We all get the blues from time to time. We all experience those gloomy days when a dark cloud seems to hang over everything, even when the sun is shining. Maybe it’s due to a bad breakup. Or maybe you’re feeling down because a good friend has moved away. Perhaps you’ve lost a beloved pet or a parent is ill.
Sadness is a normal reaction to these situations. Everyone processes grief differently; some people may feel better in a day or two while others may take longer to move on and get back to their daily lives.
But sometimes, the feelings of sadness can be overwhelming. You may feel so low that you don’t even want to get out of bed or you’ve lost interest in doing the things you once enjoyed. Or you might be feeling less intense symptoms but they persist for weeks or months at a time.
If you are facing symptoms like these, you may be experiencing depression. Depression is a very common mental health condition that can have a negative effect on the way you feel, think, and act. It can cause intense sadness, make you feel worthless and unhappy, and can even interfere with your ability to function normally at work and at home.
Fortunately, depression disorders are treatable. If you think you might be suffering from depression, a licensed mental health professional can provide you with the support you need to relieve your symptoms. Our Thriveworks counselors and therapists are experts at treating depression and other mental health conditions.
When you’re ready to make a change, consider scheduling an appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Topeka, KS to help ease your pain and get you back to a life of health and happiness.
Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Depression
Depression affects millions of people every year. Some suffer physical symptoms like sluggishness and fatigue while others struggle with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and other mental symptoms.
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Feeling sad or worthless
- Loss of interest or pleasure in favorite activities
- Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Lack of energy or increased fatigue
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Increased irritability or angry outbursts
- Substance abuse
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you’re facing one or more of these symptoms, a licensed counselor or therapist at Thriveworks in Topeka, KS can help you reduce their impact and improve your mood.
What Are the Benefits of Therapy for Depression?
There are several forms of depression, including:
- Persistent depressive disorder: This depressive disorder is characterized by typical symptoms of depression that last for two years or longer.
- Seasonal affective disorder: This type of depression occurs more often during the winter months when there is less sunlight.
- Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression affects some women in the weeks and months after childbirth, can cause fatigue and sadness, and can even affect their ability to bond with their baby.
No matter the type or severity of your depression symptoms, it’s important to know that treatment is available. Different types of psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of approaches are often used when treating depression.
A common therapeutic approach to depression treatment is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where your provider helps identify the harmful thought patterns that may be contributing to your depressive symptoms. Other forms of therapy include interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychoanalysis.
At its core, talk therapy can help you identify problematic behaviors and learn coping skills to tolerate distress, regulate your emotions, and get your life back on track. You may explore your past, discuss present stressors, and proactively prepare for the future.
Your provider at Thriveworks Counseling in Topeka, KS will tailor each session to accommodate your specific needs and goals. To start working through your issues and developing a happier, healthier future, reach out to schedule an appointment today.
Contact Thriveworks Counseling in Topeka, KS
Depressive episodes can make each day a struggle but you don’t have to go it alone. Our caring counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are here to support you. You can schedule in-person or online therapy appointments, whichever is better for you, and new clients can often meet with a mental health professional within 24-48 hours. Our offices open early and stay open late, and you can even schedule a weekend appointment.
For support between appointments, you can get in touch with your counselor by phone or email and leverage our ask-a-coach 24-hour Q&A service. For additional support, you can access our online community discussions moderated by mental health experts.
While mood disorders are quite common, the good news is that you can break free of those gloomy thoughts and feelings. Contact Thriveworks in Topeka, KS to schedule an appointment for depression counseling and get much-needed relief.
