The writer Elizabeth Wurtzel once stated, “A human being can survive almost anything as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end.” Major depression can not only siphon the pleasure out of one’s daily existence, it can also threaten relationships, livelihoods, goals, and even life itself. No matter how common it is in the United States, depression must be taken seriously. Untreated depression can lead to health problems and occupational issues. It’s just not worth it to take the risk of ignoring your depression when there are so many effective treatments available.
The depression counselors at Thriveworks in Morgantown, WV specialize in helping people manage and overcome their mood disorders, whether someone is experiencing signs of depression for the first time or it’s a chronic condition. Sometimes there’s a clear, immediate cause to depression symptoms, such as a breakup or the loss of a loved one. Other times, there isn’t an explanation for the depressive episode. Sometimes individual neurochemistry just lends itself to negative mood changes.
The human brain can be complicated, which is why it’s always worthwhile to find an expert guide in the form of a mental health professional to walk you through what it will take to feel better. Thriveworks has licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and other providers on staff to help address cases of depression and get clients back on track to achieving their goals.
How Do Counselors Help People with Depression?
Licensed counselors at Thriveworks in Morgantown, WV help people with depression first by learning who they are and precisely how they’ve been suffering. They will want to know the context for someone’s depression, the client’s history (if any) of depression, and whether or not they’ve been having suicidal thoughts that require immediate attention (suicide prevention is paramount in treating depression). They will also want to get to know their client as a unique individual.
After a full assessment, Thriveworks therapists can collaborate with their clients to develop a workable treatment plan. Treatment might require a few brief, solution-focused sessions, or it might require long-term psychotherapy. It all depends on the needs of the individual client.
What Are the Best Therapies for Depression?
The best therapies for depression depend first and foremost on the form of depression. For example, postpartum depression may require more psychosocial interventions than medication interventions. And a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Morgantown, WV would prescribe a different drug treatment to someone with bipolar depression as opposed to someone with unipolar depression. (The symptoms of someone with bipolar depression can actually worsen on antidepressants.) But in general, most types of depressive can benefit from the following types of therapy:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Strength-based therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Psychiatric medications
- Lifestyle adjustments in diet and exercise
- Maintenance of sleep routines
- Relationship counseling
- Family therapy
Depression can also co-occur with other mental health issues. For example, anxiety and depression are common bedfellows. And some people might self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope with their negative emotions, creating substance abuse issues on top of the existing depression. They might also experience relationship problems due to their untreated depression. So a mental health professional needs to take all these mental health, behavioral, and psychosocial elements into account when treating someone for depression.
How Does a Counselor Determine If You Have Depression?
To determine if you have depression, a counselor at Thriveworks in Morgantown, WV will practice active, compassionate listening and ask the right questions to explore your state of mind and body. People with depressive disorders display many common symptoms, including the following:
- Persistent sadness or despair
- Loss of pleasure (anhedonia)
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Low self-esteem
- Physical exhaustion
- Sleep disturbances
- Appetite changes
- Irritability
- Physical pain that can’t be explained by
- Substance abuse
- Self-isolation
- Psychomotor retardation or agitation (changes in energy levels)
- Occupational or financial issues
- Relationship issues
- Suicidal ideation
Get Help with Depression Counseling at Thriveworks in Morgantown, WV
If you are suffering from the symptoms of depression, the good news is that help is readily available at Thriveworks in Morgantown, WV. The fully licensed, highly qualified depression counselors at Thriveworks offer both in-person and online therapy. They can meet with new clients quickly, often within 24-48 hours of their initial call.
The Thriveworks staff includes psychiatrists (MDs), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), licensed psychologists, social workers, therapists, and more to help guide effective treatment. Our providers use evidence-based, individualized interventions informed by the latest in psychological science. And best of all, they accept most major forms of health insurance coverage, helping to make treatment financially accessible to more people in need. Because no one deserves to live with depression when help is available. Call Thriveworks today to get started.
