Depression Counseling

Signs and Symptoms

The ironic thing about depression (mild forms, typically) is that sometimes people don't even know they're experiencing it. There is such a thing as high-functioning depression, where a person will get the tasks they need done for the day, but then they won't talk to friends, make food, do laundry - basically, they do what needs to be done for their 'job,' but nothing personal. That aside, there's also people who know when it flairs up, how it feels, and how it impacts them in daily life. For these people, depression might also get in the way of any work-related performance. The signs and symptoms of depression include:

• apathy, indifference, or ambivalence

• feeling numb

• changes in sleep patterns (way too much or not enough)

• hopelessness

• loss of interest in activities that used to be pleasurable

• irritability, more 'sensitive' than typical, excessive crying

• social isolation

This is not an exhaustive list. Other things can pop up, but these are very common. If you have some, but not others, that doesn't mean you don't have depression or aren't struggling with it. 

How does counseling help?

Counseling is shown to be effective in helping people work through depression.  

Part of depression is chemical/biological. In other words, there are chemicals in your brain that aren't functioning right.

Another part of depression, however, is cognitive/mental. This is where counselors come in. There are certain styles of thinking that can, quite literally, create depression for people. The Center’s counselors are trained to recognize these styles of thinking and help you to incorporate new ways of thinking, in order to alleviate symptoms of depression, as well as prevent it from coming back full force.