Depression

Depression causes despair, self-loathing, shame, and many other overwhelming feelings. It’s not possible to get rid of depression the way you’d shake off a bad day or stressful experience, but expert counseling helps you heal. Heath Counseling and Consultation Services in Jacksonville, Florida, has a team of highly skilled counselors that can help you understand the causes of your depression and find ways to regain health and happiness. For expert depression therapy, call the office today or book go online to book an in-person or telehealth appointment.

What is depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a widespread mental health condition that can affect anyone at any age. It causes sadness and hopelessness that extend into every aspect of life.

As time passes, the negative emotions worsen, so you feel despair, self-loathing, unjustified guilt, and a host of other bad feelings.

Your sleeping and eating patterns are likely to change when you have depression. You might sleep excessively or develop insomnia and get very little sleep. You might either have a reduced appetite or overeat, leading to weight gain. Other depression symptoms include:

• Difficulties concentrating
• Muscle aches
• Frequent headaches
• Unexplained back pain
• Lack of self-esteem
• Negative self-talk
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

Left unchecked, depression can lead to a state where your mood is so low death seems like the only option.

Why would I have depression?

Depression develops for several reasons, often involving a combination of triggers.

Sometimes an imbalance occurs in chemicals, such as the neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate mood. A hormonal imbalance can also contribute to developing depression.

Your family history could increase your chances of developing depression. For example, if close relatives have had mental health problems like depression, your risk of developing the condition is higher.

Outside influences can also increase your risk of depression. Issues that might trigger depression include:

• Chronic stress
• Trauma
• Grief
• Relationship breakdown
• Long-term health problems
• Chronic pain

Even happy events like weddings, house moves, and career promotions can cause stress that triggers depression.

The Heath Counseling and Consultation Services team also specializes in depression that affects women, often from hormone changes. These can occur during menopause (when estrogen hormone levels fall) or cause problems like postpartum depression following childbirth.

What treatments help with depression?

One of the most important depression treatments is psychotherapy. Talking about your feelings and problems can ease the psychological burden. Uncovering root causes like trauma and working through them can also be invaluable.

Patients with mild to moderate depression could benefit from techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on helping you cope with your daily life's most difficult activities. Your therapist shows you how flaws in your thinking are holding you back and helps you develop healthier thoughts.

To learn how therapy can help you overcome depression, call Heath Counseling and Consultation Services today or schedule a consultation online.