Depression is not something you can shake off with the snap of a finger. Depression is a mental illness that affects your body, relationships, and overall quality of life. As has been noted, seeking depression therapy is a brave step towards improving your life.
Think of it like this, you’re feeling sad, but for most people that sadness goes away quickly. For someone who is experiencing clinical depression, however, that sadness can persist for weeks, or months, or even years. Then combine that time with feelings of helplessness and unworthiness. For some with severe depression, it could potentially lead to suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
It’s important to treat yourself or a loved one with love and understanding, while encouraging them to seek out depression therapy.
What causes Depression?
There’s no direct known cause(s), but several factors can increase your risk of developing depression. Some people are more susceptible to depressive episodes while others aren’t.
Factors include
- Genetic – inherited from a family member,
- Environmental – substance abuse, poor diet and exercise, lack socializations
- Biochemical – medications side effects, changes in brain patterns
- Hormonal – pregnancy, thyroid disorders, and menopause
- Situational – losing a loved one, employment problems, financial issues, trauma
Depression therapy is available once you acknowledge you may have depression.
Common Signs of Depression
Everyone’s experience with depression is different. Don’t feel you can’t possibly be clinically depressed if you don’t have every symptom or not enough.
Hopeless Outlook
You don’t see much hope for yourself in the future. Undoubtedly, you feel that your quality of life will never improve. You also tend to be more pessimistic than others without depression.
High Risk behavior
In an effort to numb your pain, you engage in escapism.
This can include:
- abusing drugs and alcohol
- having unsafe sex
- reckless driving
- gambling
- getting into physical fights
- self-harm
Loss of Interest or Pleasure
Usually, most people tend to do something they enjoy to lift their spirits. For those with depression, however, they can’t find joy in their favorite activities or hobbies.
Social Isolation
You feel ashamed to be around loved ones, so you withdraw from them. Yet, that’s what you need! In some cases, you feel you are a social ‘outcast’ and don’t belong in social groups. You feel lonely and unworthy of affection or respect.
Increased Need of Sleep
Depression depletes you of your energy, therefore making you feel tired. Consequently, you tend to take in more hours of sleep which can lead to a condition called hypersomnia. Sleep also tends to be a relief from the pain of depression as they escape from reality for some time.
Drastic Change in Appetite
Changes in appetite vary from person to person. For instance, some people battling depression find comfort in food while others can’t bring themselves to eat at all.
Diminished Effort of Concentration
Depression interferes with your concentration by making you feel like you can’t reach your goals. With this purpose in mind, people with depression:
- Can’t focus on tasks
- Lose yourself in conversations
- Trouble comprehending what you are reading
- Inability to recall new information
How We Can Treat Your Depression
Speaking with your primary care doctor or a licensed therapist can be the first step to seeking out help. Here at Talking Works, we have a large team of therapists experienced in treating depression. We use therapy modals such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and etc.
You can view our lists of services here.
How much does Depression Therapy in NYC cost?
The cost of therapy depends on your therapist’s qualifications and your insurance coverage. See what insurances we are in-network with here. We also have $40 sessions through our Training Department.
How to book an appointment for Depression Therapy?
Call or text our office at (347) 391-4250 start depression therapy as soon as possible. Don’t wait any longer to start feeling happy again.