Approximately 25 percent of adults in the U.S. struggle with depression, anxiety, or both. This is according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). According to the institute, 50 to 60 percent of people suffering from depression do not get any mental health treatment.
 

Understanding whether you are suffering from depression is crucial in helping you find a suitable mental health solution. Consulting an expert counselor can give you an insight and pave way for a helpful solution. Different people undergo depression differently, hence the need for a qualified counselor to help you individually.
 

It is important to understand depression to know if it is what you are experiencing. Depression changes you, making your daily life a bother and a burden to you. Living with depression is difficult for you and the people around you due to its nature. It is important to seek professional help at the first sign of the condition to avert negative consequences of advanced depression.

 

Symptoms of Depression

Unlike the occasional bout of sad feelings, depression is a serious and unrelenting condition. Having a cluster of symptoms may indicate depression, as opposed to having just one or two signs or symptoms. Some of them include:
 

· Feeling like life is not worth living and a sense of worthlessness

· Indecisiveness, constant worry, anxiety, and lack of concentration

· Uncontrollable guilt, irritability, and gloominess

· Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, as well as unusual menstrual cycles for women

· Fatigue, headaches, and loss of libido

You may notice you lack interest in the hobbies and social activities you liked and find yourself seeking isolation. This could be a sign of depression that has gradually developed over a long time.

 

How Can a Counselor Help?

If you experience some of these symptoms for an extended period, you should seek help from a counselor. When it starts affecting your work, family, relationships, and interests, there are ways a professional can assist. This could be through counseling and medication.

 

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

This therapy focuses on the correlation between your mental health and its effects on your relationships. The rationale behind this treatment is that depression is a response to your difficulty in communicating with others. This therapy works best if you have an identifiable problem that the counselor diffuses in order to help you.

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends this therapy as an effective treatment technique. It addresses the fact that the way you behave affects the way you feel. Based on this, a counselor can identify self-defeating thoughts that lead to negative behavior and work on eliminating them.

 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

This therapy aims to help people who suffer from recurring depression. Combining cognitive therapy with mindfulness techniques to break patterns of negative thoughts can be effective.

 

Group Therapy

Group therapy works best for people who are more comfortable within a group dynamic. The support network of peers who are experiencing the same issues helps in reducing the feeling of loneliness. Hearing other experiences and sharing yours is beneficial in this therapy.
 

After consulting your counselor, one of these treatments may be ideal. In some instances, therapists may suggest medication alongside therapy.

 

Get an expert counselor’s opinion from Comprehensive Counseling Services, LLC. Visit the office in Tallahassee, Florida, or go to www.counselingintallahassee.com. You can also call at (850) 688-2244 for a free 10-minute consultation or to book an appointment.