It’s normal to experience ups and downs in your mental health every now and then. You may feel pangs of sorrow when you hurt a friend or family member. You may be overcome by sadness when a loved one dies or you break off a relationship. These are completely natural human experiences.
However, there is a difference between run-of-the-mill sadness and a depressive disorder. Some people experience depressive episodes that become so severe that it begins to take over their lives. They get to the point where they are unable to motivate themselves to perform the simplest of tasks, and some have trouble even getting out of bed in the morning. Some may experience suicidal thoughts while others may feel so numb that they can’t get in touch with their normal range of emotions.
Does this feel familiar to you? Do you feel like you’ve been in this boat for a while now and are starting to become concerned that your life will never return to what it once was? If your depression has started to interfere with your life, Thriveworks can get you headed in the right direction again.
We know that taking the first step can feel difficult. You may feel embarrassed to admit you have a problem. You may think your issues are not serious enough to warrant treatment.
But everyone deserves to feel their best, no matter how mild or severe their symptoms may be. Countless people have sought out depression counseling services and gone on to live happier and healthier lives.
Actress and producer Kristen Bell has spoken publicly about her struggles with depression, which she’s had since she was a teenager. Rock star Bruce Springsteen has also dealt with depression throughout his life and has turned to professional therapy services to get his life back on track.
These celebrities are just two of millions of people who have suffered from depressive disorders but received professional support to reduce their symptoms and chart a healthier path forward. When you’re ready to do the same, we’re here to help at Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA.
Common Depression Symptoms
If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms for an extended period of time, especially in a way that is interfering with your life, it might be worth seeing a professional:
- A lack of pleasure or interest in doing things you once enjoyed
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Restlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-destructive behavior
- Substance abuse
If you’ve experienced one or more of these symptoms, our licensed therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA can help. Begin taking care of your mental health by scheduling an appointment with our team today.
How To Treat Depressive Disorders
If you’ve never received therapy before, it’s normal to feel apprehensive. Our caring team is trained to guide you through the process step by step so you always feel in control of your own treatment.
Depression can take many forms, so the first step will be speaking with a licensed professional about your symptoms and how they have been impacting your life. Some of the most common forms of depression include:
- Major depression: This is the most common type of depression and is characterized by feelings of all-consuming sadness, loss of interest in activities, and suicidal thoughts.
- Persistent depressive disorder: This is an ongoing type of depression that may never reach the same level of severity as major depression but may keep people from feeling like themselves for years as symptoms come and go.
- Bipolar disorder: Also called manic depression, bipolar disorder involves feelings of excessive highs and depressive lows.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression is characterized by an overwhelming sense of fatigue, numbness, or sadness in the weeks or months after a woman gives birth.
After a therapist determines the extent of your symptoms, they can determine an appropriate course of action. Typical treatments for depression include prescription medication, talk therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)), or a mix of the two.
If talk therapy is right for you, you’ll have the opportunity to work through your emotions and concerns with a trained professional. You may learn coping skills, distress tolerance techniques, and ways to change your thought patterns to improve your symptoms.
Give us a call when you’re ready to meet with a mental health professional at Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA.
Schedule an Appointment in San Rafael, CA
Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA makes it easy to get started. Click or call to make an appointment — you can pick from in-person or remote therapy sessions, depending on your preference. We are also open early and stay open late, and even maintain weekend availability for your convenience.
We accept a variety of insurance plans and clients are able to contact their therapist or counselor in between appointments as issues arise. You’ll also get access to our counselor-moderated discussion boards to connect with others who may be going through similar struggles.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to Thriveworks in San Rafael, CA to book your first appointment today.
