Finding Help When You’re Feeling Depressed: Types of Depression Therapy

 Depression affects millions of people each year in the United States and can lead to physical and mental conditions, issues at work, and problems in relationships. Depression isolates you from others, including your spouse and children. This mental condition makes it challenging to hold conversations and focus at work.

The good news is that there are several depression therapy options available. A counselor can customize a treatment plan to address your symptoms, contributing factors to depression, and treatment goals. Knowing the types of depression therapy will prepare you for an assessment and the initial session. You want to be an advocate for your mental health. We want you to be aware of every step along your journey.

Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe. Those with mild cases may experience depressive episodes for a few weeks or during specific seasons, such as winter, when there is less sunlight.

Those with more severe symptoms may have a personal or family history or be at a higher risk due to genetics. Specific conditions can make depression symptoms more severe. A counselor will assess your symptoms to determine appropriate depression therapy.

Persistent Sadness Depression is marked by persistent sadness. This goes beyond simply feeling blue after a loss or let down after a disappointment. This pervasive sadness interferes with every aspect of your life. It may feel as if a dark cloud follows you. Although depression is temporary, sadness can feel as if it will never end.

Loss of Interest in Enjoyable Activities Losing interest in activities that once pleased you is another common depression symptom. You just “don’t feel like it” anymore. Although you love your friends and family, spending time with them feels like too much effort.

Fatigue Depression creates a loss of motivation and drive, making it more difficult to go about your daily activities. On a physiological level, changes in brain chemistry and chronic inflammation can worsen fatigue and depression symptoms. When you feel exhausted, you are more likely to miss work and skip attending family functions or events.

Feeling Hopeless or Lost Depression can cause feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, emptiness, and emotional numbness. For some people, depression leaves them feeling lost. The “why bother?” question hangs in the air. This is also a dangerous time for negative and intrusive thoughts, false beliefs, and suicidal ideation to emerge.

Mood Swings Whether due to chemical imbalances or changes in brain structure or function, mood swings and irritability are common in depression. You may feel on edge or also suffer from anxiety. Some people move through manic episodes followed by depressive episodes (bipolar disorder).

Trouble Concentrating Depression affects cognitive function and ability, making it harder to concentrate. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can damage parts of the brain, such as the hippocampus, responsible for memory, after prolonged bouts of stress. Depression and stress can go hand in hand. Managing stress can improve mood and cognitive function.

If you are struggling with depression symptoms, take heart. Feeling blue is a normal reaction to loss or disappointment, but if you experience symptoms for more than two weeks, notice that symptoms interfere with your daily activities, or have self-harm or suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately. Depression therapy combined with faith-based principles may be the answer to overcoming and healing from the mental condition.

Types of Depression Therapy

Several depression therapy treatments exist and are effective for managing symptoms and overcoming the condition. A counselor will determine the type of depression therapy used. This is dependent on your symptoms, the severity of symptoms, the type of depression, the cause of depression, your history, and what works best for you.

For example, if your depression is due to trauma, your Christian counselor may suggest a combination of talk therapy, group counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address the trauma memory and change any negative thoughts or beliefs. Teaching new coping mechanisms takes practice, and you may have “homework” to complete between sessions.

When it comes to depression therapy, the one that will effectively work for you will be based on several factors. Your counselor will run an assessment to determine different strategies. Although many mental health care professionals turn to the most common depression therapy techniques, other types of treatment also exist.

The following are common treatments in depression therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy used widely to treat various mental health conditions. It is effective in treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, OCD, and more. Thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are linked. A negative thought can influence feelings and resulting behaviors. CBT works to break the negative cycle by changing the way you think or behave to influence emotions.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a short-term therapy that addresses factors that may be causing or worsening depression. These factors can include grief, death of a loved one, good or bad life events, and relationship problems. IPT teaches you healthy coping mechanisms, conflict resolution, anger management, communication skills, and relationship skills.

Group Therapy

Support group therapy is often led by a counselor or another mental health practitioner. These groups provide a safe place to voice your worries and concerns. You receive encouragement and support from participants as well as their advice on how to manage situations. Listening to others’ stories reminds us that we are not alone.

Other Types of Depression Therapy

Not all counselors use the same depression treatments as they personalize therapies to their clients. In Christian counseling, clients learn to overcome mental health conditions while growing in their faith in God. Your counselor may use a combination of therapies or techniques to help you. You may practice a technique during a session, then use other methods in between sessions, giving feedback at the next session.

Combination of Talk Therapy and CBT

A common combination seen is psychotherapy and CBT. The counselor may spend time allowing the client to share their experiences and feelings and helping them to analyze the root cause. They will also address CBT principles to help the client identify negative thoughts and beliefs to alter emotions and behaviors.

Digital Therapeutics

Digital therapeutics are self-guided apps, either used alone or in conjunction with a mental health care practitioner. Therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, are used to help clients through an app. These therapy apps are advertised for specific conditions, like depression, postpartum, and eating disorders.

If you also take medication for depression, your prescriber may recommend an app created by the prescription drug manufacturer. Your counselor can provide you with resources and advice concerning digital apps for depression.

Psychoanalytic Therapy

Well-known for being the stereotypical “psychologist’s couch,” psychoanalytic therapy helps clients understand their own thoughts and feelings surrounding memories or current problems. Sessions are now held in the office or online, making it easier for clients to speak to their counselor from the comfort of home. This often proves to be easier for helping clients relax and open up about issues.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective trauma treatment. If your depression stems from trauma, EMDR might be a depression therapy to try. The client is taught bilateral eye movements in conjunction with the traumatic memory. Within a few sessions, the client should be able to recall the memory without the distressing emotions.

Depression Therapy in Your Area

Depression therapy is available in your local area, both at our Christian counseling center and in a virtual format. Clients choose the format that serves them best in this season of their lives. Many people love the convenience of virtual sessions. Contact our office today to speak to a representative, who will match you with a Christian counselor. Your counselor will work with you to discover the best depression therapy for your needs.