Depression is a common but widely misunderstood mental health issue. Many people simply associate depressive disorders with being excessively sad or tearful and erroneously label people with depression as lazy or unmotivated.
The truth is that depression is a serious mood disorder that can present in many different ways and is often difficult to control. Depressive disorders impair the way you think and have a direct effect on your feelings and behavior. As a result, your relationships, work performance, and quality of life can be difficult to manage.
Many people miss out on getting the help they need to manage their depression due to the unfair and incorrect stigma around this mental health condition. It’s not uncommon for people with depression to turn to ineffective coping mechanisms, substance abuse, or other harmful actions to cope with or temporarily relieve symptoms.
Although depression can be overwhelming and debilitating at times, it can be effectively treated with the help of a licensed mental health professional. Even your most troubling symptoms can be mitigated through depression therapy, prescribed medication, or other therapeutic techniques.
You don’t have to face depression on your own, and help is available when you’re ready to make a change. At Thriveworks Counseling in Longmont, CO, our therapists and counselors are here to help you overcome your depression and get more out of life. Schedule your first appointment today, and you may be able to meet with a counselor or therapist within 24 to 48 hours.
What Are Common Depression Symptoms?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or “down.” Sadness, grief, melancholy, and disappointment are all normal emotions and part of being human, but depressive disorders cause those feelings to be extreme or persistent. In some cases, feelings of sadness may not be obvious, or they can be accompanied by other depression symptoms.
Depression can cause a vast assortment of physical or psychological manifestations, including the following:
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Helplessness or hopelessness
- Sleep disruption, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Changes in appetite and weight –– reduced appetite and weight loss or increased food cravings and weight gain
- Agitation, irritability, or restlessness
- Headaches or dizziness
- Self-loathing
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Unexplained aches and pains
There are many forms of depression, and each one can look different from one person to the next. If you’re unsure of whether you’re experiencing depression, consider speaking with a licensed therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Longmont, CO for help.
How Depression Therapy Can Help
Depression can be difficult to recognize on your own and even harder to treat without the help of a licensed mental health professional. Fortunately, depression therapy can help you overcome even your most troubling depression symptoms and show you how to keep them from interfering with your life.
Depressive disorders are unique and require distinct treatment approaches; for example, postpartum depression cannot always be treated in the same way you treat major depressive disorder. The treatments your counselor recommends will be specifically chosen based on your symptoms, personality, and the type of depression you are facing.
Treating depression often requires a diverse approach that may include prescribed medications and multiple forms of talk therapy. Talk therapy can help you understand and accept your condition and will guide you through steps to adjust your thinking habits and behavior.
Common forms of talk therapy used to treat depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. It is not uncommon for depression treatment to include multiple forms of talk therapy, and you may try several types before finding one that feels most helpful. You might also learn other therapeutic techniques like practiced breathing, meditation, and positive affirmation to help manage your symptoms independently at home and in the future.
Prescribed antidepressants may also be recommended to reduce depression symptoms and manage depressive disorders long term. These medications can be especially helpful when combined with talk therapy and other therapeutic approaches.
When you’re ready to take the next step in overcoming depression, a mental health provider at Thriveworks in Longmont, CO is eager to meet you and prepared to help. You can choose to pursue counseling or therapy for depression in-person or online by phone or video chat.
Book Your Appointment For Depression Counseling at Thriveworks Counseling in Longmont, CO
Treating depression doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming, and Thriveworks is here to make it as easy as possible. When you decide to pursue therapy or counseling for depression at Thriveworks in Longmont, CO, you can look forward to the following:
- Online counseling opportunities
- Evening and weekend appointments
- Compassionate providers that accept many insurance plans
- Flexible cancellations
- Exclusive video content
- Free e-copy of “Leaving Depression Behind”
You can learn to manage depression and other mood disorders. When you’re ready to regain control of your mental health, let the team at Thriveworks Counseling in Longmont, CO lead the way. Call our office today or use our online scheduling tool to get started.