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.
Additional Read: Am I Depressed Or Lazy? Differences You Need To Know
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:
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:
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.
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.
In addition to psychotherapy for depression, people can find benefit from mindfulness and meditation, light therapy and physical therapies and lifestyle changes.
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.
Our counseling group 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.
In the U.S., call 877-565-8860 to be connected to Trans Lifeline, a talk line run by and for trans people.
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.
Call 800-246-7743 for LGBTQIA+ affirming support specifically for youth and young adults up to age 25.
Call 988 for immediate support if you are having thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
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.
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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