Depression Counseling In Chicago, IL

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WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is one of the most common reasons people enter therapy. Stress, tragedy, long periods of overwork, and lack of self-care can all prompt depression. It can happen during life’s happiest moments too. From the birth of a child to new jobs or relationships, life transitions and change can bring about feelings of depression. Depression can feel confusing and hopeless. Luckily, there are excellent treatments for depression that can create real and lasting change.
 
Depression affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It’s much more than just feeling sad or blue; it can impact all aspects of life and make it difficult to function in day-to-day activities. Depression often feels like persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. It can also affect a person physically, with symptoms such as fatigue, changes in eating or sleeping, and aches and pains.
Woman Feeling Loneliness

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

Depression is often caused by a combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors. Some people may be more susceptible to depression due to genetics, while others may develop it due to life events such as the loss of a loved one, a major life change or a traumatic event.

WHAT DOES DEPRESSION LOOK LIKE?

Depression can take many forms. Some common types of depression include perinatal or postpartum depression (during pregnancy and after childbirth), seasonal affective disorder (mood changes brought on by seasonal changes, aka our lovely Chicago winters), and major depressive disorder. Some symptoms of depression include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety
  • Hopelessness and pessimism
  • Feeling irritable, frustrated, or restless
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest in things that typically bring you joy like hobbies or activities
  • Loss of energy or increased feelings of fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating, paying attention, or remembering things
  • Changes or disruptions in your sleep patterns
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

COUNSELING FOR DEPRESSION

It’s human to feel sad sometimes. At the same time, if you have symptoms of depression that disrupt your daily life, therapy can help. In therapy, you can learn strategies to process your feelings of depression and make lasting change. Some methods of depression treatment include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

CBT focuses on identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive ones. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected, and changing one can lead to improvements in the others.

Interpersonal therapy

IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication with others, as difficulties in relationships can contribute to depression. Learning how to communicate more effectively and improve relationships may reduce symptoms of depression.

Other types of therapy

In addition to psychotherapy for depression, people can find benefit from mindfulness and meditation, light therapy and physical therapies and lifestyle changes.

Medication

In addition to counseling, medication can also be an effective treatment for depression. Antidepressant medication can help to balance chemicals in the brain that may be contributing to depression. A combination of medication and counseling may be the most effective treatment for some individuals.

HOW CAN BEST THERAPIES HELP?

Our practice offers a number of approaches proven to be effective in treating depression, including somatic work, CBT and mindfulness-based therapy. Our depression therapists in Chicago and the surrounding area are available in person or virtually, making it easier for you to prioritize your mental health.

You’re not in this alone, and there are things you can do to change your situation. We are here to help! If you want to talk to someone or learn more about how depression counseling at Best Therapies can help you, reach out today.

additional resources

Trans Lifeline

In the U.S., call 877-565-8860 to be connected to Trans Lifeline, a talk line run by and for trans people.

LGBT National Help Center

Call 888-843-4564 to talk to an LGBTQIA+ affirming peer counselor or visit their website for mental health resources specifically for LGBTQIA+ people. They offer talk lines specific to youth and seniors as well.

LGBT National Help Center Youth Talkline

Call 800-246-7743 for LGBTQIA+ affirming support specifically for youth and young adults up to age 25.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call 988 for immediate support if you are having thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Crisis Text Line

If you would prefer to text instead of call, you can contact the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7 mental health support. Text HOME to 741741 to talk to a volunteer crisis counselor.

NAMI Chicago

Check out the Chicago branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which can connect you to resources in our Chicago community. You can visit their website or call 833-626-4244 to talk to someone today.

Sometimes when we are experiencing depression, we need to seek emergency help. That is ok. If you are thinking of hurting yourself or attempting suicide, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 988 to talk to a counselor at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. If you live outside the United States, call your local emergency line instead.

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Our Experts

Pre-Licensed Therapist, Head of Training & Development | she/her/hers
MSW, MEd, Pre-Licensed Therapist | They/Them/Theirs
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