Vanessa considered herself “high-functioning.” She went to work every day and excelled at all of her professional tasks. She paid her bills on time. She took care of her body by eating well and exercising regularly. She conscientiously made time in her schedule to see friends, even though she didn’t get much pleasure out of their social engagements. Everyone thought she was doing fine. Great, even. Some of her coworkers might even describe her as an overachiever. But at home, in private, Vanessa was plagued by sadness, shame, insecurity, and doubt. She didn’t know why she was still in so much mental distress when everything in her life seemed to be going so fabulously. Maybe it was time for Vanessa to explore her feelings with a counselor.
Depression counselors at Thriveworks in Vancouver, WA can help their clients navigate their feelings of sadness, disconnection, enervation, and loss of pleasure. No one should have to suffer through the highly treatable symptoms of depression. Our counselors and other mental health providers at Thriveworks can care for and support their clients through the worst throes of mild or major depression, and help them work toward complete remission.
Do I Have Anxiety or Depression?
Anxiety and depression can occur simultaneously—and they often do. Almost half of people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety. They’re both incredibly common disorders. Depression is actually the leading cause of disability not only in the US, but in the world. And anxiety affects about 40 million American adults every year. They’re both mood disorders and they can easily overlap or influence each other. And they can both lead to social avoidance and self-isolation. However, there are some key differences between the two mental states:
- Anxiety can cause catastrophic thinking that isn’t based in reality. These severe life-or-death worries can interfere with daily functioning. Anxiety can also cause panic attacks, which can be terrifying for the sufferer. Anxiety often causes physical signs of heightened arousal like a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, or digestive difficulties.
- Depression can cause lethargy, slowed-down thoughts and movements, anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), difficulty concentrating, and despair. It’s a state of deep sadness which can have an underlying neurochemical basis.
Can Men and Women Experience Different Symptoms of Depression?
Men and women can experience depression differently due to biological factors like hormonal disparities as well as sociocultural expectations. Here are some statistics and generalizations that might be helpful in identifying depression in the sexes:
- Women are almost twice as likely as men to develop major depression, though rates are similar for boys and girls before puberty sets in.
- Men are more likely to display “externalizing symptoms” of depression while women are more likely to display “internalizing symptoms.” This means that a man might act angry or lash out when he’s depressed, while a woman might turn inward with self-hating thoughts.
- Depressed men tend struggle more than women with drugs and alcohol abuse.
- Women experience feelings of guilt more than men when they’re depressed.
Thriveworks counselors in Vancouver, WA can also treat depression in people who are transgender or nonbinary. No one deserves to suffer from the pain of depression.
Learn to Identify Common Signs of Depression
If you are experiencing any of the following signs of depression, or if you notice them in a friend or family member, we recommend that you or they reach out to a mental health provider at Thriveworks in Vancouver, WA to get the necessary help.
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or sadness
- Unintentional weight changes
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in your energy levels
- Indecisiveness
- “Dark” thoughts
- Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
Can a Counselor Treat Me for Depression Online?
Yes, counselors at Thriveworks in Vancouver, WA can treat clients for depression online. These sessions are covered by health insurance in the same way that in-person sessions are. You can schedule the appointments at your convenience, even at night or on the weekends, and you don’t have to travel to an office or spend any time in a waiting room.
How Do I Find the Best Depression Counselor for Me in Vancouver, WA?
The best depression counselors in Vancouver, WA are at Thriveworks. Our counselors are top-rated, fully licensed, highly qualified, and incredibly caring and supportive of their clients. They can meet with you online (virtually) via video, or in their inviting therapeutic offices.
When you enroll at Thriveworks, you get the added benefits of same-day or next-day bookings, a flexible cancellation policy, and email and phone access to your provider between sessions. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis. Depression interventions are most effective when they’re early. Call Thriveworks today to get matched with a counselor who can start helping you immediately. We look forward to your call!
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