covered).
How Can Counselors Help Depression?
Treating depression is not rocket science, but it does require expertise and compassion. Neurologists and other experts in the field know more about the causes of and treatments for depression than ever before. Mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL may use any of the following evidence-based approaches to treating individualized cases of depression:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-focused CBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Psychoeducation
- Psychiatric medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers
- Strength-based therapy
- Person-centered therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Adjustments to sleep patterns and diet
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Relationship counseling
- Family therapy
Can Depression Lead to Substance Abuse?
Mental health conditions can lead to substance abuse and other comorbidities if they’re not addressed. This is because the human mind will do pretty much anything to escape from emotional pain. But if you address the pain head-on with a licensed depression counselor at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL, you could find resolution for additional issues as well. Psychologists often look at root causes of anxiety and depression, not just the symptoms. They want to work with you to understand what neurological, social, and environmental factors might be triggering your depression so you can develop the tools to deal with your feelings effectively.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
A depressive episode can exhibit many different symptoms, but licensed depression counselors at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL might recognize any of the following signs as red flags:
- Sadness or despair that doesn’t go away after two weeks
- Losing interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Overwhelming negative feelings like guilt or worthlessness
- Physical exhaustion
- Sleep disturbances
- Appetite changes and unintentional weight loss or gain
- Irritability
- Unexplainable physical aches and pains
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation (elevated or lowered energy levels)
- Thoughts of suicide (if you ever experience thoughts of suicide, call a crisis hotline like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or seek professional help right away)
What Are the Types of Depression?
There are numerous forms of depression, grouped by symptoms in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A psychiatrist or another licensed provider at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL can evaluate clients for any of the following types of depression:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) aka dysthymia
- Bipolar disorder (which used to be called manic depression)
- Bipolar II disorder (characterized by hypomania instead of mania)
- Cyclothymic disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Postpartum depression (PPD) or perinatal depression (PND)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Situational depression
- Psychotic depression
- Atypical depression
Not only does each form of depression have a different treatment protocol, but mental health providers need to tailor mental health care to an individual’s unique experience as well. That’s why it’s so important to have an adept therapist on your side as you navigate this complex mental health condition.
Find Depression Counseling Covered by Insurance at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL
Thriveworks clients can call the office in Joliet, IL and speak to a staff member who will quickly match them to a licensed mental health provider. At Thriveworks, we want to help you overcome your depression in any way we can. Uninsured residents can access Thriveworks’ mental health services here, while residents with insurance can schedule an appointment here (where any out-of-pocket expenses will be covered).
