Depression isn’t always easily identified. There are a range of symptoms any given individual might experience: in addition to feeling “depressed” or a deep despair, one might develop sleep disturbances, changes in appetite and/or weight, a lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and a general lack of interest in day to day activities as well as activities that one used to find joy in. Depending on what symptoms an individual exhibits, they might mistake their depression for another illness, physical or mental. This proves the importance of meeting with a professional to discuss your symptoms, so that you can receive a diagnosis and begin treatment.
“Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to, it’s not for them.” –Joubert Botha
Left untreated, depression can worsen and lead to suicidal thoughts and ideation. Fortunately, when a professional gets involved, they can administer treatment right away. Effective depression treatments include depression therapy, medication, and a self-care regimen. Sometimes, all three treatments are the key to managing or recovering from depression; in other instances, therapy or medication does the job.
If you are experiencing depression, know that you are not stuck. The depression therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Washington, DC (Georgetown) Counseling are here to help. They have specific skills and training in helping people manage their depression. And they are ready to put these skills and training to work for you! To schedule depression therapy at Thriveworks Washington, DC (Georgetown) Counseling, just give our office a call. Our scheduling team will help you get set up for your first appointment right away.
Am I Depressed? Depression Symptoms
As we mentioned earlier, depression symptoms can vary from one individual to another. That said, there are two primary symptoms that are characteristic of depression and ever-present: despair and a loss of interest. In addition, one might exhibit the following:
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite and/or weight
- A lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- General discontent
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
If you’re experiencing feelings of despair as well as a loss of interest in day to day activities and a combination of the items on the list above, you might be depressed. Feeling depressed can be scary. Some people even feel shameful for feeling depressed, especially if there is no apparent reason for their depression. But it’s important you know that there’s no need to feel shameful. Depression can affect anyone—and for no good reason. Please reach out for the help and support that will allow you to get through it.
How Does Depression Therapy Work?
If you decide to meet with a depression therapist at Thriveworks Washington, DC (Georgetown) Counseling, first, congratulations. You should be proud of yourself for taking this important step in getting the mental health help you need. Now, when you first meet with your Thriveworks Washington, DC (Georgetown) depression therapist, they will work to get to know you. This includes your specific depression symptoms, any past mental illnesses, and other specifics that will help them design the best course of treatment for you!
As we mentioned earlier, there are several effective forms of treatment. These include depression therapy, medication, and self-care activities, too. The best course of treatment will depend on your specific experience and needs. For example, if there is a clear cause of your depression—such as a breakup, a traumatic event, etc.—then therapy will likely be instrumental to your healing process. That isn’t to say that medication and self-care won’t come into play though! Again, your depression therapist will get to know you first so that they can develop the best treatment plan for you specifically.
Schedule Depression Therapy at Thriveworks Washington, DC (Georgetown) Counseling
Depression therapy has proven to help people better manage their depression, as well as understand why they might be feeling depressed. Depression therapists have also led their clients in finding the healing that they need through medication as well as self-care. So, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, be sure to reach out to a professional—they can help you find the treatment that you need.
Thriveworks Washington, DC (Georgetown) Counseling has therapists and counselors on staff who specialize in helping people with depression. You don’t have to worry or wonder if they have the right expertise, experience, or training to help you—we’ve got that part covered. So, if you feel depressed, consider reaching out to us. We are happy to set you up with a depression therapist as soon as today or tomorrow. We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to managing depression and addressing other mental health issues. Just call our office to schedule your first appointment. We’ll be here!
