Feeling sad is an unavoidable part of being human. At some point in your life, you’re bound to have experiences that cause you to feel grief. Sadness can last for a short time or a long time and can vary in severity depending on the cause or situation. But for people with depression, feelings of sadness or hopelessness may not go away.
Depressive disorders affect you in more ways than just making you feel down. Depression can impact the way you think, feel, and even affect your behavior and interfere with your life. Basic daily tasks may become overwhelming and daunting, causing you to put off or avoid doing them altogether.
Like many other mental health conditions, depression can be treated with the help of a mental health professional. If you think you’re living with depression, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist from Thriveworks Counseling in Kenosha, WI. Our providers can help you determine what’s causing your symptoms, help you overcome them, and keep depression from interfering with your life.
Recognizing Common Depression Symptoms
There are many different forms of depression and each can change the way you think, feel, and behave. Some depressive disorders, like postpartum depression, have more direct causes than others and are more easily identifiable. Other forms of depression, such as major depressive disorder, can be more challenging to recognize.
Persistent and excessive sadness may be the first symptom many people think of when they consider depression, but depressive disorders involve a long list of physical and psychological symptoms. Depression symptoms often vary significantly from one person to the next, making them difficult to identify without professional help.
Even though depressive disorders can look different for everyone, there are some common symptoms and characteristics to look out for, including:
- Persistent feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Sleep disruption
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Irritability and agitation
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
If left untreated, depression symptoms can get worse over time and lead to serious mental illness. Depression rarely goes away on its own, and self-coping methods might be ineffective, dangerous, or lead to risky behaviors, substance abuse, or self-harm. Thankfully, mental health professionals can support people with depression and help them live happier and healthier lives.
If you’ve experienced one or more of these symptoms for two consecutive weeks or longer, it might be a good time to speak with a therapist at Thriveworks in Kenosha, WI. Even if your symptoms are mild, treating depression in the early stages can make treatment and recovery much easier and may stop the progression of your condition before it becomes a severe mood disorder.
How Does Depression Therapy Work?
Fortunately, even the most severe forms of depression can be treated. Working with a licensed therapist or counselor is the best way to determine what type of depressive disorder you’re facing and find the most effective treatment. Treating depression is a highly personalized process that is tailored to your specific issues, symptoms, and personality.
Your mental health provider will consider different aspects of your experiences, concerns, and emotional state to design a unique treatment plan to tackle your depression. Treatment for depression usually includes a combination of talk therapy, prescribed medication, lifestyle adjustments, and other therapeutic techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common therapeutic method used in treating depression. CBT helps you to understand the way you think, recognizing negative thoughts and feelings, and the way they influence behavior. With CBT, you’ll learn how to replace those negative thought processes with a more positive, constructive outlook that yields more pleasant emotions and behavior.
With the help of a customized treatment plan, you can learn to cope with your most challenging depression symptoms and successfully manage your depressive disorder long-term. New clients can meet with a counselor or therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Kenosha, WI, quickly — often in as little as 24 to 48 hours. You can schedule your first appointment online or by calling our friendly scheduling team for assistance.
Book an Appointment for Depression Counseling at Thriveworks in Kenosha, WI
Counseling or therapy for depression can help you regain control of your mental health and get back to living a life you love. Thriveworks Counseling in Kenosha, WI, can guide you through each step to help you get support. Call our office or use our online scheduling tool to set up your first appointment.
When you decide to work with a provider at Thriveworks, you can look forward to the following benefits:
- Weekend and evening appointments
- Online appointment opportunities
- Many insurance plans accepted
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Phone and email access to providers between therapy sessions
- Exclusive online video content
You don’t have to wait any longer to get relief from your depression. Connect with a counselor or therapist from Thriveworks Counseling in Kenosha, WI to find out how you can overcome depression and get the most out of each day. Contact us today to set up your first appointment.
