If you’ve ever struggled with depression, you already know that it can be challenging to recognize the symptoms and even harder to manage them independently. Even though depression is a common mental health issue, it is also a very serious condition that can make life much more difficult for people with the disorder.
Depression can change the way you feel, think, and act. Physical and psychological symptoms may become overwhelming and can affect your personal relationships, work, or school, and make it impossible to complete basic tasks. If left untreated, depression can have a detrimental effect on your life and overall wellbeing.
Fortunately, even severe forms of depression can be treated and managed with the help of a mental health professional. A therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist can diagnose your symptoms, teach you valuable coping skills, and help you manage your condition.
You don’t have to struggle with depression on your own — we want you to know that support is available. If you think you could be suffering from depression or another mood disorder, consider reaching out to a provider from Thriveworks Counseling in St. Charles, MO. Call our office or use our online scheduling tool to set up your first appointment.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Depression
There are many forms of depression, and each one can look completely different from person to person. Even depressive disorders with similar causes can manifest a different set of physiological, psychological, and emotional symptoms.
While the cause of depression is not completely understood, there are a variety of factors that contribute to the development of depressive disorders. Genetics, your medical history, or past experiences can play a part in the development of a depressive disorder.
Even though the causes and risk factors of depression remain uncertain, there are some commonalities in symptoms. A person with depression might have one or many of the following symptoms:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
- Fatigue, lethargy, and tiredness
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Agitation, irritability, or angry outbursts
- Disinterest or lack of joy in most activities
- Headache, dizziness, or unexplained pain
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
Some forms of depression may cause symptoms that aren’t listed above or accompany another mental health disorder. If you want to work with a professional for a depression diagnosis, consider speaking with a provider at Thriveworks in St. Charles, MO.
How Can Depression Treatment Help Me?
The symptoms of depression rarely go away on their own. Unhealthy coping mechanisms can lead to harmful behaviors such as self-harm or substance abuse and even cause depression symptoms to worsen. But even the most challenging depression symptoms can be managed by working with a mental health professional.
Depression therapy is a highly personalized process that begins with a diagnosis for your symptoms and concerns. Your therapist or counselor will then construct a treatment plan based on your personality, emotional state, specific issues, and personal preferences.
Your treatment plan may include one or multiple types of talk therapy. Talk therapy can help you better understand your condition, teach you how to cope with symptoms, and help you manage the causes or triggers of your disorder. Some common forms of therapy that may effectively treat depression include the following:
- Behavior therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal therapy
Prescription medications are another part of many depression treatment plans. Antidepressants can reduce the symptoms of depression and make it easier to manage the disorder. Lifestyle adjustments and stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, breathing practices, or decreasing alcohol intake can also help manage and reduce depression symptoms.
Depression can be frustrating, but it can be managed by working with a licensed professional. Counselors and therapists can provide support to help you improve your mental and emotional well-being.
Booking Therapy or Counseling for Depression at Thriveworks in St. Charles, MO
Depressive disorders can be overwhelming, frustrating, and even frightening at times, but depression can be treated. Thriveworks Counseling in St. Charles, MO, makes it easy to connect with a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional. Call our office today to get started.
We offer convenient evening and weekend hours, online counseling, a flexible cancellation policy, and access to counselors via email or phone between sessions. You can get an appointment set up immediately through our easy-to-use online scheduling tool or by calling our office. Some of our new clients can talk to a therapist within 24-48 hours. We also accept many major insurance plans –– getting care might be more affordable than you thought.
Contact us if you’re ready to get started with one of our depression counselors or therapists. Our scheduling team will find an appointment that fits into your schedule and answer any questions you might have.
Here at Thriveworks Counseling in St. Chares, MO, we pride ourselves on helping people find happiness and comfort in their lives. Call us today to set up an appointment with a depression counselor or therapist.
