Depression Therapy — Counselors and Therapists in Knoxville, TN
In 2014, about 6.7 percent of Americans suffered from a major depressive episode (adaa.org). Millions of people suffer through depression every day, but many never reach out for help, while some people wait months or years to seek help. Thriveworks Knoxville counselors are ready to see you as soon as this week. You don’t have to suffer any longer. Reach out today to get started.
Types of Depression
Depression is debilitating to those who experience it, but it is also a source of pain for the depression victim’s friends and family. Understanding the different types, signs, and symptoms of depression will help you identify what you or your loved one might be going through.
Major depressive disorder, also known as recurrent depression, clinical depression, major depression, or unipolar disorder, impedes a person’s ability to live a balanced lifestyle due to overwhelming negative feelings such as hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, and irritability. Normal activities such as sleeping, eating, enjoying favorite activities, working, and studying can all be disrupted by the overwhelming nature of the disorder.
When feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or anxiety persist for more than two years, this is known as persistent depressive disorder. You might also be affected by psychotic depression, depression that occurs in conjunction with irrational beliefs, hallucinations, or other delusions; seasonal affective disorder, which is a state of depression incited by fewer hours of daylight; postpartum depression, the severe depressive state mothers sometimes experience after childbirth; or one of the other forms of depression, including bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of Depression
Regardless of which type of depression you are living with, many of the symptoms for each are similar. In addition to feelings of persistent sadness, depression can include the following:
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Irritability and bouts of extreme anger
- Difficulty falling asleep or waking up
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Slowed thinking
- Inexplicable aches and pains that don’t lessen with treatment
- Decreased interest in formerly enjoyable activities
- Suicidal thoughts (or actual attempts)
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulty in making decisions, large or small
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on detailed work
Self-Help for Depression
If you’re experiencing depression, the following are some steps you can take immediately to help improve your outlook:
1. Exercise regularly.
Even if it’s just a casual walk around your neighborhood, an active body means a calmer mind.
2. Socialize and find support.
Confide in a friend or family member who has your best interest in mind. Simply having a judgment-free sounding board will relieve some of the pressure, almost like someone is sharing the load with you. If someone knows what you’re going through, they’ll better be able to help.
3. Expect change to be gradual.
Working through depression isn’t like flipping a switch. It’s a potentially long process, but a rewarding one. The sooner you start, the sooner you will experience relief.
4. Replace the negative with the positive.
It’s much harder to “stop seeing the negative” without replacing it with something positive. If you know a certain activity incites depression, avoid that activity by doing something positive instead.
Why Choose Thriveworks Knoxville Depression Counseling?
At Thriveworks Knoxville Counseling, we believe it should be easy to obtain quality therapy when you need it. It’s one of our founding principles. Therefore, Thriveworks Knoxville counselors operate on a strict no waiting list policy, which means that when you call to schedule your first appointment, you’ll talk to an actual person (not an answering machine) who will help you find a session within the week. Depression is an overwhelming burden to carry alone. Let Thriveworks Knoxville depression counseling share the weight. Reach out today to get started.
