Depression Therapy and Anxiety Therapy in Baltimore, MD—Therapists, Counselors, and Psychologists
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the US, with 40 million American adults suffering from anxiety in any given year. Depression doesn’t fall far behind. It, too, is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting an estimated 18 million US adults in any given year.
“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, importantly, you are not the rain.” –Matt Haig
If you’re one of these people who is struggling with the effects of anxiety or depression, it’s important that you reach out for help. Thriveworks Baltimore, MD has counselors who specialize in helping individuals manage both illnesses. To schedule your depression therapy or anxiety therapy session at Thriveworks Baltimore, simply give our office a call.
What Are the Primary Causes of Depression and Anxiety?
Surprisingly, despite the huge amount of research dedicated to finding the source of mental health problems like depression and anxiety, we still do not know exactly what causes them to develop. We know that traumatic life events such as long-term unemployment, abusive relationships, death of a loved one or intense prolonged stress can lead to their onset. However, we do not know exactly what happens in the body that flips the ‘switch’ of depression and anxiety.
It appears that these external factors alter the balance of chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain—these alterations then change how the brain processes feelings and emotions, leading to extremely intense emotional responses over protracted periods of time. It is also important to note that the causes of depression or anxiety can vary from person to person. In any case, however, the depression therapists and the anxiety therapists at Thriveworks Baltimore are ready to step in and help you. They will do their best to help you determine a cause. But more importantly, they will help you better manage your illness.
Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Am I Depressed? Anxious?
Depression and anxiety are disorders which are not only complex with regard to their causes, but are also difficult to diagnose. There are unfortunately no blood tests or physical examinations that can check for these conditions. A physically healthy person may well be experiencing an intense inner emotional turmoil. Diagnosis takes the form of a guided talk by the doctor, asking questions to assess whether symptoms of depression or anxiety are apparent. Some of the typical symptoms of each illness include:
Depression:
- Intense emotions such as sadness and grief
- Unusually persistent emotions
- Changes in weight and/or appetite
- Lethargy
- Lack of interest in day to day activities
- Sleep disturbances
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Lack of concentration and/or motivation
- Suicidal thoughts
Anxiety:
- Constant worry
- Racing thoughts
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Lack of sleep
- Heart palpitations
- Fear
- Feeling of impending doom
- Nausea
- Trembling
Treatment for Depression and Anxiety: Counseling, Medication, and Self-Care
Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options for both depression and anxiety. These include:
- Counseling and talk-based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help people better understand and work through their depression and/or anxiety. This form of therapy narrows in on negative thinking patterns as well as behaviors and helps one to develop healthier habits.
- Medication: Medication is another effective treatment option. Antidepressants, of which can help with both depression and anxiety, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in America.
- Self-care: Self-care is also important when it comes to managing depression and anxiety as well as maintaining your mental wellbeing in general! Self-care includes eating nutritious foods, exercising, and engaging in other beneficial activities such as practicing mindfulness and spending time with loved ones.
The primary difference to the medical and lifestyle interventions is that the counseling services, such as those provided by Thriveworks Baltimore, concentrate on finding the root cause of the problem. Here at Thriveworks Baltimore we strive to help our clients identify why they are feeling depressed and/or anxious, so that we can focus on helping them achieve full remission. Give us a call now to arrange your first session with one of our expert counselors.
Schedule a Therapy Session at Thriveworks Baltimore, MD
If you think that you might be depressed or you’re struggling with anxious thoughts, know that you do not have to suffer silently. There is help available, and you’re in just the right place to receive that help! Thriveworks Baltimore, MD has both depression therapists and anxiety therapists on staff. These professionals have skills, training, and experience in their corresponding areas, which enable them to help clients who are struggling with these specific issues.
Thriveworks Baltimore, MD counselors and therapists are ready to help you as soon as today or tomorrow. To get started, just call our office. We have flexible appointment times that will enable you to work with a counselor at your convenience. These include evening and weekend sessions! We also have online counseling opportunities available.
