Megan is a new mother to a healthy baby boy. She was expecting to feel excited after all of the preparation, parenting classes with her partner, and designing a nursery for her son. The reality has been different –– she’s feeling depressed, hopeless, and withdrawn. Her doctor warned her about the “baby blues,” but this feels different. Getting through the day is challenging and she’s having trouble connecting with her son.
Megan decides to reach out to a mental health professional. After a few sessions, her therapist diagnoses her with postpartum depression, a form of depression that can sometimes occur in women after giving birth. Megan starts on a treatment plan under the guidance of her therapist and she starts to feel better after a few weeks of treatment.
Depression is a common mental disorder that impacts millions of people across the United States each year. Megan’s postpartum depression isn’t the only kind of depression out there –– there are many forms of depression, and the disorder can look different for everyone. Whether you are struggling with feelings of low self-worth, suicidal thoughts, or something in between, we want you to know that help is available.
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a mental illness that can severely disrupt a person’s day-to-day life. Thankfully, depression is treatable by working with a mental health professional. Consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor from Thriveworks Counseling in Shreveport, LA if you’re experiencing any symptoms of depression.
Depression: Most Common Symptoms
Everyone goes through good and bad periods in their life. Feeling depressed or sad can be a normal reaction to loss, struggles, or other issues. However, when these feelings become overwhelming and last for a long period of time, they might be a sign of a depressive disorder.
Some common depression symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Changes in sleep habits
- Pessimism or hopelessness
- Restlessness
- Substance abuse
- Irritability or crankiness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Appetite loss or overeating
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
Depression is a mood disorder that can prevent you from achieving your goals and living your best life. Seeking treatment for depression is important because depressive disorders can get worse when left untreated. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression and want professional support, consider reaching out to a provider at Thriveworks Counseling in Shreveport, LA.
Can Therapy Treat My Depression?
Mental health professionals use multiple criteria to diagnose depression. Your provider will ask about when your symptoms started, how severe they are, how long they’ve lasted, and any family history of mental health problems.
Most counselors or therapists use talk therapy to treat depression. There are many forms of talk therapy that can help, depending on your specific symptoms. One common type of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on addressing negative thought patterns. If CBT is right for you, your therapist will work with you to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and encourage you to challenge them to reduce your symptoms.
Treating depression can also include medication. Medication can be prescribed by a psychiatrist and is sometimes used in tandem with talk therapy to reduce depression symptoms and make them more manageable. Not all treatment plans will include medication but your provider will work with you to see if you’d be a good candidate for a prescription.
No matter what your treatment plan involves, your provider will create a judgment-free space for you to discuss your symptoms and work with you to chart a course forward. If you’d like to talk to someone about your depression, call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Shreveport, LA.
Appointments Available With Therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Shreveport, LA
Depression can feel devastating but we want you to know that treatment is available. Working with a therapist or counselor from Thriveworks Counseling in Shreveport, LA can put you on a path to a brighter, happier life. Call our office today to get started.
We think mental health care should be easy and accessible. That’s why we offer evening and weekend sessions, convenient online appointment options, and a flexible cancellation policy. We’ll never put you on a waitlist and many of our new clients can see a therapist or counselor within 24-48 hours.
The Thriveworks Difference goes beyond excellent mental health care. We offer access to providers between sessions via email and phone, a counselor-moderated community discussion forum, and our Therapy Buddy smartphone app. We want to support you on your mental health journey however we can.
If depression is interfering with your day-to-day functioning, working with a counselor or therapist from Thriveworks Counseling in Shreveport, LA could help you live a happier and healthier life. Call us today –– our scheduling team is standing by to schedule your first appointment and answer any of your questions.
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