Understanding Depression
Depression is a condition that is known to affect millions of Americans. It is described as a mental health disorder that can be a short-term or long-term concern for many men and women. Even though there is a negative stigma around individuals who are dealing with depression, or a misunderstanding of what counts as depression, it is critical that patients get a definitive diagnosis of their condition and seek treatment with a skilled therapist or other medical provider to improve their daily quality of life and help them to effectively overcome their condition. At Real Talk Counseling of Charlotte, North Carolina, we work with patients to provide therapy as just one piece of the puzzle in treating this and other mental health concerns. Let's take a closer look at what depression is, how to recognize it, and treatments that can assist.
What is depression?
Our team at Real Talk Counseling describes depression as a common mood disorder that can cause persistent feelings of great sadness and loss of interest in activities one once enjoyed. It is not just feeling sad or down for a day or two, but instead, it is a more prolonged mental state that often causes disruption to a patient’s daily life. It can also present physical symptoms as well. This condition does not discriminate, and can affect anyone, regardless of one's age, gender, race, or background.
How do I know if I have depression?
If you are concerned that you might be dealing with depression, you might start to notice these symptoms in yourself, or they may be caught by someone you love who is close to you:
Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
A loss of pleasure or interest in favorite activities
Changes in appetite and weight
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Lack of energy and fatigue
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Physical symptoms including chronic headaches, body aches, and digestive problems
What are some of the more common treatments for depression?
After you have received an official diagnosis of depression from our Real Talk Counseling team, you may be advised to consider some specific treatments and therapies. What works for one patient might not work for another, so getting a custom-tailored treatment plan is vital to your success in overcoming this mental health concern with time. Some of the treatment options that may be recommended include the following:
Medications. Antidepressants are typically prescribed for patients to help manage symptoms of depression. However, it is essential to work closely with your doctor to find the right medication and dosage for you.
Therapy. Talk therapy with our providers at Real Talk Counseling can be incredibly beneficial in treating depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are very common approaches that have been proven effective.
Lifestyle changes. Proactively making lifestyle changes including exercising regularly, getting enough sleep each night, and keeping a balanced diet can also greatly impact the management of depression.
Support groups. Joining a support group or connecting with other people who are going through similar mental health experiences provide a sense of community and understanding while offering valuable coping strategies.
Alternative therapies. Practices including mindfulness meditation and yoga are shown long-term to be beneficial in patients who have received a recent diagnosis of depression or any other mental health concerns like anxiety when performed regularly.
Who can I call in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area to help me with depression?
In addition to the therapies above, our team at Real Talk Counseling encourages you to talk to a skilled mental health professional about your condition and what might have led to its development. We invite patients from in and around the area of Charlotte, North Carolina, to call (980) 939-0991 or complete this form to request a consultation visit to our office, conveniently located at 2128 McClintock Road. Real Talk Counseling is always open to new patients and we look forward to helping you with your recent mental health diagnosis and treatment journey!
