Chapel Hill, NC Depression and Anxiety Therapy—Therapists, Counselors
Anxiety disorders may be the most prevalent mental illness in the US, but myths about what they are and how they are treated persist. The same could be said for depression. Well-intentioned loved ones may wish to help their friends or family members who have depression and/or anxiety by offering advice like…
“Try a breathing exercise when you are feeling stressed.”
“Maybe after a good night’s sleep, life won’t seem so bad.”
“Have you ever gone to a yoga class?”
“Maybe try spending more time outside. Fresh air always lifts my spirits.”
There is no doubt that these are offered with a good motive to help, but advice like this underestimates what people are facing when they have anxiety and/or depression. These mental illnesses are not temporary phases of moodiness but serious disorders. Just as people facing serious physical illnesses need to work closely with a physician to find treatment, so people facing serious mental illness need to work closely with a mental health professional to find treatment. There is also no doubt that effective treatment for anxiety and depression exists.
Anxiety and depression are distinguished by their persistent and severe symptoms. Often, people have difficulty functioning and carrying on in the regular routine when they have anxiety and/or depression. However, experienced therapists and counselors can often help their clients reclaim their life and manage their symptoms. At Thriveworks Counseling in Chapel Hill, our depression therapists and anxiety therapists have worked with many clients who have depression and/or anxiety, and we have seen the benefit that treatment can bring to an individual’s life. If you are suffering with anxiety or depression, please consider reaching out for help. Call our office to schedule an appointment.
What Are Anxiety and Depression?
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental illnesses. An estimated 25 percent of adults will struggle with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Approximately 15 percent of adults will struggle with depression. Although the two are separate mood disorders, they are often co-occurring as about half of people who have anxiety will also struggle with depression. What do anxiety and/or depression look like an individual’s life?
The key indicator of anxiety and depression is disruption—daily functioning and daily life cannot continue as normal because of the following…
- Difficulty emotions such as hopelessness, emptiness, and/or sadness that are overwhelming and persistent.
- Lack of interest in people, activities, or hobbies that individuals formerly considered enjoyable.
- Attempted suicide or relentless thoughts of death.
- Psychosomatic pain—emotional pain that is felt physically.
Have you experienced any of these symptoms? If so, consider reaching out for help from an experienced mental health professional. A variety of treatment options are available, and skilled therapists and counselors may be able to help you find a treatment plan that works for you.
Depression and Anxiety: What Are the Physical Symptoms?
People are whole beings—their minds and their bodies are interconnected. What affects the mind can affect the body, and what affects the body can affect the mind. When anxiety and depression strike, their effects can reach across the mind and the body. For example, people may struggle with the following as they struggle with anxiety and/or depression:
- Distracted Attention – Depression and anxiety often make focusing extremely difficult. Negative thoughts can disrupt and distract, making daily tasks more difficult.
- Sleep Disruptions – Some people experience insomnia with their anxiety and/or depression—difficulty falling or staying asleep. Others may experience hypersomnia—wanting to sleep all the time.
- Indecisiveness – The inability to make decisions is a common side effect of depression and anxiety. People often hesitate and become stuck in situations they would have easily navigated without mental illness.
- Feeling of Fatigue – Regardless of whether people are experiencing sleep disruptions or not, they are often plagued with listlessness while battling anxiety and depression. Lack of energy is a common complaint as is slow reaction time.
- Sporadic Eating Habits – Similar to sleeping, eating habits can be disrupted by anxiety and depression. Some may eat voraciously. Others may not be able to even look at food. Some swing between the extremes.
Setting Up an Appointment for Anxiety or Depression Therapy at Thriveworks Counseling in Chapel Hill
Treating anxiety and depression is not about quick-fixes or magic potions. Therapy is often a difficulty process of finding ways to manage symptoms and seeking out healing for deeper wounds. And yet, despite its challenge, anyone who has gone through treatment for their anxiety and depression will probably explain it was worth every amount of effort they dedicated toward healing. Often, the best approach to treatment is multi-faceted.
The first facet is often a medication that manages anxiety and depression’s symptoms. Therapists may prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) depending upon what you are experiencing. A second facet is often a form of talk therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Therapy seeks to build up people’s coping skills and heal any deeper wounds that may be contributing to the illness.
The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Counseling in Chapel Hill want you to know that they offer therapy for anxiety and depression, and they have appointments available. If you are battling these mental illnesses, help is available. When you contact our office, know that we accept most forms of insurance, and we offer after-hour sessions.
Let’s work together. Contact us today.
