Depression is a debilitating disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. For some people, depression manifests in mild symptoms while for others it takes over their whole being and they may feel as though they are worthless or have no reason to go on.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in America. In 2016, an estimated 6.7% or 16 million Americans suffered from major depression – and that number only continues to grow each year! The National Institute for Mental Health has reported a significant increase in diagnosed cases over the past decade; with every passing day, more people suffer from this debilitating disease than ever before.
Therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression because it helps patients gain insight into the origins of their mental illness and find ways to cope with its effects.
What causes depression?
Depression is a complicated disorder that has many causes and effects. One cause of depression could be a change in the body’s chemistry, which influences mood and thought processes. Other biological factors can also make someone depressed; this type of depression may occur if there are significant life transitions or stresses taking place within one’s mental well-being, such as the death of loved ones. What makes it so difficult to diagnose fully is when some people with no family history experience depressive episodes because they have been affected by something else outside their own control like the death of a loved one or stress from schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
Some signs of depression include:
- Prolonged sadness.
- Feelings of helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Chronic pains
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability
- Withdraw from family and friends
How does therapy Help People Recover from Depression?
Therapy is often a good first step for people who are struggling with depression because it gives them the opportunity to talk about whatever they’re feeling, which may be something they haven’t talked about before. As we know from our own experiences in life and relationships, talking can have a powerful healing effect on us. Talking through one’s feelings releases endorphins that boost mood and improve physical health as well.
In addition to providing an outlet for emotions, therapists provide support by listening attentively without judgment or advice while acknowledging and validating clients’ efforts to cope with their difficulties. This process helps individuals build self-awareness that will allow them to identify warning signs in their depressive episodes and take action faster.
Why you should seek therapy for depression
If you are feeling depressed, there is a good chance that psychotherapy can help. Licensed therapists have the skills and experience in helping patients recover from depression with several different approaches to therapy shown to be effective for people with mild-to-moderate cases.
Psychotherapy may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve relationships between family members or friends by improving communication patterns. If your life has become unmanageable because of these feelings, visiting an experienced therapy clinic such as Next Steps Professional Counseling Services can be the right decision for you.
Common treatment solutions for depression
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy in which patients learn to identify and manage their negative thought patterns that can contribute to depression. One way they do this, for example, would be by identifying the unhelpful or negative thoughts within themselves- those often lead them into an even worse state of mind and mood than before.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a form of therapy in which patients learn to better express their emotions and solve problems by building healthier relationships with others. IPT helps them manage life stressors or depression symptoms while strengthening social skills, increasing support, and improving well-being.
If you or a loved one is experiencing or dealing with the symptoms that arise from depression and would like further assistance give our team of professionals a call today at (682) 250-0988 or contact us on our website for more information.
