Get Centered specializes in helping people in St. Louis, MO with depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues. We have professional therapists for people of all ages, whether you’re suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) or struggling to cope with everyday stressors.
Can Counseling Help With Depression?
Depression is a disorder that affects how you feel, think and behave. Symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, irritability, fatigue and trouble concentrating. If you are experiencing these symptoms of depression, you may benefit from counseling. Finding the right counselor can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Counseling for Depression
The form of therapy depends on the duration and intensity of symptoms. Consulting with a psychiatrist or psychologist may be necessary for chronic depression with severe symptoms because they pinpoint past problems that may affect your current emotions. But, engaging with a counselor may be beneficial if the depression symptoms are more recent or less severe.
In counseling, talk therapy is employed for comprehending and resolving problems affecting your life. Counselors listen, provide feedback and teach coping mechanisms. Additionally, they will assess your development and change the lessons as necessary. You might get homework to supplement what you learned in counseling sessions, such as tracking emotions and moods.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term therapy for mild to moderate depression, focusing on your current thoughts, feelings and actions and how they impact your life. With CBT, your counselor can help you alter negative thoughts possibly causing your symptoms.
Types of Depression
A depression diagnosis requires a medical or mental health expert’s evaluation. Symptoms must be present for at least two weeks for diagnosis.
Per the DSM-5, there are various types of depressive disorders, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. Major depressive illness has further distinguishing characteristics, such as major depressive order with a seasonal pattern (seasonal affective disorder) or major depression with peripartum onset (postpartum depression).
What Causes Depression?
Mental health professionals concur that brain chemistry is a key factor in depression. Serotonin and dopamine are chemicals found in the brain and impact how happy you feel. Depression may occur if the brain produces insufficient amounts or improperly processes these substances.
However, any painful or stressful experience, such as divorce, financial instability, chronic disease, social isolation, bullying, and domestic problems might exacerbate depression.
What Depression Really Is
Depression is a medical condition that affects the mind and body. Symptoms include:
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Exhaustion
- Anxiety
- Low motivation
- Eating and sleeping changes
Depression may be likely if symptoms have continued for two weeks or longer with little to no relief.
What Depression Is Not
Depression is not fleeting feelings of sadness. It must persist over an extended period to qualify as depression. It can deplete energy, but that doesn’t mean laziness. Many people with depression work harder to get through the day. They can feel hopeless, but the good news is that there are many effective treatments for depression.
When Counseling Services for Depression Are Necessary
Everybody experiences sadness. But this is different from depression. If you feel depressed, you should get care immediately. Untreated depression can lead to further problems, from relationship issues to problems at work. Depression can also be incredibly isolating for those who suffer from it, and working with a counselor can help you lead a more connected life.
It’s Okay to Reach Out
Anyone can develop depression. Reaching out carries no risk because you can cancel the therapy if your symptoms improve. It’s critical to be aware that help is available should you need it.
Treatment Options – Medications
The right therapeutic approach varies from person to person. Medication can be effective when combined with depression counseling. Your doctor can prescribe an antidepressant, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Most antidepressants take several weeks to work, however, and come with their own risks and side effects..
Compassionate Counseling for Depression in St. Louis
We know depression can result from many different sources, including:
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Unresolved relationship issues
- Behavioral challenges
- Major life transitions, such as job loss, divorce, or becoming a parent
No matter the cause, we offer compassionate care and evidence-based mental health services designed to support you through even the most difficult times.
Whether you’re navigating recent life transitions, long-term struggles, or sudden emotional shifts, our team is here to help. Our counselors take a holistic approach that focuses on the individual and their well-being. And we bring a lot of experience and varied disciplines to the table!
So whether you need family therapy, health and wellness coaching, or help with depression or some other mental health issues, such as a panic disorder, we’re here to help. We use a collaborative approach to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and the type of therapy best aligned with your individual experience and stage of life.
Effective Treatments for Depression and Other Mental Health Challenges
At Get Centered Counseling, we use a wide range of therapeutic techniques in individual therapy to address depression and other mental health conditions and challenges, such as addictive behaviors, communication skills, and overall emotional well-being.
You might be working through relationship challenges, dealing with a significant life transition, or just seeking long-term strategies for a happier life. Our counselors will help you build resilience and regain your sense of self.
At Get Centered, our mental and behavioral health specialists understand how difficult depression symptoms can be. Take the first step toward feeling more balanced, connected, and in control. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression and are ready to enjoy a better quality of life, contact us now to schedule a consultation.