This isn’t how David expected his life to turn out. He’s having relationship troubles, is distracted at work, and finds just getting out of bed difficult. He feels sad and hopeless, isn’t interested in the activities he once loved, and is growing more irritable about the situation with every day that passes.
Finally, David goes to see a licensed professional and finds out he is suffering from seasonal affective disorder, which is among the most common types of depressive disorders in America. Depression doesn’t discriminate. It affects men and women, young and old, rich and poor. Even Lady Gaga, who appears to live a fame-fueled life of happiness, has publicly discussed her struggles with depression with the hopes of encouraging others to get help too.
At Thriveworks, we aim to provide essential mental health services to those who need them. Depression is challenging to face; doing so alone is even more difficult. But talking with a mental health professional about your symptoms of depression can offer help and hope. If you’re ready, take the first step by contacting Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA to schedule counseling for depression.
What Are Common Depression Symptoms?
Depression may be common but its symptoms vary in both how they manifest and to what severity. For some people, symptoms start after a triggering event, such as the death of a loved one or a job loss. For others, symptoms can extend over a prolonged period of time and with degrees of acuteness.
What might lead you to seek treatment? Here are some of the most common symptoms of depression:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or anxiety
- Feeling hopeless or pessimistic about the future
- Acute irritability or frustration
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that once were enjoyable
- Reduced energy levels
- Feeling listless or weighed down
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Sleep problems, including insomnia or oversleeping
- Weight or appetite changes, such as sudden weight gain or loss
- Aches or pains that have no known physical cause
- Substance abuse
In addition, men and women can show different symptoms of depression. Men are sometimes more inclined to be irritable or angry or behave in a risky manner. Women, on the other hand, are sometimes more likely to experience feelings of overwhelming guilt or worthlessness.
However, no matter what symptoms you might be facing, counseling can help. You can start by making an appointment at Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA.
How Can Depression Therapy Help?
Treating depression begins best with early intervention. Those who have experienced symptoms of depression for two or more weeks are encouraged to consider counseling.
What will therapy entail? Many people benefit from talk therapy, which is designed to help people understand their feelings, why they might have changed, and how to cope with them. Mental health professionals employ several types of talk therapy to treat their clients depending on the nature and severity of their symptoms.
A common form is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which seeks to guide people to understand their thoughts and how they might impact their emotions and behaviors. Therapists use CBT to empower people to challenge and change their negative thoughts to manage their symptoms.
Other forms of talk therapy can help coping mechanisms and meditation techniques to assess and control stressful moments. Medications like antidepressants, in combination with therapy, also can be useful in treating depression. Your Thriveworks provider can determine whether medication is right for you.
Depression therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA, our mental health professionals can use one or several treatment methods to create the best plan for you. Feeling healthy again is possible — we’re here to help.
Starting Therapy for Depression With Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA
Everyone experiences sadness now and then. But when symptoms of depression last for a long time or start to interfere with your life, therapy can make a difference.
Treatment starts by making an appointment at Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA. We offer appointments on weekdays, nights, and weekends to fit your schedule. New clients can often see a provider within 24 hours — sometimes even on the same day!
If an in-person appointment is inconvenient, or you’re unsure about in-person therapy, Thriveworks offers online sessions as well. Virtual therapy has been proven effective and offers the additional benefit of avoiding the commute to an in-person session.
Thriveworks accepts many major insurance plans and offers several benefits to enhance your experience. There’s a flexible cancellation policy, advice available via phone or email, life coaching services, and a phone app to assist with appointments. Plus, you’ll receive access to our eBook, “Leaving Depression Behind.”
You don’t have to face your depression symptoms alone. If you’re ready to talk, Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA is here to help.
