Depression Counselors and Therapists in Bethesda, MD—Depression Counseling, Therapy
We never expect it to happen to us. “It” being any unfortunate event: an awful breakup, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or a mental illness like depression. We don’t choose these horrible, often life-altering circumstances, and we wouldn’t wish them on our worst enemy. What we do choose though is how we respond to these circumstances.
“No one wishes to have dark days, sleepless nights, grumpy mornings, and this endless dark tunnel with no sign that it ever ends. Depression is not a choice.”
This isn’t to say that responding well to these ill events is easy. Our gut reaction is often to pull away from friends and family, lock ourselves in our rooms, and wait for the difficult feelings to pass. But this often proves unhelpful, as we need to process our feelings and address the problem at hand. When it comes to depression, that often involves working with a counselor.
A depression counselor or psychologist can help you manage the harmful symptoms that come with depression, from a change in energy levels, to irritability, lack of motivation, and more. They will assess your unique case of depression and then come up with a treatment plan tailored to you. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks are skilled, caring professionals. You don’t have to worry about judgment or lack of experience—they know what they’re doing, and they’ll do their best to help you live a happier, healthier life. Call (240) 513-3093 to schedule an appointment today.
Causes and Symptoms of Depression
The unfortunate events we mentioned above—an awful breakup, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job—can cause one to feel depressed. There are also many other factors that can come into play in the development of depression, both genetic and environmental. A depression counselor or psychologist can help you explore these potential causes, which will then assist them in coming up with the best treatment for you.
Depression comes with many debilitating symptoms, some of which we touched on above. Here’s a more comprehensive list:
- Intense sadness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Guilt or self-hatred
- Changes in energy levels
- Significant weight gain or loss
- Lack of motivation
- Fatigue
- Diminished focus
- Disinterest in day to day activities
- Suicidal thoughts
Are you experiencing any of the symptoms above? If so, it’s important that you get them checked out by a professional. While these symptoms sometimes go away on their own (in less serious cases), depression often requires treatment. In any case, you should talk with a counselor or psychologist about your symptoms, so you can be sure they are managed or resolved properly. A depression counselor at Thriveworks Bethesda can start this journey with you today.
Treatment for Depression: Counseling and Medication
There are two main treatments for depression: counseling (or therapy) and medication. Both have proven effective, but some individuals benefit more from one than the other. Let’s discuss these two approaches to treatment further:
- Counseling: If you’re feeling depressed, counseling can help you understand why and, more importantly, how you can begin to feel better. This might involve addressing unresolved feelings, learning to grieve properly, and/or correcting negative thoughts. As we mentioned earlier, your experience in counseling will be unique to you.
- Medication: Some people benefit from medication for depression, such as antidepressants. These work by balancing chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) that impact one’s mood and emotions. Antidepressants can resolve different symptoms of depression, including mood, sleep, appetite, and focus.
A professional at Thriveworks Bethesda can help you understand and explore what form of treatment might work best for you. They’ll work with you to find the right approach, one that leads to greater happiness and success in your life.
See a Depression Counselor or Psychologist at Thriveworks Bethesda
A depression counselor at Thriveworks Bethesda can help you understand the cause of your depression and manage the harmful symptoms that come with it. They will walk you through the journey it takes to live a happy, healthy, successful life again. Call Thriveworks Bethesda today at (240) 513-3093 to schedule an appointment.
We’re ready to get started whenever you are. When you call us, you’ll speak with a scheduling specialist who will help you set up an appointment at your earliest convenience. We have flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend appointments. This is part of our mission to offer premium mental health services to our clients. We truly care about you and want to help you live better.
