Therapy Can Be a Great Form of Depression Treatment

 

At some point in their lives, many people realize that they need depression help. However, trying to figure out how to deal with depression can be difficult.

 

Therapy can be an effective form of depression treatment. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I am qualified to provide depression help, empowering patients to use health coping skills.

 

 

 

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What is Depression?

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An important part of knowing how to deal with depression is understanding what depression is.

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that goes beyond feeling sad.  It is often characterized by low mood, fatigue and loss of motivation.  Depression can become a problem when it creates extreme emotional distress or causes us problems in our everyday lives. 

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Depression Symptoms

 

Some common symptoms of depression include chronic feelings of sadness or emptiness, sleep disturbances (too much or too little), appetite disturbances that can lead to significant weight loss or weight gain, loss of interest in hobbies or daily activities, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, moving or talking slowly, feelings of anger or irritability, loss of energy, unexplained aches and pains, feelings of hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.  In severe cases a person with depression may experience thoughts of death or suicide, or make suicide attempts.  Depression can present differently in different individuals.  Not everybody with depression will experience every symptom.  Some people may experience more symptoms and therefore more severe forms of depression while others may experience depression in a milder form that may last for a longer period of time.  Depression is the most diagnosed mental health condition worldwide.

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If you experience some of the above depression symptoms, therapy may be an effective way to get depression help.

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Different Types of Depressive Disorders:

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There are many different types of depressive disorders.  A few examples include:

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Major Depressive Disorder: This is what typically comes to mind when people think about depression.  Major Depressive Disorder includes the symptoms listed above.  Some may experience milder forms of depression while others may live with more severe symptoms.

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Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: This is a type of depression seen in some children between 6-18 years old.  It is characterized by outbursts, verbal and/or physical in nature, that are inappropriate for the developmental level of the child.

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Persistent Depressive Disorder: Also known as Dysthymia, Persistent Depressive Disorder describes an ongoing form of depression that is milder in nature.  People with this disorder experience symptoms for a minimum of two years.

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Postpartum Depression: This is a term used to describe depression that is experienced by mothers who have recently given birth.  Women with this may experience many of the same symptoms as those diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.  Onset typically occurs 6 months to one year after childbirth.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder: This type of depression is characterized by an onset of symptoms during the winter months when there is less sunlight.  People with this disorder typically experience a reduction in symptoms during the spring and summer months.
 

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Depression Treatment

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Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors.  Depression treatment may include talk therapy, medication management or a combination of both.  Although medication may be helpful in managing physical symptoms, therapy provides depression help that addresses the underlying environmental and psychological causes. Therapy can help you figure out how to deal with depression, such as strategies for coping.  It can help you identify how your self-talk leads to low moods or feelings of low self-worth while also helping you to learn behavioral strategies or make life changes that can lead to reduced symptoms.  If you feel that medication might be a good option for how to deal with depression, please speak to your medical provider.