Depression Counseling in Northeast Raleigh, NC
No one asks for depression. Depression is not your fault, and it doesn’t define who you are as a person. The good news is that depression is very treatable, and many people who receive therapy go on to lead happy, positive, and successful lives.
If you are struggling with depression, a significant first step is to recognize you need help and seek counseling and treatment. Thriveworks Counseling in Northeast Raleigh, NC is standing by with a team ready to provide you with support, care, and a plan to get you where you want to be in life.
What Is Depression? What Are the Signs?
Feeling sad or upset is normal. We all have these feelings at some point in our lives. We can experience sad feelings during major life events such as a divorce, loss of a loved one, or an unexpected change in our routine. However, when these feelings become severe and are felt for many days or weeks, it may be caused by depression. Not everyone will have the same symptoms, and not everyone will experience the same duration.
Some common depression symptoms include:
- Changes in appetite or weight: do you overeat, or are you not eating as much as you usually do?
- Persistent feelings of sadness: do you feel sad when you wake up until the moment you fall asleep? Would you describe your mood as anxious or empty?
- Feeling angry or easily annoyed: do you snap at people over minor differences, or do you lose your temper quickly when something goes wrong?
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies you usually enjoyed: not showing up for your weekly baseball game? Haven’t been interested in continuing that house project you’ve been working on?
- Decreased energy or easily fatigued; are you feeling lethargic, like you’re walking through quicksand? Are you reaching for several cups of coffee just to get through the day?
- Trouble sleeping: do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep? Do you feel fatigued or prefer to sleep all the time?
There is hope for those with depression. While it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of this mental disorder, it is just as important to talk to professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Northeast Raleigh who can effectively evaluate, diagnose, and treat anxiety and depression.
How Is Depression Treated?
As stated earlier, depression is very treatable. Even the most severe forms of the disorder are treatable. Typically, depression is treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. A skilled therapist will be able to work closely with you and determine your specific treatment plan.
Medication for Depression
Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression. Some common antidepressants are Celexa, Lexapro, and Zoloft. The medicine works by improving the way your brain uses chemicals that control stress or mood. Most medications have side effects, so there might be a trial-and-error period until you find the medication that works for you. In addition, antidepressants don’t usually work right away – it usually takes a few weeks to work, so you should avoid any judgments before you decide if it’s useful or not.
It’s important to continue taking your prescription medications unless you’re instructed otherwise. Stopping medications too soon can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Therapy for Depression
Several types of therapy can help those dealing with depression. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapists use CBT to help you become more aware of negative or inaccurate thinking so you can respond to future challenges in a more positive, constructive way. CBT can also help you identify ways to manage emotions, cope with grief or loss, and manage chronic physical symptoms.
Another common therapy is interpersonal therapy (IPT). This type focuses on your relationships with other people. The goal is to help you communicate more effectively with others and face problems that may contribute to your depression. Your therapist will talk with you and focus on your immediate challenges and identify events in your life that might have led to your depression symptoms. Your therapist will then provide you with the necessary skills to manage difficult emotions in positive ways.
Meet with a Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Northeast Raleigh
An experienced team of caring and compassionate professionals at Thriveworks Counseling is ready to help. Appointments can be made within 24 hours. We offer flexibility with our appointment times as well as convenient options such as telephone or video counseling. Other benefits include phone and email access to your provider between sessions, Ask-a-coach 24-hour Q&A, text support via our Success Navigator, counselor-moderated community discussions, and more.
If you are experiencing any of the depression symptoms mentioned above or are concerned about recent negative thoughts or feelings, please call our Thriveworks Counseling office in Northeast Raleigh to schedule an appointment or use our online booking widget to schedule an appointment yourself.
