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
What is Depression?
-
- 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
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.
