Most people have heard of depression, but that’s about as far as their knowledge goes. It is a common mental health concern. Yet, people who suffer from depression often feel stigmatized and misunderstood. That, unfortunately, can make suffering from it all the more difficult.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It also can cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches. Depression is more than just the “blues” or temporary sadness.
In this blog post, I will discuss some of the most common questions people ask about depression including:
- How do I know if I’m depressed?
- What are some ways I can support my friend who’s going through depression?
- How long does depression last?
- What types of therapy are there for depression?
- If someone says they are depressed, does that mean they’re suicidal?
“How Do I Know if I’m Depressed?”
Sometimes, it’s difficult to know if what you’re feeling is normal sadness or “depression.”
Maybe you’re going through something stressful or grieving a major loss. Aren’t you supposed to feel sad? Does that mean you’re depressed? Or, maybe it seems like everything in your life should be good. Can you be depressed when there’s not something stressful going on?
Depression can seem like a dark cloud hanging over you and your life. But it’s not just feeling down or sad. It’s more than that. It’s a medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and act. It can make it hard to do everyday things and to enjoy life. Depression may also affect how you sleep, eat, and feel about yourself.
Signs you are feeling depressed may include:
– Feeling sad, anxious, empty, or hopeless
– Crying more than usual
– Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
– Changes in appetite, weight, and sleep patterns – Feeling irritable or restless
– Changes in your sex drive
– Trouble concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
“What are Some Ways I Can Support My Friend Who’s Going Through Depression?”
Just the fact you’re asking this question shows that you care about your friend. Honestly, it can be stressful to support a friend who is depressed. You want to show you care. Yet, sometimes you may feel exhausted or lost. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Here are some ways you can support your friend who is depressed:
-Listen without judgment, and let your friend know you care about them.
-Encourage your friend to seek professional help or talk to their doctor if they haven’t already done so.
-Model self-care by acknowledging your own needs and observing your boundaries
– Don’t take over their problems or try to fix them for them.
– Remind them that you care, and know they may need to hear that often.
“How Long Does Depression Last?”
I wish there was an easy answer to this question. But it’s not. Depression is different for everyone. And how long it lasts can depend on many factors including the severity of your depression, life circumstances, how long you’ve been depressed, and what kind of treatment you seek.
Please know that while battling depression takes time, people DO get better. In fact, the vast, vast majority of people get better. Typically, working with a therapist skilled in treating depression and sometimes adding an antidepressant can help you get better faster.
“What Types of Therapy Are There For Depression?”
There are many different types of therapy available for depression. Some work better than others, and it’s important to find one that is right for you. Sometimes, simply talking to a caring therapist who holds space for you and with whom you develop a strong relationship is enough for you to start finding relief.
Many times though, therapists will use specific evidence-based techniques to treat depression. They might draw from a specific type of depression counseling such as using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Both of those are among the types of therapy research has shown can help depression.
For really serious depression that lasts a long time and includes frequent self-harm or suicidal thoughts, it’s important that you work with an online depression therapist or professional counselor with experience working with this type of depression. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an extremely effective approach to treating severe depression and suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, finding a DBT provider can be challenging at times.
“If Someone Says They Are Depressed, Does That Mean They’re Suicidal?”
While many people are depressed but not suicidal, it’s also important to know that suicidal thoughts are much more common than most people think. And just because somebody has thoughts about ending their life does not mean they will do so.
Additionally, it’s important to know that asking someone if they’re suicidal doesn’t “give them the idea.” This is, perhaps, one of the most important things I can share with you on this topic. If you’re worried someone may be suicidal, ask. And if you’ve had these thoughts, know that you’re not alone.
People who are having these thoughts get better every single day. They get help, treat depression and build incredible lives worth living. Acknowledging the depression, seeking help for the suicidal thoughts, and finding the right treatment are all important steps to recovery.
Depression: What You Should Know
The most important thing is that when you find a good treatment for depression, it works. And there are a lot of options for treatment. The more you know about depression and the more you normalize it as a common human experience, the better. Why? Because it makes asking for help easier. And the sooner you get help, the sooner things can start getting better.
Looking for Help for Depression?
Reach out today to speak to an online depression therapist and begin online depression therapy. Get your questions answered. Find support. Start treating the depression so you can move forward and live life more fully.
Begin Online Depression Counseling in Boca Raton, FL
Please know that you are not alone in your struggle with depression. It takes immense strength to seek help, and online depression counseling can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome this challenging time. Please take that first step towards healing and seek help by following these three simple steps:
- Contact me to schedule an appointment
- Meet with me, Judi Thurswell, depression therapist
- Begin overcoming your depression symptoms and start healing.
Other Mental Health Services Offered by Judith Thurswell, PsyD, LP
As a therapist, I know depression may not be the only mental health issue you may be facing. In addition to depression counseling, I offer the following services: Divorce Counseling or Counseling for Blended Families and coparenting, Online Anxiety Therapy, Couples Counseling, and Evaluations for Substance Abuse. Regardless of what services you are interested in, I am here to provide you with the support, guidance, and understanding that you deserve.
Most people have heard of depression, but that’s about as far as their knowledge goes. It is a common mental health concern. Yet, people who suffer from depression often feel stigmatized and misunderstood. That, unfortunately, can make suffering from it all the more difficult.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It also can cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches. Depression is more than just the “blues” or temporary sadness.
In this blog post, I will discuss some of the most common questions people ask about depression including:
- How do I know if I’m depressed?
- What are some ways I can support my friend who’s going through depression?
- How long does depression last?
- What types of therapy are there for depression?
- If someone says they are depressed, does that mean they’re suicidal?
“How Do I Know if I’m Depressed?”
Sometimes, it’s difficult to know if what you’re feeling is normal sadness or “depression.”
Maybe you’re going through something stressful or grieving a major loss. Aren’t you supposed to feel sad? Does that mean you’re depressed? Or, maybe it seems like everything in your life should be good. Can you be depressed when there’s not something stressful going on?
Depression can seem like a dark cloud hanging over you and your life. But it’s not just feeling down or sad. It’s more than that. It’s a medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and act. It can make it hard to do everyday things and to enjoy life. Depression may also affect how you sleep, eat, and feel about yourself.
Signs you are feeling depressed may include:
– Feeling sad, anxious, empty, or hopeless
– Crying more than usual
– Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
– Changes in appetite, weight, and sleep patterns – Feeling irritable or restless
– Changes in your sex drive
– Trouble concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
“What are Some Ways I Can Support My Friend Who’s Going Through Depression?”
Just the fact you’re asking this question shows that you care about your friend. Honestly, it can be stressful to support a friend who is depressed. You want to show you care. Yet, sometimes you may feel exhausted or lost. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Here are some ways you can support your friend who is depressed:
-Listen without judgment, and let your friend know you care about them.
-Encourage your friend to seek professional help or talk to their doctor if they haven’t already done so.
-Model self-care by acknowledging your own needs and observing your boundaries
– Don’t take over their problems or try to fix them for them.
– Remind them that you care, and know they may need to hear that often.
“How Long Does Depression Last?”
I wish there was an easy answer to this question. But it’s not. Depression is different for everyone. And how long it lasts can depend on many factors including the severity of your depression, life circumstances, how long you’ve been depressed, and what kind of treatment you seek.
Please know that while battling depression takes time, people DO get better. In fact, the vast, vast majority of people get better. Typically, working with a therapist skilled in treating depression and sometimes adding an antidepressant can help you get better faster.
“What Types of Therapy Are There For Depression?”
There are many different types of therapy available for depression. Some work better than others, and it’s important to find one that is right for you. Sometimes, simply talking to a caring therapist who holds space for you and with whom you develop a strong relationship is enough for you to start finding relief.
Many times though, therapists will use specific evidence-based techniques to treat depression. They might draw from a specific type of depression counseling such as using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Both of those are among the types of therapy research has shown can help depression.
For really serious depression that lasts a long time and includes frequent self-harm or suicidal thoughts, it’s important that you work with an online depression therapist or professional counselor with experience working with this type of depression. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an extremely effective approach to treating severe depression and suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, finding a DBT provider can be challenging at times.
“If Someone Says They Are Depressed, Does That Mean They’re Suicidal?”
While many people are depressed but not suicidal, it’s also important to know that suicidal thoughts are much more common than most people think. And just because somebody has thoughts about ending their life does not mean they will do so.
Additionally, it’s important to know that asking someone if they’re suicidal doesn’t “give them the idea.” This is, perhaps, one of the most important things I can share with you on this topic. If you’re worried someone may be suicidal, ask. And if you’ve had these thoughts, know that you’re not alone.
People who are having these thoughts get better every single day. They get help, treat depression and build incredible lives worth living. Acknowledging the depression, seeking help for the suicidal thoughts, and finding the right treatment are all important steps to recovery.
Depression: What You Should Know
The most important thing is that when you find a good treatment for depression, it works. And there are a lot of options for treatment. The more you know about depression and the more you normalize it as a common human experience, the better. Why? Because it makes asking for help easier. And the sooner you get help, the sooner things can start getting better.
Looking for Help for Depression?
Reach out today to speak to an online depression therapist and begin online depression therapy. Get your questions answered. Find support. Start treating the depression so you can move forward and live life more fully.
Begin Online Depression Counseling in Boca Raton, FL
Please know that you are not alone in your struggle with depression. It takes immense strength to seek help, and online depression counseling can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome this challenging time. Please take that first step towards healing and seek help by following these three simple steps:
- Contact me to schedule an appointment
- Meet with me, Judi Thurswell, depression therapist
- Begin overcoming your depression symptoms and start healing.
Other Mental Health Services Offered by Judith Thurswell, PsyD, LP
As a therapist, I know depression may not be the only mental health issue you may be facing. In addition to depression counseling, I offer the following services: Divorce Counseling or Counseling for Blended Families and coparenting, Online Anxiety Therapy, Couples Counseling, and Evaluations for Substance Abuse. Regardless of what services you are interested in, I am here to provide you with the support, guidance, and understanding that you deserve.
Areas I Serve:
Michigan & Florida
Virtual Office Hours
Monday - Friday
10:00AM - 6:00PM
