When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’re stuck in a hole with no way of climbing out. Everything that once felt light and happy to you — your relationships, hobbies, and joy for life — sits out of reach on the ground above.
Getting out of this hole and treating depression on your own can be incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Loneliness, isolation, and feelings of hopelessness can even make it feel as if the hole is getting deeper. But you should know you’re not alone, and there is something you can do to feel better.
A mental health professional like a counselor, psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist has the knowledge to help you overcome depression and climb out of the hole. They can be the hand that reaches down and pulls you back to stable ground, reminding you that you are supported and deserving of happiness.
There’s no shame in asking for help to find your way out of depression and seeking counseling or therapy is a brave first step. When you’re ready, the mental health professionals from Thriveworks Counseling in Medford, OR are here to take that step with you. You can schedule your first appointment online or by calling our office for assistance.
Getting To Know Causes and Types of Depressive Disorders
Depression is a mood disorder that is much more complex than typical feelings of sadness we all experience. Sadness is often temporary and develops as a result of situational or environmental factors. Although feelings of grief can be strong, you can still find moments of relief while experiencing sadness. Watching something you like or having a nice conversation with a friend can help you feel better and show you a light at the end of the tunnel.
Depression makes seeing this light much more challenging and doesn’t just happen because you’ve had a bad day. Depressive disorders are caused by many factors including genetic predisposition, traumatic experiences, biology, medical conditions, and substance abuse. Whether the cause of your depression is clear or ambiguous, the overwhelming nature of depression symptoms can make you feel untethered from the world around you.
Symptoms of depression can be physical or psychological and vary from one person to the next. Working with a therapist or counselor to recognize and understand your symptoms, and what might have caused them, is an important first step in treating depression.
Identifying symptoms and causes can also help your provider determine which type of depression you’re facing, which may include one of the following:
- Major depressive disorder: MDD is diagnosed when a person experiences multiple depression symptoms persistently for two weeks or more.
- Postpartum depression: Symptoms of this disorder occur during or following pregnancy, for two weeks or more, and may affect your ability to take care of yourself or your baby.
- Bipolar disorder: People with this disorder experience episodes of severe depression that alternate with periods of unusually high energy and activity called mania.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: This is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) caused by hormonal shifts that cause depression a week or two before your period starts.
There are many forms of depression, and any of them have the potential to negatively impact your life. Depression counseling at Thriveworks in Medford, OR can help prevent depression from interfering with your life and give you the tools to regain control of your mental health.
Treating Depression With Therapy
People experience depression in different ways and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment. However, many people find their symptoms improve through a combination of techniques including talk therapy and prescribed medication.
There are different kinds of therapy used in treating depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Your therapist or counselor might draw on one or several of these approaches for your treatment, selecting strategies that will work best for you based on your specific issues and experiences.
During therapy or counseling sessions, your provider will help you work through your thoughts and emotions and may also suggest implementing lifestyle changes such as exercise or meditation. Your therapist can work with you to set realistic goals and practice patience as you see your mood gradually improve.
No matter what your individual treatment looks like, the mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Medford, OR can be there for you every step of the way.
Schedule Your Appointment at Thriveworks in Medford, OR
You don’t have to wait any longer to find relief from your depression. Thriveworks Counseling in Medford, OR can often accommodate new clients immediately, and you can usually meet with a provider within just 24 to 48 hours. We also accept most major insurance plans to make treatment more affordable and accessible.
We offer flexible scheduling times both in-person and online, including morning and evening appointments. You’ll also gain access to features like our Therapy Buddy mobile app and exclusive online video content.
When you’re ready to overcome depression and get more out of life, the mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Medford, OR are here to help. Call our office today or use our online scheduling tool to set up your first appointment.
