Counseling for Depression
Many of us have said that we are feeling depressed, but usually the feelings last a day or two at most. Someone with clinical depression has intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness that are relatively constant, to the point that it can be difficult to function in daily life. Depression is a brain disorder, in which the brain chemicals that affect mood, thinking, and behavior, are out of balance. Depression tends to run in families, but many people who have depression do not have it in their family history. Traumatic life events, such as a tragic loss, can also cause someone to become depressed.
Anyone who is experiencing depressive symptoms, whether it lasts for short or long periods, may find counseling helpful. Counseling provides a safe and non-judgement space to talk out your feelings, get validation on your thoughts or emotions from an impartial perspective, and receive guidance on challenging or redirecting the unhealthy thoughts that often come along with depression.
Depression Myths
Depression is a Sign of Weakness- This is absolutely not true. Depression is a complex mental disorder. It is a medical condition that involves brain chemistry and genetics, which no human has control over, and can be triggered by negative incidents. This is why two people may experience a similar event, and one may feel sad for a short period of time and get over it, while the other person struggles with long-term depression.
Depressed People Have to Take Medication Forever- While some people dealing with depression do continue to take medications for years, others do not need to take medications long-term. Often when depressed people combine a medication regimen with counseling, they also learn more effective coping skills for dealing with depressive symptoms and are able to reduce or discontinue medications completely.
Depression Isn’t a Big Deal- Clinical depression is a very grave condition, with mental, emotional and physical side effects. Unchecked depression sometimes leads to thoughts or plans for suicide, and needs to be taken very seriously.
Treatment Options for Depression
Treatment for depression can include a combination of drug therapy, cognitive therapy to identify mistaken beliefs and distorted perceptions about self and the world, and intensive psychotherapy to work through family of origin issues and/or abuse history. Some other options to help combat depression are:
Assertion Training
Anger Management Training
Diet and Sleep Management
Family and Couples Therapy
Support Groups
Children may benefit from art and play therapy to explore feelings related to depression and other mental health disorders. Remember that depression, even the most severe cases, is one of the most treatable mental illnesses. The earlier treatment begins the more effective it will be.
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