The first part of counselling for depression is to identify whether or not depression is what needs to be treated.
A counsellor will examine your symptoms and look for key signals of an existing mood disorder.
Depression mood disorders include Major Depression, Chronic Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Manic Depression, and Clinical Depression. By discussing daily habits, moods, and lifestyle changes, a trained practitioner can ascertain the type of depression and its severity.
The symptoms of depression can be displayed in various ways, including apathy, irritability, agitation, and excessive sleeping or eating, to name a few. Sometimes though, there are no external symptoms, and one experiences an uncomfortable amount of inner turmoil.
Here is a list of the potential signs of depression:
- Feeling sad on a daily or often basis
- No longer enjoying things that once gave pleasure
- Changes in eating behavior and weight loss or gain
- Oversleeping or experiencing insomnia
- Feeling a general lack of energy or fatigue with no physical explanation
- Excessive feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worry
- Difficulty with decision making
- Thoughts of suicide and death
Once depression has been surmised then the process of treatment can begin. Medications prescribed by a doctor can help treat depression. Still, these are rarely the only treatment options because there are often other options. Negative thought patterns may be present in chronic depression. Counseling techniques like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful.
Cognitive behavioral therapy examines our behavior and thoughts and addresses self-defeating thoughts and negative behaviors.
Whereas Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines cognitive therapy methods with mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation.
Therapy and Making Changes
Typically an assortment of methods and lifestyle changes are instrumental in treating depression, and counselling will provide support and guidance.
Other methods for counselling for depression include Interpersonal therapy and solution-focused therapy. Interpersonal therapy focuses on how you relate with the people in your life and how you communicate and express yourself to them.
When it comes to family, work, or social relationships, being assertive, aggressive, or shy can lead to a lack of happiness or depression.
In many cases, people who suffer from depression exhibit ineffective social skills. Through interpersonal therapy, it is possible to acquire new communication skills by utilizing practical methods. As people learn new skills and get different results, conditions like depression and feelings of unhappiness can get a lot better.
In treatment for depression, solution-focused therapy aims to identify solutions to underlying problems and focus on future wellness rather than present or past pain. An important aspect of this therapy is the consideration of past or existing pain or trauma. However, this reflection is brief, and the treatment focuses primarily on achieving wellness goals and solutions.
Counselling for Depression is a Team Effort
It is essential that if you are experiencing depression, you actively participate in your recovery. Be prepared to answer questions honestly and openly. Do your best to describe your feelings and any noticeable changes in your behavior or experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and understand there is no quick fix to overcoming depression. Still, counselling, along with either medication or lifestyle changes, can work. You will see improvements the more you participate and follow recommended practices.
Our counsellors are here to guide and support you in healing and discovering a life free from depression.