Perhaps you’re completely overwhelmed, like your daily responsibilities are just too much and it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe you’re feeling down, overcome by sadness due to a tragic event in your life. You’ve lost interest in your hobbies and your job, and you’re finding it tough to concentrate on even the simplest tasks.
No matter what your symptoms are, it can be reassuring to remember that you are not alone. Depression is a common mental health condition with millions in the United States seeking out treatment for its symptoms.
When you’re dealing with depression, it can be hard to believe that anyone understands what you’re going through. It can be deeply isolating to feel “stuck” and see others going about their lives, seemingly oblivious to your pain.
If you’re struggling with depression, the experts at Thriveworks Counseling in Springfield, MO are here to help you on your healing journey.
What Are the Most Common Types of Depression?
Some people think of depression as one overarching condition, but there are actually a number of different subcategories. A few of the most common ones include:
- Major depressive disorder: When most people think of clinical depression, they’re referring to major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD is characterized by a number of common depression symptoms lasting for longer than a two-week period.
- Persistent depression disorder: This is a type of chronic depression that is less severe than MDD but characterized by a low mood and other symptoms for at least two years.
- Postpartum depression: This type of depression is sometimes seen in women soon after childbirth and is characterized by feelings of inadequacy, sadness and hopelessness. These symptoms can be present for extended periods of time, making it difficult for a new mother to look after herself and an infant.
- Seasonal affective disorder: This is a type of depression common in the winter months, thought to be due to the lack of sunshine. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) usually fades in the spring and summer months.
Common Symptoms and Causes of Depression
While the main symptom of depression is a persistent low mood, there are number of other symptoms, including:
- Deep and consistent levels of sadness
- Poor or increased appetite
- Lack of concentration or motivation
- Sleep disturbances
- Losing or gaining rapid weight
- Low immunity and constantly feeling sick
- Tiredness
- Loss of libido
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Restlessness
Depressive symptoms can occur due to any number of major life changes, including unemployment, marital issues, or loss of a loved one. There are countless reasons why someone may become depressed and sometimes there is no obvious or identifiable reason at all.
Typically though, depression is caused by a combination of genetic, social, and psychological factors. Certain medications and substances can also put people at greater risk for developing depressive episodes.
If you have been thinking about getting help for depression, consider reaching out to our depression counselors at Thriveworks in Springfield, MO.
How Can Depression Therapy Help?
Treating depression often requires the intervention of a mental health counselor and can involve talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Therapists use talk therapy during counseling sessions to help you understand and cope with the issues that may be contributing to your depression. For example, one form of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to teach clients coping skills to combat unhelpful habits and thoughts.
Meanwhile, antidepressants or other medications are sometimes prescribed to help treat certain severe depression symptoms. A psychiatrist’s job is to determine what form of treatment is right for you and customize a plan to help you recover effectively.
If you’re tired of struggling with feelings of depression, consider making an appointment with our team at Thriveworks in Springfield, MO. Your recovery is important to us, which is why we offer new clients same-day and next-day appointments. We also provide access to evening and weekend appointments to make scheduling as straightforward as possible.
For those who are unable or uncomfortable meeting in person, telemedicine options are also available via phone and video chat. Either way, clients get access to text support for billing and scheduling questions as well as a free copy of our eBook on depression. Thriveworks clients also benefit from our Therapy Buddy app, which they can use in between sessions to maximize the impact of their therapy appointments.
Schedule an appointment today with a Thriveworks therapist in Springfield, MO. We’re looking forward to helping you on the road to recovery.
