Depression Counseling in Franklin, MA—Counselors and Therapists at Thriveworks

Many people suffer from depressions with a wide range of severity. Some people may find it consistently difficult to get out of bed in the morning while others continually have a hard time getting the energy they need to get through the day. These feelings of lethargy may be paired with feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and hopelessness.

Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks or more significant decreases in motivation, loss of interest in previously preferred activities, self-degrading thoughts, and pain without a clear cause. For some, episodes of depression are separated by years in which symptoms are greatly reduced or stop all together for a period of time. For others, a persistent presence of symptoms nearly always occurs. Depressive disorder can have a detrimental effect on a person’s personal, work, or school life, as well as sleeping, eating habits, and general health. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder should be based on an individual’s self-report and/or careful examination by a trained professional counselor, therapist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist.

Statistics and Causes of Depression

Studies have shown that over 300 million people world-wide suffer from major depressive disorder. It has been estimated that the percentage of people who are affected by depression at some point in their life is 15% (depending on their geographic region). Lifetime rates of depression are actually higher in the developed world than in less developed countries. Additionally, it most commonly affects people in their 20s and 30s, and more women suffer with depression (about twice as often) than men.

Depression may be brought on from a number of sources including a combination of genetic, psychological, social and other environmental triggers of distress. Trends in recent research seems to suggest that these triggers may also contribute to changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain. A persistent melancholy and decreased motivation that characterizes major depression can also lead to a wide range of behavioral and, even, physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or a poor self-image. Various forms of substance abuse, including alcoholism and drug addiction, can be traced to individuals’ attempts at self-medication.

Effective Treatment for Depression

A variety of treatment modalities, used individually or in combination, have shown to successfully reduce and, in some cases, eliminate symptoms. These treatments include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy and other forms of psychotherapy. Increasingly, research suggests these treatments may normalize brain changes associated with depression.

At Thriveworks Franklin, we have trained professionals with years of experience diagnosing and treating depression. They have had success enhancing and strengthened an individual’s self-image and helping them experience a renewed motivation to function both at work and at home. The clinicians at Thriveworks Franklin are also trained to deal with issues that may arise from depression such as substance abuse, marriage and family issues. Thriveworks clinicians are also skilled at supporting those who may be affected by the depressive symptoms of their loved ones.

Schedule an Appointment at Thriveworks Franklin

If you have had feelings of lethargy, hopelessness, or worthlessness that have lingered for some time or you feel that you have been in a relationship with someone who has, and you need ways to support them, call Thriveworks today. Thriveworks Franklin counselors are leaders in their field, ready to work with you. There is no need to continue your search for answers to your problems. The counselors at Thriveworks are ready to partner with you to improve your life. Why delay any longer?

Call us at (617) 360-7210 and we will connect you with a provider who will be the perfect fit for your personality and needs. At Thriveworks, we have appointments available for new clients within 24 hours. When you call us, we are ready to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and begin the process of healing. It would be our honor to walk with you on this journey of recovery.