Counseling for Anxiety and Depression in Sterling, VA (Loudoun County)

Many people struggle with anxiety and depression, and all too frequently, their well-meaning friends may offer opinions about their mental health. Have you ever heard any of these?

“After a good night’s rest, you will probably feel a lot better.”

“When you feel stressed, take a deep breath and count to three. Everything will turn out okay.”

“Being outside lifts my mood. Why don’t you try it?”

“Have you tried meditation? What about yoga? That worked for my friend’s cousin.”

Of course, people who offer advice care deeply about their loved ones, but the reality is that anxiety and depression are significant mental health challenges. When people experience depression and anxiety, they are facing more than jitters about a new job or sadness about a family member’s passing. Anxiety is more than nervousness. Depression is more than the blues.

The severity and longevity of anxiety and depression are just two factors that distinguish them from the everyday mood swings that most people face. Anxiety and depression disrupt daily life and make focusing upon what is important difficult if not impossible. Furthermore, anxiety and depression are not simple phases that come and go. There are effective treatments for these mental health challenges, and often people need the help of a counselor or therapist to manage their anxiety or depression.

If you are suffering with anxiety or depression or both, know that the counselors and psychologists at Thriveworks understand the difficulty you are face. We have helped many people manage their anxiety and depression with a variety of treatment options.

More than the Blues: What Are Anxiety and Depression?

Anxiety and depression are mood disorders that affect many people in the United States. Approximately 1 in 4 adults will face a form of anxiety within their life time. Anxiety disorders—such as panic disorder, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and social anxiety disorder—are the most common form of mental illness. About 1 in 6 adults will be diagnosed with clinic depression at some point in their lives. About half of people who struggle with depression will also be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as well.

So much more than the blues, anxiety and depression disrupt daily living. Signs of anxiety and depression include…

• Pervasive and consistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness
• Lost interest in hobbies and fun activities
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Psychosomatic pain

If you or someone you love is exhibiting these symptoms, then it may be time to seek out the help of a mental health professional. Just as people who are facing physical health challenges need to work closely with a physician for effective treatment, so people who face mental health challenges may benefit from working with a therapist or counselors. Fighting anxiety and depression is worth the effort because overtime, these mood disorders take their toll upon people’s lives.

Anxiety and Depression’s Toll on the Body

People’s minds and their bodies are interconnected, so when their mental health suffers, often their physical health suffers as well. People who struggle with anxiety and depression may also struggle with:

• Irregular Sleep Patterns – Insomnia is a regular symptom of anxiety and depression. Often, people have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. At other times, people with anxiety and depression may want to sleep all the time.
• Feeling Fatigues or Listless – Lack of energy is a common problem people with anxiety or depression face. These mental health challenges often leave people feeling depleted and unmotivated. They may even experience slower reaction times.
• Inability to Focus – Negative thought patterns that often accompany anxiety and depression may disturb people’s concentration. An ability to focus often makes everyday tasks more difficult and seemingly simple challenges more complicated.
• Sporadic Eating Habits – Anxiety and depression can disrupt people’s appetite. Some people can hardly bear to put a fork in their mouths. Others want to eat all the time. Many people swing like a pendulum between the two.
• Indecisiveness – When people experience anxiety and depression, they often feel stuck. They may think through every decision a thousand times and still be unable to decide.

Many people experience anxiety and depression, and many people are fighting their effects. Many people are also reaching out for treatment and experiencing relief and improvement. Effective treatments are available.

Therapy for Anxiety and Depression at Thriveworks Loudoun County

There are no quick-fixes for relieving or managing anxiety and depression, but over time and with a commitment to treatment, many people have experienced improvement. Several different treatments and approaches to therapy are available, in particular cognitive behavior therapy and various medications.

Some people may benefit from medication. Research has shown that anxiety and depression often respond to a regimen that includes a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). A mental health professional should be able to determine whether medications could help and which could be most effective for each individual.

Often, medication is most effective when combined with cognitive behavior therapy. Skilled therapists can help people replace any negative belief patterns with positive ones. Cognitive behavior therapy may also allow people to heal past wounds or address current difficult situations.

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression and you are ready to speak with a mental health professional, such as a counselor or psychologist, know that Thriveworks Sterling has appointments available. We offer evening and weekend appointments, and we accept many forms of insurances. If you are a new client, you will likely be able to meet with your therapist within 24 hours of your first call.

Let’s get started. Contact Thriveworks Sterling today.