COVID-19, Isolation, and Life Changes; Is Depression Treatment Right for You?

Are you feeling like you are shouldering the weight of the world? Has it been increasingly difficult to get things done, or find joy in things that once brought you true happiness?

You may be detaching from loved ones; your partner, your family, your friends, feeling as though they will not understand what you are going through. Or maybe the thought of engaging in these relationships feels draining and unattainable at the moment.

Have you had a baby recently, and are feeling like your postpartum depression is interfering with the parent you strive to be? You may be left feeling as though loved ones around you are constantly checking in on the baby and offering to be of support, but no one is offering the same to you. Feelings of immense sadness plague you, and the shame and guilt that follows while you are holding your beautiful baby feel like all too much to handle.

Maybe you’ve tried more natural treatment for depression, but you are still looking for what will bring you back to your happy self you once knew.

Depression Feels Like the Walls are Closing In

What may start as spending time alone to avoid the sources of stress or sadness can quickly turn into isolation. Over time, that isolation leaves you feeling even more alone and misunderstood, and can even increase the fears surrounding the things that bring you stress and sadness. Maybe this is where the panic attacks and phobias began.

On top of the endless thought cycles, physical symptoms may also be creeping in; stomach aches, GI issues, headaches, that tiredness that just cannot be resolved. How can you possibly be expected to be your best self to those around you when you are plagued with these feelings?

 

You Are Not Alone

More than 16 million adults in the US struggle with depression in their life (ADAA.org). Currently, only about 8 million people are seeking some kind of help for their depression symptoms¹, whether that be depression therapy, ketamine for depression, or medications for depression..

These numbers do not even begin to account for those that are undiagnosed or unable to seek treatment. Some may believe they are treatment resistant, while others are wondering if there is even a cure for depression. The weight of depression does not have to lay on your shoulders forever. 

 

You Are Not at Fault

Maybe you have tried to reach out and tell people how you have been feeling and have been met with feedback such as;

“You should be grateful for what you have”

“It isn’t that bad”

“You just need to think more positive”

Or maybe, you are constantly seeing folks around you on social media living their absolute best life and wonder how they achieve that level of consistent happiness day in and day out. 

The guilt and shame of being faced with these messages can lead us to feel like seeking help isn’t an option.

 

There is Hope and Happiness within Treatment for Depression

Reaching out for help may seem like another task that quickly gets dismissed; time and energy are valuable assets when we are feeling completely depleted. But the skills, exploration, and strategies gained through therapy will move you towards healing your depression fully. Imagine what you could do as your best self each day.

At Convenient Counseling Services, our depression therapists provide a safe and judgement-free space that is yours to fully work through fears, doubts, and experiences that may have led you to where you are today. We will help you develop skills and strategies, while maintaining awareness of what is going on in your body and mind, to break free of the suffocating feeling that is depression.

 

What To Expect

In your first session, your therapist will collaboratively complete a full intake with you. This background information helps to identify current and past experiences, things that have worked or not worked for you in dealing with these feelings prior, and assessing supports, barriers, and areas of improvement to guide your treatment forward.

From there, a thorough plan of treatment will be established, and evidenced-based practices will be utilized to move you towards those treatment goals. We will work to manage the depression symptoms, reframe negative thoughts that are plaguing you, and develop coping skills to make progress as linear as possible.

 

I Still Have Some Concerns…

Do I have to be on medications for depression in order to be in therapy?

If there is a chemical imbalance that is contributing to depressive symptoms, medication may be helpful for you. Many folks that are hesitant to begin the process of medication begin with therapy and work closely with their therapist to continue to monitor the necessity of adding medication. If you decide that medication is right for you, we are happy to collaborate with your prescriber to ensure wrap-around care.

 

I’ve had depression forever – it doesn’t seem like anything will really help.

We have heard of folks believing they have treatment resistant depression; it is something that feels as though it has always been a piece of them. But, it is never too late to seek treatment for depression. There is a reason you are struggling with depression symptoms, and with therapy, you can find those reasons and combat them with a professional therapist in your corner. The path to healing is different for everyone, but together we will find your path and walk it together. We know how much you may be yearning for that cure for depression, and we will guide you to that as best we can.

 

Is clinical depression treatment expensive?

Depression therapy is the ultimate investment to make in yourself. Time, energy, and feeling your best are invaluable assets to have, and are completely attainable with treatment. Therapy will equip you with the strategies and skills you can take with you forever to continue to live a life free of the aching feeling of depression.

 

What if I am looking for postpartum depression treatment?

We have team members trained in perinatal and postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, or postpartum psychosis may leave you feeling isolated and alone, feeling guilty for not having the joy others have made you believe you should feel during this time in your life. While the general course for treatment may be similar, different techniques and approaches may be used to account for the differences between clinical depression and postpartum depression.

Take the Next Step

If you think we might be a good fit, or would like to chat more before being scheduled, simply contact us. We are happy to chat and answer any questions or concerns. You deserve to be free from the weight of depression.

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¹ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/demystifying-psychiatry/201101/how-many-people-are-treated-depression