Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Depression can make it difficult to function at work, school, or in relationships. It’s also fairly common: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 18.5 percent of American adults had symptoms of depression in any given 2-week period in 2019.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
It’s important to realize that feeling down at times is a normal part of life. Sad and upsetting events happen to everyone. But if you’re feeling down or hopeless on a regular basis, you could be dealing with depression. If you experience some of the following signs and of depression nearly every day for at least 2 weeks, you may be living with depression:
feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
feeling hopeless, worthless, and pessimistic
crying a lot
feeling bothered, annoyed, or angry
loss of interest in hobbies and interests you once enjoyed
decreased energy or fatigue
difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
moving or talking more slowly
difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
appetite or weight changes
chronic physical pain with no clear cause that does not get better with treatment (headaches, aches or pains, digestive problems, cramps)
thoughts of death, suicide, self-harm, or suicide attempts
If you are struggling with depression, it is important to seek professional help. Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression. There are many different types of therapy that can be helpful for depression, so it is important to find a therapist who is a good fit for you.
Types of Therapy of Depression
There are many different types of therapy that can be helpful for depression. Therapy can help you to understand your depression, develop coping skills, and improve your quality of life. Some of the most common types of therapy for depression include:
Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT is a type of therapy that focuses on your relationships with other people. IPT can help you to understand how your relationships may be contributing to your depression and how to improve them.
Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on your unconscious thoughts and feelings. Psychodynamic therapy can help you to understand the root causes of your depression and how to overcome them.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing the way you think about yourself and the world around you. CBT can help you to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT, but puts a specific emphasis on validation, or accepting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, instead of fighting them. The theory is that by coming to terms with your harmful thoughts or emotions, you can accept that change is possible and make a recovery plan.
The best type of therapy for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It is important to talk to your therapist about your expectations for therapy and what you hope to achieve.
Seeking Therapy for Depression
Learn more about how therapy can help manage depression.
If you are struggling with depression, it is important to seek professional help. The Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy provides individual therapy, group therapy, and relationship therapy which can help you address your struggles with depression.
Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy
Providing affirming, inclusive, and anti-oppressive therapy in Atlanta, Georgia and beyond.