Symptoms Services

Depression can be described as the sense of hopelessness, worthlessness, and inability to express even simple pleasures. The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression as a common and serious mood disorder with symptoms that may affect how one feels, thinks, and handles day-to-day activities. Psychiatry.org states depression affects one in fifteen adults in any given year and one in six people will experience depression at some point in their lives. Studies show depression as being a significant determinant of quality of life as it can cause feelings of sadness and/or loss of interest in activities and can also lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Psycom.net  has quotes from individuals who have depression describing their thoughts and feelings. Depression is described in some of the quotes as not being able to control one’s thoughts instead thoughts control you. Another description is the feeling of numbness to life and emotions. Depression is a serious illness but can be treated.

If you feel you or a loved one may be suffering from depression give us a call at (214) 363- 2345.

What are the common symptoms of depression? 

Symptoms of depression may include: 

• Feelings of loneliness 

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• Loss of interest in hobbies 

• Changes in appetite or weight changes unrelated to dieting 

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much 

• Feelings of worthlessness 

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions 

• Thoughts of death or suicide 

• Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration over small matters 
  

Many individuals with depression report symptoms severe enough to cause problems at work, school, social activities, or in their relationships.

How can therapy help with depression? 

Therapists and psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals with experience in treating individuals with depression. There are several different approaches to psychotherapy that have been shown to help individuals recover from mental illnesses. Psychotherapy can help individuals explore life events that contribute to their depression and guide them on a path to change, accept or adapt to their situation (www.apa.org). Counselors help individuals set realistic goals, and identify distorted thought processes or unhelpful behaviors that contribute to feelings of depression. They also help the individual develop coping skills with their symptoms and issues. Finally, they can also help to identify or prevent future depressive episodes. 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based therapy that has been found to be effective in the treatment of depression. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, CBT, is based on the idea that individuals with depression have thoughts that are characterized by dysfunctional negative views of themselves, their experiences, and their future. With CBT the client works with a mental health therapist in a structured format attending a number of sessions where the individual is helped to become aware of any negative thinking allowing them to approach challenging situations with a response that is more effective. CBT can be helpful for individuals that are seeking help with mental health illnesses including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or disordered eating. CBT is an approach to psychotherapy that allows the client to quickly identify and cope with specific challenges and as a result, fewer sessions are needed to address emotional challenges. 

For example, CBT is a tool that is helpful for the following:

• Managing symptoms of depression

• Preventing future depression episodes 

• Treating mental illness when medications aren’t a good option 

• Learning coping techniques for stressful life situations 

• Identifying ways to manage emotions 

• Resolving conflicts in relationships and learning communication skills 

• Coping with loss or grief 

• Overcoming emotional trauma related to abuse 

• Coping with a physiological illness 

• Managing chronic physical symptoms 

Individual therapy is also an option, marital/couples therapy is helpful for spouses and partners to understand why their loved one has depression, what changes in communication and behaviors can help, and what coping mechanisms may work. Family therapy may work for those who view their family as a key part of their lives and can function as a team that helps individuals with depression get better (https://my.clevelandclinic.org). Therapy can sometimes be helpful for family members to understand their loved one’s journey and how they are navigating through it and what they can do to help. 

Interpersonal therapy is a different type of therapy that primarily focuses on the behaviors and interactions with family and friends of a clinically depressed individual. The goal of this therapy is to improve communication skills and increase self-esteem. Interpersonal therapies offered here at Heritage to help resolve depression include:

• Loss/ grief counseling

• Relationship counseling

• Life transition 

• Role transitions such as parenting counseling 
  

For more information on different types of therapy for depression please visit our services page. 

It can be difficult to take the first steps toward finding help and we here at Heritage go above and beyond to provide quality counseling services for those who need help. We offer services in CBT therapy, grief counseling, relationship counseling, life transition counseling, and a variety of other types of therapy that can be used as a tool to overcome depression.  Our therapy services are offered in Dallas, Plano, and Austin, and we offer telehealth appointments as well. If you or a loved one are experiencing signs or symptoms of depression give us a call, we can help you navigate your way to finding the clinician that best suits you, and the type of therapy that is most accommodating to your needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact us:

Phone: (214) 363- 2345