Are you struggling with Depression?

• Do you find yourself at a low mood and energy level across most situations and activities?
• Do you find yourself not enjoying things that used to make you happy?
• Do you avoid social situations?
• Do you isolate and/or struggle to sustain relationships?
• Do you have diminished motivation to care for yourself?

What Does Depression Feel Like?

Typically, persons struggling with depression have difficulty carrying out the day-to-day tasks that they once were comfortable with. They feel less inclined to spend time with friends and family or to leave the house. The desire and interest level to work is also negatively affected, and may feel that they are a burden to others.

Tasks that once seemed easy can begin to seem overwhelming. They may experience persistent feelings associated with dread, hopelessness, and fear. The symptoms of depression often make it difficult to seek out and use effective treatment. Some persons with depression experience thoughts of self-harm. While experiencing difficulties in getting out of bed and caring for daily tasks, it can also be difficult to find the motivation to seek out therapy for depression.

How Common Is Depression?

Many researchers state that about 5% of the population struggles with some form of depression. Millions of Americans get professional help for depression each year. Depression as an illness takes its toll on families, relationships, and employment, and it can draw the joy out of life.

Do I Need Help With Depression?

What’s the difference between a clinical form of depression and just being sad? Sadness is a short-termed reactionary emotion to common daily life experiences. Depression, on the other hand, lasts longer and is accompanied by debilitating symptoms.

According the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI), instances of major depression typically last longer than two weeks and usually include many of the following factors: inability to experience pleasure, change in appetite, feeling like you are in slow motion, sleep disturbances, feeling agitated, the onset of fatigue, persistent low self-esteem, guilt over shortcomings, as well as difficulty concentrating, struggles to make decisions, and in some cases, thoughts of suicide. Persons with depression have also been known to use alcohol or drugs as coping resources that work in the short term, but over time have negative outcomes.

Depression Is Not Something You Can “Just Snap Out Of”

There are key differences between sadness and a clinical diagnosis of depression. Untreated clinical depression will likely not be resolved without treatment. Depression is not something you can simply “snap out of.” When you have clinical depression, you can’t flip a switch and feel happy.

Avoiding treatment for depression could mean you are prolonging the amount of time you experience the distress and it can take a toll on your relationships and responsibilities. If you have feelings of sadness or clinical depression, seeking treatment can help. Depression is a treatable disease that responds well to any number of various treatment options.

Types Of Therapy For Depression

Doctors, therapists, and researchers use a number of effective therapeutic techniques and medications that are readily available. Many general practice doctors will recommend that individuals see a psychiatrist, a therapist, or both to discuss treatment options.

Therapists provide depression treatment that draws on years of experience from several perspectives including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Problem-Solving Solution-Focused interventions, Trauma Therapy, and Brief Psychodynamic Therapy.

Does Therapy Work For Depression?

Treatment for depression, if caught early, can be very effective. CBT treatment often focuses on examining the relationship between your thoughts, your behaviors, and your beliefs. Problem-Solving Therapy assists persons in exploring healthy responses to behaviors that they would like to change. Psychodynamic and Trauma-based therapies help an individual increase their coping resources when reflecting on past events and learn to live with the underlying pain.

What you commit to therapy for depression, you can improve their overall mood, reduce social isolation, develop a healthy, balanced appetite, increase personal self-esteem and find increased energy to carry out and complete tasks. You can also improve your relationships and work performance.

Some approaches may be more effective for you than others, so we’ll work with you to identify the best treatment for your depression. Feel free to call the number listed below to schedule a free consultation or to learn more about the treatments and services that we offer that can help you meet your needs and cope with depression.

Where To Get Help For Depression

The professional licensed psychotherapists at HJK Therapy Services are experts in depression treatment and bipolar treatment. We have years of experience working with and treating persons with mood disorders and are uniquely qualified to understand your symptoms. We can collaborate with you and your health care professional in developing a treatment plan that feels right for you.

​Schedule an appointment online via the button below. Or, if you’re still wondering if therapy for depression with HJK Therapy Services is the right option for you, call 312-778-5115 now for a free, 15-minute consultation.