Depression

Depression develops in people of all ages, affecting 17% of youth and 8% of adults. When depression makes it hard to get through the day, the experienced team at Thrive Counseling Services, LLC can help. They specialize in holistic care, offering personalized therapy and recommending alternative approaches that improve your mind, body, and mood, such as yoga. If you struggle with depression, call the office in Gilbert, Arizona, or request an in-person or online appointment today.

What causes depression?

Depression can affect anyone, whether their life seems to be running smoothly or they struggle with significant problems.

Depression may begin due to a major life transition. Transitions such as losing or changing jobs, moving, marriage or divorce, and retirement often trigger depression. Many people become depressed after learning they have a severe illness or when a person close to them dies.

Postpartum depression often occurs shortly after delivery but can begin during pregnancy or the first year after having your baby. No matter when it starts, this is a major depressive disorder that disrupts your life and makes it hard to care for your baby.

You may become depressed if you’re overwhelmed by stress, have low self-esteem, or suffer abuse or violence.

Sometimes depression begins and persists for no obvious reason. That’s because this serious condition is closely associated with an imbalance in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters).

What symptoms does depression cause?

Depression is a mood disorder that brings your emotions down, saps your energy, and leaves you unable to enjoy or engage in life. It causes symptoms such as:

• Feeling hopeless, sad, and worthless
• Avoiding your partner, friends, and family
• Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Eating more or less and gaining or losing weight
• Sleeping more than usual or having a hard time sleeping
• Feeling extremely fatigued and lacking energy
• Having a hard time concentrating or making decisions
• Thinking about or planning suicide 

If you have several symptoms that last two weeks or longer, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the caring team at Thrive Counseling Services, LLC.

How is depression treated?

Your therapist completes a psychological assessment to verify your diagnosis, identify any triggering events, and determine if you have issues that often accompany depression, like anxiety.

Then they recommend a treatment approach, choosing from several effective therapies to find one that fits your personal needs. They may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, or emotion-focused therapy, to name a few.

Psychotherapy can be just as effective for lifting depression as medication. While therapy provides insight and helps you learn coping skills, it does even more. Like any type of learning, therapy rewires your brain and boosts nerve communication.

Antidepressant medications typically need weeks or months to take effect. However, if you’re severely depressed or suicidal, your therapist may refer you to a psychiatrist for medication management.

You can overcome depression with therapy and support at Thrive Counseling Services, LLC. Call or book an appointment online today.