Have you ever felt so alone and hopeless that getting out of bed seemed impossible? Did you find it difficult to explain why you felt this way? Did you blame yourself for feeling these negative emotions? If so, you might be living with a depressive disorder.
We all go through difficult times in our lives that make us feel bad. It’s completely normal to feel sad, for example, when a pet dies or when you get passed over for a big promotion. For many of us, we might feel down for a while and then move on with our lives. The sad times may even lead to a greater appreciation for the good parts of life.
But for some, these negative feelings and moods last for longer than normal. You might be caught in a spiral of darkness and negativity that lasts for weeks, months, or even years.
If you’ve felt sad for a long time, or you frequently feel sad in a way that interferes with your life, then you might be suffering from depression. Depressive disorders can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to turn. Thankfully, mental health professionals are trained in treating depression and its symptoms.
Realizing that you might be suffering from this mood disorder can feel scary, but know support is available. Consider calling our office or using our convenient online scheduling tool to set up your first appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Iowa City, IA, today.
Types of Depressive Disorders
The way you experience depression might look different from someone else with the disorder. However, there are some more common depression symptoms to consider:
- Loss of interest in your hobbies
- Persistent hopelessness and emptiness
- Feelings of guilt
- Restlessness and trouble concentrating
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Indecisiveness
- Mood swings
- Anger and irritability
- Substance abuse
- Anxiety
- Frequent thoughts of death and suicide
Dealing with these symptoms can make existing in your day-to-day life extremely difficult. Many people with depression struggle with their issues by themselves — which can make things worse in the long run. Working with a mental health professional can help reduce the symptoms of depression and help people live happier, healthier lives.
Being aware of the different forms of depression can also help you notice your symptoms. Some of these forms include:
- Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is marked by feelings of depressed mood, lessened interest in activities, substance abuse, and difficulty focusing. These types of feelings may cause significant distress or interfere with other areas of a person’s life.
- Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes extreme emotional highs and lows. You might feel on top of the world for a period of time, down in the dumps for another period of time, with periods of normalcy in between.
- Postpartum depression: Women who suffer from postpartum depression may feel sad, fatigued, or emotionally numb in the weeks or months following childbirth. These symptoms can interfere with a mother’s ability to bond with their child.
Depressive disorders can develop at a variety of different points in your life due to a wide variety of causes. Despite the way depression can make you feel, it is not your fault that you are suffering, and there is something that you can do about it.
That’s why paying attention to changes in your mental health is important — so you can get the help you need when you need it. Mental health professionals from Thriveworks Counseling in Iowa, IA, can help you manage your depression and live your best life.
Can I Benefit From Depression Therapy?
The kind of depression you have and how your symptoms present can influence what your treatment looks like. In most cases, talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two are used as the primary modes of treating depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy focused on identifying and modifying negative patterns of thought. You’ll learn to avoid and resist common depressive thought patterns that distort the world around you. Other types of therapy commonly used to treat depression include dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy.
Medication is another common component of many depression treatment plans. Antidepressants can help reduce the symptoms of depression, making it much easier to manage. Your provider could suggest medication if they think it could help you feel better.
Meet With a Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Iowa City, IA
Living with depression can be difficult, but we want you to know that help is available. Call us today to start working with a licensed mental health professional from Thriveworks Counseling in Iowa City, IA.
Scheduling an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you, in-person or online, is as easy as calling or using our convenient online scheduling tool. We also accept most major insurance plans, offer affordable rates for those paying out of pocket, and offer weekday, weekend, and evening sessions to help you find time for your sessions.
When you’re ready to take the first step on your road to managing your depression, call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Iowa City, IA, to schedule your first appointment.
