Depression is a common mood disorder that impacts millions of people every year. Despite its prevalence, many people still find themselves in doubt that depression is really what they’re experiencing. Part of the problem is that depression can impact people in different ways. In fact, individuals can have different experiences with depression throughout their lives. It can be confusing, and many people find themselves going back and forth about whether or not they’re really struggling with depression. Here’s one piece of good news: you don’t need a depression diagnosis to talk to a therapist and feel better. If you’re struggling or feeling overwhelmed, a therapist can help. In this blog, we’re going to talk a bit about some of the common warning signs of depression, but even if depression isn’t your specific concern, you can still get in touch with us at Cedar Counseling & Wellness. We’re here to help.
What is Depression?
It’s easy to think of depression as “just” sadness, but anyone who has experienced depression will tell you this just isn’t the case. There are a whole range of adverse effects related to depression, and some of these effects aren’t as clearly related to depressed mood as you would think. Specifically, individuals struggling with depression may experience any combination of the following side effects:
Cognitive Effects – difficulty concentrating, forgetting details, feeling stuck in a cycle of negative thinking
Emotional Effects – sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, lack of motivation, irritability
Physical Effects – exhaustion, achiness, muscle weakness
Behavioral Effects – crying, sleeping too much or too little, over or under eating
Can’t I Get Over This On My Own?
Maybe. Some people do manage to find effective coping strategies and move on from feelings of depression on their own without treatment. However, this can take weeks, months, or even years, and that time can be unnecessarily painful. If you had a broken leg, you might be able to put a splint on it and hobble around until it heals, but doctors have the right tools to make the process easier and more comfortable. The same is true of healing from the effects of depression. It can still be painful and take time to feel better, but therapists have the right tools to help.
Will Therapy Really Help?
Therapy really does help. Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders impacting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds across the U.S. Because so many people struggle with depression, most therapists have significant experience providing effective treatment to address depression and the ways that it impacts people. That being said, if you’ve tried therapy in the past and it didn’t go as you expected, consider giving it another try. Each therapist, just like every client, is a unique individual who has their own set of skills and areas of expertise. Sometimes, finding the right therapist is just as important as making the decision to receive therapy.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in therapy to help you manage depression or other life struggles, the Cedar Counseling & Wellness team is here for you. Because we have a team of therapists on our staff, we’re able to provide a wider range of therapy styles and approaches for our clients. When you’re ready to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
