How Counsellor Can Help with Depression Treatment?
Depression and anxiety are a few mental health issues that are rarely discussed in our society. Such issues are usually brushed under the carpet, especially in India due to the stigma associated with them.
Due to the lack of awareness of mental health issues, people shy away from getting anxiety treatment. Seeing a therapist for depression treatment can at least let you know what is the cause and treatment for it.
What is Depression?
Depression is not just feeling sad. It is a serious mental issue that negatively impacts your actions and thoughts.
It can lead you to withdraw from and not take part in activities you usually enjoy. You lose focus and struggle to function at work or even do basic tasks at home.
When you are depressed, you see fluctuations in your physical health like weight loss or gain. You also struggle with sleeping and thinking normally.
Feeling guilty and regretful and constantly having suicidal tendencies are also a few symptoms of sadness.
Common Causes of Depression
There are several common causes of depression. They range from:
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Change in hormonal levels
This is more commonly seen in women during menstrual cycles and after conceiving a child. Postpartum depression and depression during menopause can also happen in women due to fluctuations in the female hormones.
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Medications
Certain medications like barbiturates and treatments can also increase the chances of disappointment.
Medications and drugs taken to mitigate stomach cramps and control blood pressure can also show symptoms of depression.
Hence, make sure to use them with caution and with the guidance of a medical expert.
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Age
Older people who were isolated and abandoned by their families can be more prone to depression. Their condition can worsen if they do not find any support from the government or communities that do social services.
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Trauma
Trauma due to physical, mental, or sexual abuse can also lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Depression can also occur due to disputes or fights with people and the feeling of loneliness that comes with it.
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Genes
If there have been previous instances of depression in your family, it can increase the chance of getting depressed.
The composition of the brain with different chemicals can also be a cause of depression.
Can Counselling Treat Depression?
Counseling is seen as a short-term solution that involves therapy. It focuses more on the external functioning and behavior of the person dealing with depression.
Counselors use talk therapy to listen to your issues and provide suggestions and strategies to reduce the symptoms.
On the other hand, psychotherapy is a long-term method of dealing with deeper symptoms of depression.
Depression treatment can cure by some common therapy. Research what kind of therapy is the best for you. It often depends on how severe the symptoms are and how frequent the depressive episodes are.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and interpersonal therapy are a few kinds of therapy that you can choose from.
Getting in touch with a doctor and understanding what specific treatment you need is necessary. Understand that a therapy that might work for a person might not necessarily work for you.
Talk to your counselor or therapist to see what kind of therapy or combination of therapies can work for you. Give yourself some time and be patient to see results with the right kind of treatment.
Given below are a few forms of therapy that can help you deal with depression and its symptoms.
1. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
With this form of therapy, you get to understand your unconscious beliefs and why you behave a certain way.
Using psychoanalysis, you know what unconscious ideas you have about yourself and the external world and how it causes anxiety disorder.
It also helps in the healing process of trauma which can play a major role in depression.
2. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy helps in becoming conscious of one’s negative thinking patterns and replaces them with positive thoughts.
By practicing this method over time, you start rewiring your subconscious and thinking patterns.
Other Treatments for Depression
Therapy when followed with other forms of depression treatment can bring about lots of changes in your behavior and feelings. Let us take a look at the other treatments or ways to mitigate the symptoms of depression.
Antidepressants
Usually, depression is overcome by antidepressants, apart from therapy. They help relieve the stress and tension caused by mental issues like depression and anxiety.
You need to consult a doctor to see if antidepressants can work for you. This is because they need not be effective for everyone.
Antidepressants alone can only do so much. You need the support of a specialist doctor who can provide you with the necessary counseling.
Self-care
Encouragement from friends and family and forms of self-care is important in getting back to feeling blissful and joyous.
The various forms of self-care include:
Meditation helps you collect and organize your thoughts without judging them. It helps you focus for a particular duration and stay calm just for that time.
By building the habit of meditation, you start managing the symptoms of disappointment. Meditation changes the way your brain reacts to stress.
Visualization is an effective method to relax and reduce symptoms of depression. You do this by thinking of a place you want to be in and being at peace at that place.
Journaling helps you notice your feelings of anger, fear, stress, and sadness. It helps in introspection and reframing and restructuring negative thoughts and feelings.
Choose Counselling for Depression
Mental health issues like sadness and anxiety do not mean the end of the world. A proper self-care routine, proper medications, and regular check-ups can help reduce the symptoms of depression to an extent.
Getting the right kind of anxiety treatment is critical for you to bounce back and fight sadness and anxiety.
Look up the most reliable therapist or counselor who can be your best friend in this battle.
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