Katie hasn’t been feeling like herself again. Ever since her 20s, she’d gone through these moods that she called “the blues” where she felt tired, unenthused about most things, and generally “down” for weeks at a time. She figured this was just part of adulthood. It was never easy when she got the blues, but she rode it out by trying to focus on her work and hoping that she’d come out of it after a few weeks.
One time, during a particularly long period of feeling this way, Katie was venting about her sadness to a friend over coffee. Her friend said that it sounded like Katie might be suffering from depression.
Katie was shocked. She couldn’t be depressed — she was working, she had a boyfriend, and she was spending quality time with a friend at that very moment! Given all that, how could she be depressed?
But as Katie’s symptoms persisted, she wondered whether her friend may be right. She decides to reach out to a licensed professional at Thriveworks to discuss her symptoms and address her concerns. Her provider diagnoses her with persistent depressive disorder, a type of depression that can cause mild or moderate symptoms for more than two years.
Katie is given prescription medication and learns coping skills to help her manage her symptoms in between her sessions. After just a few appointments, Katie is already feeling a renewed sense of hope for the future.
If you experience moods that sound like Katie’s, you might be suffering from depression too. At Thriveworks in Normal, IL, our licensed mental health professionals are here to help when you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery.
What Are Depressive Disorders?
Depression is different from run-of-the-mill sadness. As a mood disorder, depression tends to be much more oppressive than regular sadness. Its symptoms may last for at least two weeks and may be pervasive and disruptive to your daily life. Due to how strong and persistent the symptoms of depression can be, it can be difficult to recover from depression without the guidance of a trained professional.
If you’re dealing with a depressive disorder, you might experience symptoms such as:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Restlessness
- Increased anger or irritability
- Inability to focus
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Changes in eating habits
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts
- Low self-esteem
These depression symptoms can be indications of different forms of mood disorders such as:
- Major depressive disorder, a form of depression characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest in everyday activities for at least two weeks
- Persistent depressive disorder, a type of depression with on-and-off symptoms similar to major depressive disorder that lasts more than two years
- Postpartum depression, a type of depression following childbirth lasting at least two weeks that can make it difficult for the mother to bond with her baby
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a mood disorder where a person experiences severe depression in the week or two leading up to their period
- Bipolar disorder, a mood disorder where a person experiences fluctuations between depressive episodes and manic episodes
These kinds of mood disorders can make it difficult to function normally. Fortunately, with the right kind of care, treating depression is possible. Our counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Normal, IL are standing by to give you that care.
How Therapy Can Help You Cope With Depression
Depression is most commonly treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a mix of the two. There are a few different kinds of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) that are effective in combating this disorder, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): In CBT, a provider will help you identify and reframe thoughts that could be contributing to your depression or worsening your symptoms.
- Interpersonal therapy: In interpersonal therapy, you and your provider will look at how your relationships impact your depression and work on changing unhealthy behaviors.
- Psychodynamic therapy: This form of therapy focuses on underlying behaviors, patterns, and trauma that you might not realize are contributing to your depression.
Each type of therapy differs slightly in its approach and your therapist or counselor will use one or more forms of therapy depending on what will best fit your needs. Your provider can help you learn how to:
- Identify your emotions
- Solve problems or resolve relationship conflicts
- Break out of dysfunctional thinking patterns that amplify feelings of hopelessness
- Regain a sense of control over your life
- Tolerate distress in healthier ways
Depressive episodes can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to go it alone. The licensed counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Normal, IL are here for you every step of the way.
Schedule an Appointment with a Thriveworks Therapist in Normal, IL
At Thriveworks, our scheduling specialists can help you find an appointment time that works for your schedule, whether that’s during the week, in the evenings, or on the weekend. New clients can often meet with a provider in as little as 24 to 48 hours. We offer flexible cancellations, make our in-person and online appointments affordable, and accept health insurance from a variety of providers.
When you enroll, you’ll also gain access to exclusive online benefits and a free e-copy of “Leaving Depression Behind.”
At Thriveworks in Normal, IL, we’re here to support you. Schedule an appointment today to get started.
