Tyra hasn’t had much of a chance to catch her breath since she split with her partner last month. Even though they’ve done their best to stay amicable and hope to be in each other’s lives to some extent, the full force of the breakup still hasn’t really faded. She knows that it makes sense for her to be upset, but the feelings seem deeper than that. Some days, it’s an effort just to get out of bed and get going.
Eventually, Tyra knows that her life will need to resume, but when, she wonders? It’s not like she’s trying to feel hopeless or apathetic. Even though her work performance and social life have started to suffer, she’s been doing her best to maintain the many connections and obligations she has. And every day, she’s beginning to suspect more and more that she might be slipping into depression. But Tyra wants to be proactive; she’s considering talking to a mental health professional about the symptoms she’s faced with.
If you’re in Tyra’s position, maybe you’re starting to wonder if you’re depressed. Constant feelings of hopelessness and apathy can start to wear on our ability to function, and if you are depressed, it’s important to remember that depression is a serious mental health disorder. But thankfully, if you’re interested in partnering with the providers at Thriveworks in Madison, WI, getting professional assistance and guidance could help reduce or eliminate the pain of depression.
Am I Experiencing Depression?
As a complex mental health disorder, it’s essential to keep in mind that depression affects everyone differently. For some, their symptoms remain somewhat constant, while for others, negative sensations come and go unpredictably. Everyone’s experience with depression will vary, but there are common warning signs and indications that someone is depressed, including:
- Decreased work performance
- Feeling chronically fatigued
- A noted lack of interest in sex, hobbies, or relationships
- Feeling distant from loved ones and friends
- Overeating or avoiding eating
- Lack of self-care (i.e. personal hygiene or a clean living environment)
- You’ve been abusing drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain
These are just a few of the many different ways that anxiety can manifest; don’t be worried if your experience isn’t detailed in the list above. In fact, your uniqueness is what makes opening up to a provider so much more important. By doing so, you can provide them with the feedback they need to understand your situation.
Should I Talk to a Therapist or a Psychiatrist About My Depression?
Our clients can work with counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.. These mental health professionals can help people with managing and mitigating the symptoms of depression, but they may do so in different ways. For example, psychiatrists are…
- Medical doctors who are licensed to conduct therapy sessions
- Able to use helpful prescription medicine and therapy as needed to assist people
- Often a better option for those with more severe cases of depression due to their ability to combine therapy and prescription treatments into one approach
On the other hand, a therapist or counselor can assist you with depression by:
- Creating a professional connection to better understand your depression
- Serving as a verbal and emotional outlet for those burdened by this mood disorder
- Using talk and behavioral therapy to implement coping strategies for clients
Are There Different Types of Depression?
Yes—contrary to popular belief, “depression” actually refers to a cluster of closely related emotional disorders. There are many different types of depression, but some of the most common that our therapists and psychiatrists treat include:
- Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder can cause depression when the mood swings that it causes fluctuate. Those with bipolar disorder may feel extremely happy for a minute, and furious or dejected in the next.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression affects women who’ve given birth; those who underwent caesarian sections or had a miscarriage are at higher risk. This disorder can onset immediately or months after childbirth.
- Major depression: This disorder causes emotional detachment, sadness, hopelessness, and apathy. Those who suffer from major depression may become socially isolated, further exacerbating their condition. It’s what most people think of when they hear the word “depression”
- Minor depression: As the name implies, this is less severe than major depression but just as harmful. Because those with this disorder may go long periods without feeling depressed, identifying what’s triggering their sadness can be difficult for those with minor depression.
Call Thriveworks in Madison, WI to Schedule a Therapy or Psychiatric Session for Your Depression
There’s no need to wait to experience freedom from the grip of depression. If you’re interested in being paired with a psychiatrist or therapist, call our office in Madison, WI to get started. When you do, our scheduling team will assist you in the scheduling process—everything from finding the perfect session time to setting up your insurance is made easy with their help. Plus, becoming a client with Thriveworks opens the door to industry-exclusive perks that few providers can match, like:
- Online therapy: Meet with your provider virtually, and enjoy the freedom to do so from home or the office.
- Our Therapy Buddy app: A personal progress assistant that helps track your journey as you attend therapy.
- A digital copy of “Leaving Depression Behind”: A valuable resource that aims to help people recover from and cope with anxiety.
- Talk with a life coach at Thriveworks: Our Q/A chat line can help you out in-between appointments.
Professional guidance and support and make a big difference when it comes to treating disruptive mental health disorders like depression. There’s no need to tackle depression on your own, so reach out to our Thriveworks team in Madison, WI when you’re ready. You can thrive—we can help.
