The author Tabitha Suzuma once wrote, “As the light begins to intensify, so does my misery, and I wonder how it is possible to hurt so much when nothing is wrong.” Depression can feel like everything is wrong. The world might seem overwhelming. Getting out of bed in the morning may seem like a herculean task. And yet sometimes nothing external has changed in your life. Your mind has just taken a turn down a dark road. Nothing is wrong, and yet everything is wrong.
One of the reasons that psychologists know so much about depression is that people recover from this mental health condition all the time. They emerge into the light and can tell the tale of their despair. Depression is highly treatable.
The licensed depression counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Woodridge, IL have the expertise and the resources to help clients overcome their depression. They can diagnose and treat the mental health condition–and even give clients the psychological tools to help them prevent future bouts of depression. Dealing with depression requires compassion, experience, and insight. The mental health professionals at Thriveworks have the superior qualifications to help people with depression.
Should I Seek Therapy If I’m Depressed?
If you think that you’re depressed, or you have a history of depression and are starting to feel bad again, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. Early intervention can lead to more positive outcomes. For example, a pregnant woman who has depressive symptoms should seek treatment before her baby is born to help prevent severe postpartum depression that could affect both her and her newborn. And a person with social anxiety and depression should seek intervention before they isolate themselves more and more, potentially leading to a worsening of both conditions. Long-term depression can also lead to numerous health problems, and sometimes substance abuse.
If you’re experiencing feelings of depression, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can find a counselor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and helping to prevent depressive episodes at Thriveworks in Woodridge, IL.
What Is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mood disorders are featured in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which psychiatrists and other mental health providers use as a manual for treating depression effectively. Cases of depression can vary in length and severity, but the DSM lists the following eight criteria for MDD:
- A depressed mood (profound feelings of sadness and negativity) enduring longer than two weeks
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you usually enjoy, which is called anhedonia
- Changes in appetite, often leading to unintentional weight loss or gain
- Psychomotor retardation (slowed-down movements and thoughts)
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Problems with concentration, attention, and/or memory
- Suicidality (If you’re ever considering harming yourself, call a crisis hotline immediately.)
Depressive disorders may also manifest in the following symptoms:
- Irritability, which depressed men experience more than women
- Substance abuse or addiction, which can be a sign that someone is having difficulty coping
- Psychomotor agitation (sped-up thoughts and actions)
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in libido (sex drive)
- Social isolation
- Physical aches and pains
What Are the Different Forms of Depression?
Depression can be classified by mental health providers in a number of different ways. For example, the licensed counselors at Thriveworks in Woodridge, IL may use any of these designations:
- Mild or major depression
- Manic depression (bipolar disorder)
- Postpartum depression (PPD) or perinatal depression (PND)
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Situational depression
- Psychotic depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
How Can Counseling Help Depression?
Qualified counselors like those at Thriveworks in Woodridge, IL can help people who are depressed by taking a close look at individual symptoms of depression and what drives them. They can help clients clarify their goals for therapy. Then they can create an effective treatment plan. This treatment plan may include any of the following elements:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy, a type of CBT
- Supportive therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Holistic remedies like meditation, muscle relaxation, and mindfulness
- Family therapy or couples therapy
- Behavioral activation
- Psychiatric medications like antidepressants, prescribed by a Thriveworks psychiatrist
Find Compassionate Treatment for Depression at Thriveworks in Woodridge, IL
The exceptional depression counselors at Thriveworks in Woodridge, IL are available quickly and conveniently. Most new clients can have a session with a highly qualified provider within 24-48 hours of their initial call to the office. At Thriveworks, clients can also choose between online counseling sessions and traditional, in-person therapy sessions. Thriveworks providers accept most major forms of health insurance coverage, helping to make therapy affordable in Woodridge, IL and nationwide. Lastly, Thriveworks clients can access their top-rated mental health provider by phone or email between sessions.
Call Thriveworks today to find the depression counselor who can best help you. We look forward to matching you to a great therapist!
