Freedom from Depression
Through Counseling

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One in 10 adults has experienced depression at one point in time, and it is estimated that about 20 percent of people will experience clinical depression in their lifetime. With approximately 121 million people affected, it is not surprising that depression has been called an “invisible epidemic.” Though you may not be able to “see” depression it can have an enormous impact on your life. 

Feeling Depressed vs Clinical Depression

Nowadays, people use the word “depression” to describe everything from a sad mood to deep frustration. It is common for people to say they are depressed after loss or not being able to achieve something.

While depression has become a common word, the causes of clinical depression can still be diverse, and the symptoms vary from person to person. Women have a slightly higher tendency to be diagnosed as depressed than men. Researchers believe that this is because men may be less likely to get help or to be part of surveys or studies. Symptoms of depression can also manifest as anger rather than sadness causing some difficulty in diagnosis.

Depression is being talked about more and more and is also considered highly treatable by the medical community. Unfortunately, many people with depression experience shame and view their symptoms as weakness. It is remarkably difficult to pull yourself out of sadness on your own. Individuals may also fear the consequences involved in sharing about their symptoms with family, friends, employers, and colleagues. When left untreated, depression can instill a lasting feeling of failure and hopelessness.

Rising Above Depression

It is common to encounter challenges and difficulties in life, and it is “normal” to respond with a wide range of emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, anger, confusion, grief, frustration, and resignation. Our mood will change and fluctuate, however, severe swings or changes can be cause for concern. If low moods linger without a definite cause or trigger this could be a symptom of depression.

Being sad or down by itself does not necessarily indicate depression. For a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, you have to also experience five or more of the following symptoms: recurring feelings of emptiness, diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities, dramatic weight increase or decrease, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, lack of concentration, and possibly even thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression is powerful and can drain your energy, hope, and motivation. It can stop you from doing the things you know you need to do to feel better. While this all may be true, remission is possible. With the right kind of interventions, you can recover and move forward.

The Help Needed for Depression

Depression can lead to negative thoughts that can convince you nothing will improve. Don’t allow yourself to be defeated by depression. While the support and involvement of family and friends are crucial during this time, they can’t provide the necessary treatment. Engaging in counseling a licensed therapist with experience in helping people recover from depression can be remarkably helpful.

Counseling will focus on what is going on for you specifically and can help you to discover what you need to move forward. Your counselor can help you to make positive changes and better decisions. Therapists are trained in interventions that work in treating depression. 

In order to fully experience the benefits of counseling, it can be vital to find the right therapist for you. When you find the right counselor, you will likely feel like you can trust them and it’s likely you will begin to feel hopeful for positive changes in your life. You can’t go wrong when you choose Carolina Counseling Services — Sanford, NC. CCS contracts with caring mental health professionals who know how to treat depression. 

The counselor you choose will be actively engaged in each session and will help you recover from depression in the context of a trusting relationship. At the same time, if your family has questions about depression, they may also find counseling to be a useful way to learn more and find constructive ways to support you. Call today to schedule your first appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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