Sara hasn’t felt like herself in months. She can’t remember the last time she felt genuinely happy. She used to meet up with her friends after work, make time for the gym, volunteer once a month at a local shelter, and call her mom at the end of each day. However, she hasn’t felt like doing any of that recently and feels like she can barely get out of bed in the mornings. Sara’s friends are starting to notice that she hasn’t been as present and are starting to worry that something is wrong. However, Sara hasn’t told anyone about a traumatic experience she had and thought she could cope with it on her own. Instead, depression has crept up on her and is taking over her life.
Sara’s friends encourage her to talk to a doctor and figure out how she can overcome the feelings she has. Her doctor recommends that she speak with a licensed therapist about her new diagnosis: depression. She finds a depression therapist in her area and starts to feel more like herself after a few weeks of speaking with a professional. Her friends notice that she’s laughing again.
Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also harder to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain creases the burden: it is easier to say, ‘My tooth is aching,’ than to say, ‘My heart is broken.’ –C.S. Lewis
When we are faced with depression, it’s easy to pull away from friends and family and want to “deal with it” on our own. However, this is proven unhelpful as processing our emotions is necessary to overcome them and live a happier and fuller life. If you have depression or feel like you might, consider working with a licensed psychologist to find help and support.
Our depression therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT are experienced in helping individuals like Sara overcome their roadblocks. Whether you have severe or mild depression, we can guide you through it. You won’t have to worry about judgment, their goal is to provide you with compassionate, understanding care. Call (203) 586-4264 to get started.
What Does Depression Look Like?
Depression can present itself in many different ways. You might not be able to get out of bed, skip meals, or feel intense emotional pain. Here is a list of common symptoms that can be present with clinical depression:
- Loss of pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Changes in activity levels
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Guilt or self-hatred
- Diminished focus
- Significant weight gain or loss
- Intense sadness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important that you get them checked out by a professional. Sometimes these thoughts and feelings can go away on their own, but oftentimes depression requires a treatment plan. Therapy can help you change the way you think, accept your feelings, and learn how to overcome looming thoughts to shift your daily outcome.
Treatment for Depression: Depression Therapy and Medication
Depression isn’t something to be embarrassed about. Many people can experience it from different changes in life such as traumatic events, loss of a job or loved one, or feelings of doubt when it comes to your personal growth. Depression takes work to overcome, but many people can find relief in some time.
There are two main treatment options for depression: therapy and medication. Some people benefit from one over the other, while others see better results from using both. Your therapist will work with you to decide which option, or options, work best for you. To better understand the two primary treatment types, here is some more information:
- Counseling: Tackling depression isn’t an easy task. Sometimes it’s hard enough to even eat a meal, let alone worry about overcoming the cloud of sadness that is hovering over your head. By working with a licensed depression counselor at Thriveworks, you can learn how to focus on different challenges one by one without feeling overwhelmed. Your therapist will help you learn how to grieve properly and address unresolved feelings. There are different methods of depression therapy that can be used, and your therapist will assess your individual goals and needs in order to figure out the best plan of action for you.
- Medication: The second way you can treat depression is through the use of medication, like antidepressants. Antidepressants work by balancing the chemicals in your brain that impact your moods and emotions. They can help diminish different symptoms of depression including sleep, appetite, mood, and how well you focus. Talk to your counselor about any concerns or questions you may have about starting a new medication.
A Thriveworks depression therapist will work with you to figure out the best treatment plan for you. If something doesn’t work, they’ll be able to change their approach to reach you on the level you need.
Schedule an Appointment with a Depression Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT
Do you feel like you can’t get out of a funk that’s lasted way too long? Are you tired of hiding how you truly feel from your friends, family, and co-workers? Consider working with one of our psychologists.
When you are ready, call our office at (203) 586-4264 to be connected with a scheduling specialist. We offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments to help you find the best time that works with your schedule. We also understand how hard it can be to drive to an office for your appointment. That’s why we also offer online counseling options. When you call to schedule an appointment, you can choose which option works best for you.
We look forward to helping you defeat your obstacles in life and start thriving.
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