Depression Therapy & Counseling in Austin TX
If you’ve been feeling down, hopeless, experiencing a lack of energy and motivation, and wondered if therapy will even help your depression:
Keep reading, you’re in the exact right place.
What is depression?
Sadness is a typical emotion that is part of being human. It is how we respond to things like grief, loss, loneliness, stress, or disappointment. However, when a low mood persists for more than two weeks or begins to interfere with your overall wellness, you may be experiencing depression.
About 8% of Americans experience depression (with that number more than tripling at one point due to the COVID-19 pandemic and still remaining elevated). Depression is a serious condition and not a sign of weakness. With the right treatment, between 80% and 90% of individuals with depression see a decrease in symptoms.
Depression Counseling in Austin TX
What are some of the symptoms of depression?
Depression presents itself differently in individuals, but common symptoms include the following:
- Diminished interest in activities that bring you joy
- A low, depressed mood
- Challenges with daily self-care
- Unintentional changes in weight
- Change in appetite
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Irritability and restlessness
- Unexplained physical health problems
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Slowed movement or speech
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Ruminating thoughts
- Social withdrawal
- Low motivation
- Negative self-talk
How does depression affect my life?
Depression can have an undesired impact on many aspects of your life. It may affect your relationships with others, your relationship with yourself, your social life, and your performance at work or school. Depression can even make it difficult to enjoy things that once held your interest.
Depression can make even tasks that may seem “simple” to others (like showering or getting out of bed) feel difficult or exhausting. Additionally, depression can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts. For these reasons, it is important to seek out additional support, and our therapists are here. If you are reading this page, you are already taking a step.
What causes depression?
- Genetic predisposition
- Prior trauma
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Life changes (Moving, having a child, graduating, etc.)
- Death or loss of a loved one
- Other medical diagnoses
- Co-occurring mental health issues (such as an eating or substance use disorder)
- Time of year
- Financial stress or job loss
- High levels of stress or burnout
- Hormonal changes
- Relational issues
- Discrimination or other forms of marginalization
How can therapy for depression help?
Evidence shows that talk therapy is successful in decreasing symptoms of depression. Therapy has been found to be 3X more effective than medication alone. Your therapist will help you identify what aspects of your life are contributing to your depression.
Additionally, your therapist will help you explore things that impact your life positively and encourage you to engage in those activities. Together you will work to uncover unhelpful thinking patterns that can contribute to feelings of hopelessness in order to make room for more realistic thoughts that highlight your strengths and promote self-acceptance.
Your therapist will also support you in developing healthy coping tools for managing symptoms of depression and for preventing future episodes. When you are in the fog of depression, it can be hard to imagine the future, but your therapist will help you develop realistic goals to move towards regaining a sense of autonomy and control.
A NOTE ABOUT SUICIDAL THOUGHTS FROM OUR DEPRESSION THERAPISTS
Begin Depression Therapy in Austin, TX
- Fill out a CONSULTATION FORM to tell us a little about you.
- You’ll be connected to one of our caring therapists.
- Begin to feel more hopeful as you begin work with a member of our team!
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