Depression
Experiencing feelings such as hopelessness, sadness, irritability? Haven't had the energy or motivation to complete normal daily tasks?
​
If you answered yes to either of the above questions and have been experiencing symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you could be one of the more than 14 million Americans who experience depression each year.
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the US (NIMH, 2019). As many as one in 20 people experience severe depressive symptoms that require a medical diagnosis. Some common symptoms of depression are:
​
-
Persistent Sadness
-
Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness
-
Irritability
-
Loss of interest in pleasurable hobbies and activities
-
Low energy or fatigue
-
Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or over sleeping
-
Change in appetite and/or weight
-
Thoughts of death or suicide
-
Suicide attempts
​
Several factors can contribute to depressive symptoms. According to research, genetics, biological, environmental and psychological factors have been found to contribute to depressive symptoms. Other risk factors include personal or family history of depression, trauma, major life changes and certain physical illnesses and medications.
​
Benefits of Counseling for Depression
​
Therapy for depression can be effective for clients who are wanting to alleviate his or her symptoms. Therapy helps clients to explore and identify the patterns of behavior, thoughts and emotions that are triggering the depressive symptoms. Effective coping techniques are explored throughout the counseling process so that clients can find ways to manage and minimize their depressive sympotms.
Anxiety
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. The demands of work, home life, social interactions and more tend to contribute to the triggering effects of occasional anxiety. When anxiety begins to interfere with daily activities, is more consistent and uncontrollable, individuals may be experiencing some form of anxiety disorder.
​
Almost 40 million people in the US experience some form of anxiety disorder in a given year. If left untreated, anxiety could become a debilitating issue for some individuals.
​
The most common symptoms of anxiety are:
​
-
Nervousness, anxiousness, feeling on edge
-
Unable to stop worrying
-
Difficulties with relaxing
-
Easily annoyed or irritated
-
Difficulties with concentrating
-
Unable to fall asleep or sustain sleep
​
Benefits of Counseling for Anxiety
​
Therapy for anxiety allows the therapist and client to not only address the symptoms the client is experiencing, but also identify the source(s) for their anxiety. Effective coping techniques and thought challenging skills are often explored during the counseling process. Therapy gives clients tools that they can use to manage and/or overcome anxiety symptoms.
​