A variety of distressing life events have the ability to cause low mood and sadness. If the symptoms are persistent and interfere with daily life, it can be considered depression. Regardless of the circumstances and severity of symptoms, counseling for depression can be an essential component to combat these stressful feelings.
Although individuals can experience it in different ways, some of the most common symptoms which lead to a clinical diagnosis of depression are:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, overwhelmed, irritable, worthless, guilty
- Increased emotional sensitivity or feeling of being emotionally numb
- Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
- Social withdrawal, feeling isolated from the world
- Physical symptoms such as chronic fatigue, malaise, GI disruption
- Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping excessively (hypersomnia)
- Noticeable weight changes and/or major fluctuations in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating, processing thoughts, making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide, death, self-harm
- Increased alcohol/substance use as a coping mechanism
- Often, these feelings are accompanied by anxiety
These symptoms can continue for a period of time or occur in episodes. Elongated periods of severe symptoms can be considered major depressive disorder. Constant feelings of restlessness or slowed movements and speech can greatly interfere with an individual’s ability to function. Often, a lack of treatment can cause symptoms to become more intrusive and oppressive.
Some of the most common types of counseling for depression include cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or psychosocial therapy. Simple talk or group therapy can be greatly beneficial as well. Chana Pfeifer can help discuss options for therapy to help alleviate symptoms that have become severe. In the process, she may assess other psychiatric features or medical conditions that may contribute to or interact with depression.
When one is seeing through a world view blurred by constant loops of negative thoughts, therapy can help to clear the lens. Identifying the roots of depressive feelings can be essential to re-programming the destructive behaviors which accompany it.
A therapist can help locate and resolve cognitive distortions and replace harmful coping skills with self-enhancing behaviors. Formulating a treatment plan is done with the patient’s well-being, self-confidence, and safety in mind.
In times of grief it might feel difficult to reach out for help. In fact, the feelings of worthlessness can discourage one from having hope. It is important to remember that no one is alone and that hope is a beacon always ready to be grasped by one’s powerful mind.
