How Counseling Can Help You Overcome Depression

What is Depression?

Depression can be defined as a sad or disconnected mood, where a person may feel:

• Lethargic

• Unmotivated

• Hopeless

The impact of depression varies from person to person.

Symptoms of Depression

You may not have all the symptoms at the same time. If a majority of them start showing up within two weeks, there is a chance of Major Depression.

• You don't enjoy doing things that you used to before.

• You are having difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

• You are sleeping too much or have insomnia.

• You feel a decrease in energy or fatigue

• You have persistent feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness and/or guilt.

Symptoms of Depression Contd.

• You are restless and/or irritable.

• You have a loss of appetite or are overeating.

• You experience persistent pain, such as cramps, headaches or digestive problems.

• You have a persistent feeling of sadness, anxiety or “emptiness”.

• You have suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide.

What Causes Depression?

Both environmental and biological factors have been found to trigger depression.

• The level of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, have been linked to depression.

• Trauma, such as death or loss of a loved one, life changes, prolonged illness, etc.

• Financial instability or declining health.

• Sometimes it also arises as a defence mechanism to avoid painful emotions.

• Family history of depression and genetics also play a role.

• Certain medications and substance abuse can also cause this problem.

Some Important facts

• Depression is a severe but common problem, affecting about 350 million people globally, including 19 million American adults.

• One in 10 American adults report depression and it is the leading cause of disability in the country.

• The chances of a person facing this condition at least once in their lifetime stands at 17%.

• The first bout is usually seen in the late teens or early twenties.

Some More Important Facts

• Women have 70% more chances of experiencing depression than men.

• It triggers a different response in women than in men.

• Men often feel restless, while women experience guilt and sadness.

• Only 50% people suffering from it seek treatment.

How to Cope with Depression?

Depression is often associated with emotions like anger, shame and fear, which make it even more difficult to cope with it at times. It can affect your physical health in the form of aches, pains, nausea and other issues. The challenges you face are:

• Getting out of bed.

• Maintaining a healthy diet.

• Maintaining personal hygiene and performing activities of daily living.

These can prevent you from experiencing a positive mood and can be difficult to manage without professional help.

Role of Counseling

Most people who go for counselingare able to overcome depression. Counseling helps because it:

• Focuses on helping overcome feelings of helplessness and loneliness.

• Helps develop a skill set to deal with the symptoms.

• Helps identify the causes/triggers for depression and how to cope with them.

• Works to enhance the impact of antidepressant medication.

Counseling for Depression

Depression is the most common reason why people seek counseling. Various forms of counseling can be used depending on the specific individual’s situation.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – This helps the individual learn to recognize and alter self-defeating and negative thoughts.

• Psychodynamic Therapy – Helps the person to identify unconscious thoughts that could be leading to depression. By unravelling such thoughts and feelings, the individual learns to cope with them better.

Counseling for Depression Contd.

• Interpersonal Therapy – Our mental health has an impact on our relationships, which in turn affects us. The most common problem is a breakdown in communication. Interpersonal therapy works on this aspect.

• Group Therapy – Working with groups allows for peers to support each other and motivate one another to work through issues.

Depression is a treatable condition, even in its most severe of form. There are many more forms of counseling that might be used, depending on the specific needs of each individual. Medication might be recommended as well.

Contact Institute for Personal Growth for More Help

Address: 35 9th Street,Jersey City, NJ 07302

1119 Raritan Ave.Highland Park, NJ 08904

90 West Main Street Freehold,NJ 07728

or

Phone: (800) 379-9220