For the past few weeks, Sammy has been feeling more than just “down.” After he lost his job last month, he felt worthless with little hope for his future, and those feelings haven’t gone away. He’s been ignoring calls and invitations from friends and family members, and even stopped going to his weekly kickball games. For the most part, Sammy sleeps all day and can’t remember the last time he showered. Even though he’s on the verge of eviction, he just can’t find the motivation or willpower to look for a new job.
Like millions of other people across the globe, Sammy is suffering from depression. Although depression is very common, it is a major mood disorder that can severely impact your life. Left untreated, depression can change the way you think and feel and may interfere with your ability to perform basic tasks, achieve goals, or live a normal life.
Fortunately, even the most severe cases of depression can be treated with the help of a mental health professional. A licensed therapist or counselor can help you overcome your most debilitating symptoms and help you return to your life.
If you think you might be struggling with depression, Thriveworks Counseling can connect you with an experienced mental health professional who can help. You can schedule your first consultation through our online portal, or by calling our office in Kailua, HI. One of our team members can help you set up your first appointment.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression
There are many different forms of depression, and each one affects people differently. Some types of depression are brought on by previous trauma, illness, genetics, or environmental influences. Certain medications and substance abuse can also contribute to depressive disorders.
Depression symptoms can manifest both physiologically and psychologically, and they can vary greatly from one person to the next. Although most people with depression have a unique experience with the disorder, there are some signs and symptoms that are common to most depressive disorders, including the following:
- Persistent or excessive feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Agitation and irritability
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, or making decisions
- Lack of energy
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Headache
- Dizziness
If you’ve experienced physical or psychological symptoms of depression for longer than two weeks or your symptoms are interfering with your life, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Kailua, HI.
How Depression Therapy Can Help
When you’re struggling with depression, managing your symptoms by yourself can be difficult. Depressive disorders rarely go away on their own, and self-coping mechanisms don’t always work. Working with a licensed therapist or counselor is the best way to identify, understand, and overcome your depression.
Treating depression is unique to every individual, and your therapist will assess several aspects of your condition and personality to design a treatment plan specific to you. Therapy for depression usually involves a treatment plan with many different components including talk therapy, prescribed medication, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques.
Talk therapy is an approach to treating mental health issues that involves talking or interacting with a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. It can help you understand your condition, moods, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. During therapy sessions, you’ll learn how to regain control of your mental health and apply healthy coping mechanisms in your life that can help you respond to challenging situations and emotions.
Common types of talk therapy used in treating depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Your provider will recommend certain types of therapy based on the specific issues you’re experiencing, and may also suggest the addition of prescription medication such as antidepressants.
Depression therapy is effective in treating most forms of depressive and mood disorders, from postpartum depression to major depressive disorder and many conditions in between.
You Can Begin Depression Therapy at Thriveworks Counseling in Kailua, HI
You don’t have to face your depression on your own or wait any longer for relief. The mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Kailua, HI are accepting new clients — most new clients can have their first session within just 24 to 48 hours.
When you decide to pursue therapy with Thriveworks Counseling, you can look forward to the following benefits:
- Online counseling opportunities via phone or video chat
- Flexible appointments offered seven days a week, including evenings
- Appointments start on time
- Many insurance plans accepted
- Phone and email access to providers in between therapy sessions
- Exclusive online video content
- Counselor-moderated community discussion boards
- Free e-copy of “Leaving Depression Behind”
If you’re ready to take the next step in overcoming depression and getting more out of life, a licensed professional at Thriveworks in Kailua, HI is here to guide you through the journey to better mental health. Call our office today to schedule your first appointment
