Have you had a sad and sinking mood that you feel unable to shake? Do you feel like it’s hard to get motivated to perform activities you used to love? Are constant negative thoughts and a low self-esteem preventing you from achieving your goals? These are all common indications you may have a depressive disorder.
It’s estimated that at least 17 million Americans have suffered from a major depressive episode in the past year alone. But just because depression is common doesn’t mean that everyone has an easy time talking about it. Many who experience mental and emotional issues don’t seek treatment, which is especially regrettable considering how helpful professional counseling can be.
Depression isn’t just a condition that affects your mental and emotional health. It can also have a long-term impact on your physical health. It can lead to a weakened immune system, heart problems, weight fluctuations, brain fog, and changes in your sleeping habits.
Feeling down once in a while is a normal part of life. However, if symptoms of depression are getting in the way of your normal daily functioning, there is no shame in reaching out for guidance and support.
The experienced and compassionate professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Salt Lake City, UT are dedicated to improving your mental and emotional well-being. Make an appointment today if you think you could benefit from working with a depression therapist.
Typical Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression can be caused by biological or hereditary factors as well as life experiences or traumatic events. There are various forms of depression and each person may experience symptoms differently.
That said, some of the most common signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Loss of energy
- Trouble with memory or concentration
- Persistent hopeless, sad, or empty feeling
- Changes to sleeping and/or eating patterns
- Apathy
- Social isolation
- Poor self-esteem
- Substance abuse
- Increased restlessness or anxiety
- Heightened irritability
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
One of the most common depressive conditions is called persistent depressive disorder (PDD), which is characterized by a low mood with at least two other symptoms for a minimum of two years. Major depression, on the other hand, may occur in shorter-term episodes that significantly impair your ability to function in daily life.
If you’ve been struggling with symptoms like those listed above and need someone to talk to, licensed counselors are standing by at Thriveworks Counseling in Salt Lake City, UT.
What To Expect From Depression Counseling
Depression may be overwhelming but it is also highly treatable. Depression counseling can take many forms, depending on your symptoms and the specifics of your situation. You may need some form of medication to either mitigate symptoms while you undergo talk therapy or to deal with a biological factor that may be the initial cause of your condition. Alternatively, you may benefit more from psychotherapy and some thoughtful adjustments to your self-care routine.
Talk therapy has been proven to be highly effective when it comes to treating depression. One of the most common forms of talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which takes an in-depth look at your thought patterns and how negative thinking may be impacting your mood and behavior. The brain is highly adaptable and under the guidance of a licensed counselor, it is possible to make adjustments to your thinking patterns to have a profound impact on your daily life.
Problem-solving therapy is another effective form of treatment for depression. This is a short-term treatment option that helps clients improve their problem-solving skills, which can have a significant impact on their mood and mental state.
If you’d like to experience the benefits of depression therapy and find a treatment plan that is right for you, mental health professionals are standing by at Thriveworks Counseling in Salt Lake City, UT.
Starting Therapy for Depression With Thriveworks in Salt Lake City, UT
At Thriveworks Counseling we ensure our mental health services are easily accessible. Our online counseling services are a convenient way to get depression counseling help from the comfort of your own home. We take many forms of insurance and offer evening and weekend sessions so you can easily find time for therapy in your schedule.
Thriveworks Counseling offers a number of other exclusive benefits. These include:
- Advice from your counselor in between appointments
- Our Therapy Buddy app
- 24-hour Q&A with a life improvement coach
- Text-based support for scheduling and billing
- Counselor-moderated community discussions
- Exclusive video content
- Free eBook about depression
If you’re struggling with feelings of depression, help is available at Thriveworks Counseling in Salt Lake City, UT.
