Why Depression is More Than Just The Blues and How to Effectively Treat It

While depression can be debilitating, it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right kind of treatment and therapy, you can overcome your depression and get back to living life in a healthy and happy way. In this article, we’ll talk about what depression is, why it happens, and how you can find effective treatment options. This will help you recover from your depressive episode without experiencing it again in the future.

What Are The Causes of Depression?

Depression can be caused by any number of things. Most often it stems from an imbalance in brain chemicals. One type of depression is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD occurs during the winter months when there are fewer hours of daylight. Scientists believe this form of depression may have a genetic component. Big life events or stressful events such as divorce or death, can also trigger depression in some.

What Are The Symptoms of Depression?

The most common symptoms of depression are feeling sad, hopeless, or blue almost every day for more than two weeks. You may also have a hard time concentrating or remembering things. Or you may feel irritable or restless. You might lose your appetite or sleep a lot more than usual. Thoughts of death or suicide are not uncommon in those who are experiencing depression.

Treatments For Depression

Depression can be treated in a variety of ways. This includes therapy sessions with a psychologist, prescription medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, exercise, meditation, mindfulness meditation, and counseling. The most important aspect of treating depression is finding what works best for you.

That might be one type of treatment or all three. Depression might require different treatments at different times. A doctor may prescribe a course of antidepressant medication as well. Or use other forms of psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Counseling or Psychotherapy Such as CBT

The purpose of counseling or psychotherapy is to talk with a mental health professional about your problems and develop coping mechanisms. In some cases, brief therapy is all that’s required. In other cases, longer therapy may be necessary.

These therapies teach patients skills to help them deal with difficult emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors such as alcohol abuse, overeating, and drug abuse. CBT also teaches skills that are related to managing depression symptoms such as anger management skills and problem-solving skills.

Don’t Suffer From Depression Alone

Depressive illness is a detrimental disorder that can occur to anyone. Treatment might be difficult but it is possible to recuperate and live a fulfilled life. There are several treatments that can be done, so you won’t have to deal with depression in silence.

There are different types of depression, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers. It is possible to fend off symptoms of depression with various therapeutic, psychiatric, and holistic measures. This may include taking care of yourself, interrupting your negative thought patterns, or asking family, friends, and loved ones for their support.

Begin Depression Therapy in San Ramon, CA

At Sweet Mango Therapy Group, we understand that depression can be overwhelming and can take a toll on your emotional and mental health. But with the right support and guidance, you can learn the coping skills to help manage your depression. You deserve to be happy and healthy, so don’t struggle alone. Interested in beginning depression therapy? Follow these simple steps:

1. Contact us to schedule an appointment
2. Meet with one of our caring depression therapists
3. Learn to cope with your depression and start healing

Other Therapy Services at Sweet Mango Therapy Group

Our therapists at Sweet Mango Therapy Group understand that you may have many mental health struggles and we want to help you in any way we can. In addition to depression therapy, we offer a variety of other therapy services. Our therapists offer services such as brainspotting, trauma counseling, anxiety therapy, and family therapy. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, reach out today! For more about us check out our blog or FAQs!