It’s normal to feel sad, hopeless, or unmotivated from time to time. Bad news or the loss of a loved one can cause sadness and grief. Not getting enough sleep at night can make you feel tired and lazy. But if these feelings persist or begin to interfere with your daily life, you may be experiencing depression.
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues experienced worldwide, with over 264 million people affected by this disorder. Both children and adults can become depressed, as can people of any ethnicity, economic class, or gender.
While your first instinct may be to wait out your depression symptoms and let them pass, mental disorders are unlikely to go away on their own. If your symptoms interfere with your daily functioning and last for more than a few days, you might need help from a mental health professional.
Left untreated, depression symptoms can get worse over time, lead to more severe mental illness, and negatively affect your daily life. Attempting to mask or temporarily relieve your depression symptoms can lead to substance abuse or self-harm. You may begin to lose focus and perform poorly at work or school, or experience conflict in your personal relationships.
If you think you may be suffering from depression, a mental health professional at Thriveworks in Lafayette, LA can help you manage your symptoms and tackle the underlying causes so you can start feeling better.
Am I Experiencing Depression Symptoms?
When you are caught in the grips of a depressive disorder, you may experience mental, emotional, or physical evidence of your condition (or a combination of all three). Depressive disorders can quickly take over your daily life if they are not identified and promptly addressed.
There are several different forms of depression with a long list of potential symptoms. Each person may experience a different combination of psychological or physiological effects.
That said, symptoms of depression may include any of the following:
- Sadness or depressed mood
- Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities
- Low energy or activity level
- Anxiety
- Insomnia or sleep changes
- Changes in appetite
- Low self-esteem
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt or regret
- Suicidal thoughts
If you have persistent or intense presentations of any of these symptoms, consider connecting with a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Lafayette, LA to determine whether you’re experiencing depression and what you can do about it.
Can Depression Therapy Really Help Me?
Treating your depression or mood disorder is much easier to do without the help of a trained mental health professional. Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors are specially trained to treat postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, and other forms of depression.
Working with a licensed mental health professional can help you get the proper care you need to alleviate your symptoms and get your life back on track. Treatment for depression usually involves different types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Depending on the duration or severity of your symptoms, your provider may also recommend the addition of medication like antidepressants.
When you undergo counseling with a licensed Thriveworks professional, you may experience the following improvements:
- Improved or elevated mood
- More energy and motivation
- Stronger relationships
- Enhanced concentration and focus
- Increased confidence or self-esteem
If you need relief from your depression symptoms, connect with a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Lafayette, LA to take the first step.
Meet With a Therapist at Thriveworks for Counseling in Lafayette, LA
Depressive episodes can feel difficult, heavy, and overwhelming. Asking for help is sometimes the hardest part of treatment but doing so is a courageous step that will bring you closer to restoring balance and fulfillment in life. The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Lafayette, LA are here to help you make those first steps just a little bit easier and support you throughout your entire journey.
If your depression symptoms are getting in the way of leading a happy life, you don’t have to wait any longer for help. At Thriveworks, we can usually accommodate clients within 24 to 48 hours so you can receive the treatment you need as soon as possible. You’ll also receive access to exclusive online content and a copy of our eBook entitled “Leaving Depression Behind” so you can supplement your healing journey on your own.
In-person and online appointments are available seven days a week so you can meet with your therapist wherever and whenever you may need to. Virtual sessions can be conducted by phone or video chat without even stepping outside your home.
When you’re ready to conquer your depression, Thriveworks in Lafayette, LA is here to help you get your life back. Call us or click our scheduling tool to get started.
Stress, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, Depression, Trauma / PTSD 
