In the past several months since the loss of her father, Steff has felt directionless. Even though she doesn’t want to spin her wheels any further, she can’t find the solid ground that she’s looking for. Even though she’s close to her mother and siblings, her family doesn’t usually like to discuss deeper emotional issues; it’s felt like it’s up to her to find her own way.
In her spare time, she’s found herself less interested in hobbies, friendships, or dating than she was before her father’s death. Steff knows that grieving takes time, but also has a gut feeling that she might be slipping into depression. Despite her uncertainties, she’s becoming open to the possibility of talking to a mental health professional about the struggles she’s been facing, even though she’s nervous about it.
For many people, Steff’s story may sound familiar. Perhaps you’re stuck, wondering how to find relief from the symptoms of depression. But keep in mind—dealing with mental health conditions, especially ones as disruptive as depression, doesn’t need to happen by yourself. If you’re interested in getting professional support and guidance from a provider at Thriveworks in Lawton, OK, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Do I Have Depression? What Does It Feel Like?
“Depression” as a term actually refers to a set of closely related mental health disorders, all of which have different symptoms. It’s okay if you’re concerned that you may have depression—but don’t try to self-diagnose. The only person qualified to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and conditions is a licensed mental health professional. With that in mind, there are several common signs that might serve as indications that you are suffering from depression, such as:
- Seeming distant to loved ones and friends
- Overeating or avoiding eating to cope with stress or sadness
- Decreased work performance
- Lack of self-care (i.e. personal hygiene or a clean living environment)
- Drug and alcohol abuse to cope with emotional pain
- Feeling chronically fatigued
- A noted lack of interest in sex, hobbies, or relationships
These are just a few of the many ways that depression might manifest itself in your life. And at Thriveworks in Lawton, OK, we help everyday people manage and mitigate the symptoms of some of the most common types of depression, including:
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that develops during a mother’s recovery, resulting in dissociation, confusion, and apathy. Women who undergo cesarean sections are even more likely to experience this type of depression.
- Bipolar Disorder: It might seem strange to categorize bipolar disorder as a form of depression. But this mental health condition can change someone’s emotions from elation to incredible hopelessness in an instant. Despite their best intentions, those with bipolar disorder often suffer to maintain close relationships due to their unpredictable mood swings
- Major depressive disorder: This disorder constitutes what most people think of when they imagine depression. Major depressive disorder sufferers endure long stints of emotional detachment and despair. These factors, combined with a lack of interest in relationships, hobbies, or their own wellbeing can socially isolate those with this condition.
- Minor depression: As the name suggests, minor depression is similar to major depression but somewhat less severe in effect and duration. Still, those with this condition still will seem distant, withdrawn, or overwhelmed with sadness.
Who Should I Talk to About My Depression?
There’s a lot of outdated stigmas attached to subjects related to mental health, and it’s understandable if you’re concerned about the way you’ll be perceived or treated. But rest assured, taking the proactive steps to talk to a provider is a great way to take back control of your mental health—it’s not a sign of weakness.
Both psychologists and psychiatristsn can help treat depression but in different ways. For example, psychiatrists are often the go-to choice for more severe or persistent cases of depression because they’re:
- Medical doctors in addition to being licensed to conduct therapy sessions.
- Able to prescribe helpful medication to people in order to assist them in managing the disruptive effects of mental health disorders like depression.
- Able to use a combinative approach with prescriptions and a form of talk/behavioral therapy to assist those who see them.
In comparison, psychologists can help by:
- Treating mental health disorders and conditions using different forms of therapy (i.e talk or behavioral types)
- Using sessions as a medium for progress. These sessions rely on a candid, professional relationship between themselves and the client.
- Using your personal experiences and needs to create custom treatment plans that include coping strategies and the formation of healthy boundaries.
Schedule a Psychiatry or Therapy Session for Your Depression at Thriveworks
If you’re ready to be paired with a mental health professional and to start taking your life back from depression, give Thriveworks in Lawton, OK a call. Our scheduling specialists are available to help you seven days a week. And we also provide exclusive benefits for those who enroll with us, including:
- Flexible appointment options, including those in the evenings and on the weekends
- Our Therapy Buddy app—a great way to measure your progress through therapy or psychiatric care
- A fast response time from your provider’s office. Most of our clients have their first session within 24-48 hours of calling in for the first time
- Ask a life coach a question, with our Q/A chat feature
Reaching out to get the assistance of one of our providers isn’t a sign of defeat; it’s a great way to find a mental health ally who’s got your back. Contact our Thriveworks team in Lawton, OK to partner with a provider that can make a difference.
