Depression Therapy: What Is It and How Do You Know If You Have It?

Depression is an umbrella term used to describe a range of mental health issues including but not limited to sadness, anxiety, guilt, and panic. Depression means so many things differently to different people. Many of us might think it goes away by itself, or we may think it is just a temporary condition. For some it is a long-term condition. When people talk about depression, they are talking about a wide range of feelings from severe emotional highs to complete emotional lows.

In Park Slope and Brooklyn there is a great paradox: It appears that everyone experiencing depression therapy in NYC counseling centers offices is receiving the same kind of treatment. Yet at the same time, there are differences in the type of treatment offered. In Park Slope and Brooklyn the depression therapy seems very different, but in both places it is essentially the same. The client enters the room, sits down facing the therapist, and is exposed to a carefully preplanned treatment plan. The therapist and client then engage in a form of psychotherapy, with each doing most of the talking. What many people don’t see is that this “therapy” is actually psychotherapy – a talk therapy that incorporates listening.

This type of talking therapy is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). When you talk to your therapist, you are engaging in a form of active cognitive behavior therapy. Your therapist doesn’t try to make you see the reasons for your symptoms; he or she just acts as if the symptoms are not real or ignore them. By ignoring the negative, you in effect are making those symptoms real to you.

There are several types of CBT, including interpersonal, mood, and depressive, or talk therapy. These therapies have been shown to be effective, particularly when used in tandem with other forms of depression therapy. Talk therapy can help your depressed loved one make contact with people who may help her or him recover. Your therapist will talk with your depressed loved one during the course of sessions to help her or him to work out relationships with those people.

With some types of depression therapy, family and friends may also be involved in the treatment. This is called family therapy. Family and friends are calling in to help clients cope with feelings of guilt and shame that may accompany depression. Your therapist and family can provide encouragement and practical coping skills. It’s important for your therapist and family to emphasize that everyone has their own needs and that they are there to support each other. Don’t feel ashamed to admit that you need help yourself.

Many people find that depression therapy helps them deal with the onset of feelings of sadness. Sometimes these feelings begin prior to a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one. In other cases they begin after such an event. Regardless of when or why they occur, they are devastating. The intensity and frequency of such feelings can vary widely from person to person. Even if you’re not sure how you became depressed, seeking help is certainly better than allowing feelings of sadness and despair to rule your life.

Depression symptoms vary from person to person and may be mild or severe. Even though the symptoms can be similar to those of other mental illnesses, depression therapists can help people eliminate these symptoms. Some symptoms to look for include: excessive sadness, constant feelings of guilt, thoughts of suicide attempts, sleep problems, fatigue, social isolation, feelings of worthlessness, decreased interest in things that once interested you, frequent physical pain, constant headaches, feelings of emptiness and hopelessness, among others. Depression symptoms are often moderate or severe.

If you’re experiencing depression symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult with a doctor or psychologist about depression therapy. These professionals are trained to identify which type of treatment is best for each individual. Many types of treatments for chronic depression involve a combination of psychological counseling and therapy, often with the goal of reducing negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive ones. If you or someone you know may be experiencing these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact a professional today.