Depression Counseling in Charlottesville, VA

Depression Counseling in Charlottesville, VA

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. For some people, depression can interfere with or limit one’s ability to deal with major life activities. It’s estimated that 17 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older have had at least one major depressive episode. 

Unfortunately, many people suffering from depression don’t receive the help and therapy needed to overcome the disorder. Approximately 35% of adults with depression don’t receive treatment. 

Thriveworks Counseling in Charlottesville, VA has a team of professionally trained depression counselors ready to provide you with support, care, and a plan to get you where you want to be in life.

What Are the Different Depression Types?

Depression can cause severe symptoms that affect a whole range of reactions that affect how you think, feel, and handle what’s important in your daily life. It can also affect how you eat, sleep, and work.

Let’s examine a few different types of depression:

  • Persistent depressive disorder: this type involves a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. Someone diagnosed with this disorder may have episodes of major depression, along with times of less severe symptoms.
  • Postpartum depression: more than just the familiar “baby blues” that some women experience for a couple of weeks after giving birth, postpartum depression is considered a type of major depression that includes feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion. These feelings make it difficult for new moms to take care of themselves and/or their infants.
  • Seasonal affective disorder: this is a type of depression that can accompany the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Some symptoms of this type include increased sleep, weight gain, and less social interactions. The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder usually dissipate during spring and summer. 
  • Psychotic depression: this type of depression occurs when a person has severe depression in addition to another form of psychosis, such as hearing or seeing upsetting things others cannot see or hear (often referred to as hallucinations) or having disturbing false beliefs or delusions. 

How to Cope with Depression

You don’t have to let depression win. You don’t have to accept that your symptoms are permanent and that you’ll never get back to your normal self. When you take action to receive therapy or decide to make positive changes—even if they’re small changes—you are taking control of your situation to help yourself achieve happiness. 

Here are some ways you can cope with depression:

  1. Write it out: Journaling is a great way to put your thoughts and feelings on paper. Writing helps you understand your emotions, track your symptoms or triggers, gain more control, and shift your perspective to something positive. 
  2. Get creative: If you have a knack for drawing, painting, or any other creative hobby, you can use this activity to help you express your emotions. 
  3. Get moving: You don’t have to play a sport to take advantage of this activity. A short walk around your neighborhood or at a local park can work just as well, and you may notice this simple act of movement uplifts your mood. 
  4. Socialize: Talk with a close friend or family member who will listen and not judge your thoughts or feelings. Sometimes the simple act of venting or openly discussing the things that bother us has a healing effect. If someone you know has experienced the same challenges, they can share what worked for them. Those tips might work for you, too.
  5. Care for a pet: Taking care of a pet can help bring companionship and joy into your life and help you feel less alone. Caring for a pet can also free you from your inner, critical self and focus on the present moment. Many local adoptions centers will be more than happy to help you adopt a dog or cat as they often have many pets in need of a new home. 
  6. Improve your sleep: There is a close connection between sleep and mood. However, if you have depression, you may find you are sleeping too much or too little. Try to aim for eight hours of quality sleep each night. Turn off electronics at least one hour before bed, and try to relax your body before drifting off. 

Meet with a Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Charlottesville, VA

A trained, professional therapist can also help you cope with depression and create a plan to help you get back to a happier, healthier you. Here at Thriveworks Counseling in Charlottesville, VA, you can receive an appointment with a therapist as soon as tomorrow. We also offer our clients added benefits like phone access to your therapist between sessions, online counseling options, and evening and weekend appointment times. 

When you’re ready to get started, call our office. One of our scheduling specialists will happily schedule an appointment for you and provide you with exceptional customer service. 

We look forward to hearing from you. You can thrive, and we’ll help you every step of the way. 

People Love Our Providers!

Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 400 Locust Ave Suite 4,
    Charlottesville, VA 22902

  • Mon-Fri:7:00AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

It’s Time to Start a Relationship with a Thriveworks Counselor

It’s not easy, but we’re extremely selective about the counselors, psychologists, and coaches that join our practice. Experience a provider with skill and passion for helping clients make meaningful advances in their lives, relationships, careers, and happiness.


Get Started Today!

Pin It on Pinterest