Depression Therapy in Cherry Hill, NJ—Counselors
Celebrities. Teachers. Politicians. Writers. Athletes. Business leaders. Employees. Co-workers. Bosses. Friends. Moms. Dads. Daughters. Sons. Husbands. Wives. Partners. Uncles. Aunts. Grandparents. Depression does not discriminate. It strikes old and young, rich and poor, in every race and religion. Depression may be a middle-aged man who is going through the motions of his life without feeling a thing. Depression may be a small child who sits out of recess and will not touch her lunch. Depression may be a 20-something woman, working her first job who cannot the feeling of loneliness and despair. Whatever form depression takes, it is a horrible illness that can disrupt and devastate people’s lives. It also an illness that has viable treatment options. More and more, people are opening up about their struggle with depression, and more and more, people are finding the treatment they need for depression.
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
–Eleanor Roosevelt
Thriveworks Cherry Hill has helped many people who were in a battle with depression and who needed an ally in their fight. Like many major illnesses, those who have depression often need interventions from mental health professionals. That is why Thriveworks Cherry Hill offers therapy for depression: no one has to fight alone.
Depression’s Many Forms
Depression can develop in anyone, anywhere, but it can also develop in many different forms. Some of them are predictable. Some are not. Here is a look at just six ways depression may manifest in an individual’s life.
1) Major Depressive Disorder
When most people think of depression, they are thinking of what The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) calls Major Depressive Disorder. When people have Major Depressive Disorder, they will exhibit at least five of the following diagnostics on more days than not, for the majority of the day, and for two continuous weeks:
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking.
- Substantial weight loss or gain.
- Feelings of intense hopelessness, emptiness, sadness, despair.
- Lost pleasure in everyday activities.
- Disrupted sleep patterns (hypersomnia or insomnia).
- Appetite changes.
- Loss of energy/fatigue.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-hatred.
- Changes in levels of activity.
- Thoughts of suicide and/or death.
2) Minor Depression
Like its name sounds, Minor Depression is a less acute form of Major Depressive Disorder. Five symptoms must be present for a Major Depressive Disorder diagnosis, but two must be present for a Minor Depression diagnosis. Of those two, lost interest in everyday activities or difficult emotions (hopelessness, emptiness, sadness, or despair) must be one. Despite being a less acute form of depression, Minor Depression is still a serious mental illness and often needs medical intervention.
3) Persistent Depressive Disorder
This form of depression may also be called chronic depression or dysthymia. As its name suggests, Persistent Depressive Disorder can last for many years. Its symptoms must occur for at least two years to be diagnosed. Those symptoms include:
- Lack of motivation
- Automatic expectation of failure
- Mild anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Unstable mood
- Loss or gain in weight of 5 percent or more within a month
- Negative self-talk
- Fatigue
- Impaired concentration
Persistent Depressive Disorder’s symptoms differ from Major Depressive Disorder’s, and the two can co-occur.
4) Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder cycles people between two extremes: a depressive state and a manic state. That is why it is also called Manic Depression. The depressive state has the same symptoms as Major Depressive Disorder. The manic state involves symptoms such as…
- Engaging in risky, pleasurable activities
- Loquaciousness
- Increased self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts
- Being easily angered
- Psychomotor agitation
- Increased goal-directed activities
5) Postpartum Depression
Women who are about to or have recently given birth are vulnerable to Postpartum Depression. It usually develops between the third trimester of pregnancy and the first month after childbirth, but it can continue long after. Its symptoms overlap with Major Depressive Disorder, but they also include…
- Intense worry about the baby
- Disinterest in the baby
- Negative feelings toward the baby
- The inability to care for herself or her baby
- Thoughts about harming the baby
- Fear of being alone with her baby
6) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
During winter or dark months, depression may take the form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD most often strikes during the winter and its symptoms are similar to dysthymia and Major Depressive Disorder. A diagnosis requires these symptoms to be felt in two successive years. When spring and summer come, the symptoms often are relieved until the following winter.
Treatment for Depression at Thriveworks Cherry Hill
Could you recognize any of the symptoms listed above? If you are experiencing any signs of depression, it may be time to seek out help. It may be time to work with a mental health professional. Consider reaching out to Thriveworks Cherry Hill. We have appointments for depressive available, and our caring therapists have worked with many people, helping them find the healing they deserve. When you call our office, your first appointment may be the following day. We do not keep a waitlist, but we do offer evening and weekend sessions. We also accept many forms of insurance. Call today.
