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How to Get Counseling for Depression

Trying to find the best way to get counseling for depression? Check out our ultimate guide for everything you need to know about counseling.

Overview

Anyone who has suffered from depression knows that it is much more than simply feeling blue for a few days. Depression is a severe mental illness that can profoundly affect every aspect of a person’s life. If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, counseling can be an effective treatment option.1

Depression Counseling

Counseling for depression can help you understand your disorder’s root causes and develop coping mechanisms to deal with your symptoms. It can also provide valuable support and guidance as you work to recover from depression. In addition, counseling can help improve communication and relationships, which are often affected by depression. This process will improve an individual’s overall quality of life.

Counseling Benefits

With the proper support, you can improve your mental health and start living a fuller, happier life. This article will investigate the causes and symptoms of depression and how counseling can help you manage your depression.2

What is Depression?

Depression is more than just feeling sad or blue. It is a severe medical condition that causes significant mood, thought, and behavior changes. Depression can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy activities that you once enjoyed. Symptoms of Depression can include:3
    • Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
    • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
    • Changes in appetite or weight
    • Sleep problems
    • Fatigue or decreased energy levels
    • Feelings of worthlessness
    • Hopelessness or guilt-Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

The number of fentanyl deaths has increased significantly annually since 2013. Fentanyl deaths increased again between 2018 and 2019 by 16%. Synthetic opioid overdose deaths were 12 times higher in 2019 compared to 2013. In 2019, more than 36,000 fentanyl deaths occurred. By May 2020, the death count had accelerated. Researchers expect to see a significant increase in fentanyl deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic. Experts do not see the opioid epidemic or fentanyl deaths ending any time soon5.  

How Can I Get Help for Depression?

If you are struggling with depression or have someone suffering from depression, there are many ways to get help. You can start by talking to your doctor about your symptoms.

They can evaluate you for depression and other mental health conditions and make treatment recommendations. Your doctor may also refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor.

Can Counseling Help With Depression?

If you are struggling with depression, counseling can be an effective treatment option. Counseling for depression can help you understand your disorder’s root causes and develop coping mechanisms to deal with your symptoms.

It can also provide valuable support and guidance as you work to recover from depression. In addition, counseling can help improve communication and relationships, which are often affected by depression. Furthermore, this type of counseling program can be long-term or short-term. These two counseling options will be detailed below.

Short-Term Counseling

Short-term counseling is a type of counseling that focuses on immediate issues and challenges. It is typically used for specific goals such as dealing with a recent loss or managing stress.

Long-Term Counseling

Long-term counseling can help to provide insight into patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion that may be causing difficulty in a person’s life. It can also help explore the root causes of these patterns. In some cases, long-term counseling can also help to address unresolved trauma from the past.

When Counseling For Depression Is Necessary

It is important to seek counseling when depression has taken over your life and you can no longer function. Depression can make it hard to go to work or school, take care of yourself, or even get out of bed in the morning.

If you are struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Many resources are available to you, and with the proper support, you can improve your mental health and start living a fuller, happier life.

Types of Depression

There are different types of depression, each with its unique symptoms. These will be discussed below.

Major Depression

Major depression is the most severe type of depression. It can cause many physical and mental symptoms that make it difficult to function in day-to-day life.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder (formerly known as dysthymia) is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. It is characterized by long-term (two years or more) symptoms that may not be as debilitating as major depression but can still interfere with work, school, and social life.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation (DMDD)

DMDD is a type of depression that is diagnosed in children and adolescents. It is characterized by persistent irritability and frequent episodes of anger, often in response to minor frustrations.

Premenstrual Dysphoria (PMDD)

PMDD is a type of depression that occurs in the days leading up to menstruation. It is characterized by irritability, sadness, anxiety, and fatigue.

Substance/Medication-Induced Depression

Substance or medication-induced depression is a type of depression that is caused by using drugs or alcohol or the withdrawal from them. Certain medications can also cause it.

Depression Related to Another Medical Condition

Depression can also be related to another medical condition, such as an autoimmune disease or cancer. This type of depression is known as secondary depression. There are many different types of counseling for depression that can be helpful for people struggling with this mental illness.

What Types of Therapy Are Helpful For Depression?

Many different types of therapy can be helpful for depression. Some of the most common include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Behavioral Activation (BA)
  • Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for Depression

How Long Does Counseling Take For Treating Depression?

The length of time that counseling takes can vary depending on the following factors:

  • The severity of depression and symptoms
  • Patient adherence to therapy and treatment
  • Frequency of counseling sessions

Counseling vs. Psychotherapy

Counseling and psychotherapy are both forms of treatment that can be used to help people with mental health conditions. Counseling and psychotherapy are two different but related fields, each with its unique approach to assisting people in resolving personal issues.

Counseling typically focuses on the here and now, helping people to understand and cope with current problems. Counselors may use cognitive behavioral therapy or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help people identify and change negative thought patterns or behaviors.

Psychotherapy Focus

In contrast, psychotherapy tends to focus on the past, exploring how early childhood experiences may be affecting a person’s current mental state. Psychotherapists may use psychoanalysis or Jungian analysis to help people understand and work through these issues. Both counseling and psychotherapy can be extremely helpful in resolving personal issues. Your specific needs and goals will depend on which approach is right for you.4

Counseling for Depression

Counseling for depression is a therapy designed to help people with depression manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Counseling can be an extremely effective treatment for depression and can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication.

There are many different types of counseling for depression that can be helpful for people struggling with this mental illness. The most common include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, behavioral activation, problem-solving therapy, and interpersonal therapy.

Psychotherapy for Depression

Psychotherapy for depression is a therapy designed to help people with depression understand and work through the root causes of their condition.

Get Help With Counseling at Pacific Beach Health Center

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, counseling can be an extremely effective treatment. At Pacific Beach Health Center, we offer various counseling services that can be tailored to meet your unique needs and expectations. Please contact us today to learn more about our counseling services or schedule an appointment.

Opportunities for Wellness and Healing

Despite the negative stigma surrounding mental health, it is important to seek counseling if you are struggling with depression. Depression is a severe condition that can profoundly impact your life.

Left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences, including addiction, self-harm, and even suicide. However, there is hope. With the help of a qualified therapist, you can learn to manage your depression and live a happy, fulfilling life. If you think you might be suffering from depression, reach out for help today. It could be the best decision you ever make.

Counseling for Depression
Resources
  1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/mental-health
  2. https://uhs.umich.edu/depression
  3. https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depressionhttps://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~jfkihlstrom/PersonalityWeb/Ch6Psychoanalysis.htm

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Located in the welcoming coastal atmosphere of Pacific Beach, CA, we help families connect with each other by connecting to the earth. Our eco-psychological approach makes the most of our environment: our clients can engage in guided healing outside of our office while surfing and exploring what beautiful Southern California provides.

Between our commitment to collaboration, emphasis on spirituality, and focus on nature, we are the only outpatient provider of this kind in the Pacific Beach area.

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Pacific Beach Health is the community’s only outpatient provider specialized in integrative behavioral health care. If you are looking for help or would like to schedule a consultation, we are ready to help you today.

CALL US TODAY 858.295.8694

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