Contrary to what others may say, you can’t just pull yourself together or snap out of depression. Depression is a serious mental health disorder that needs treatment from the team at Associates in Behavioral Science. Their therapists have helped many patients feel better and rise out of depression with therapy, medication, and healthy lifestyle recommendations designed to meet each person’s mental health needs. If you’re ready to begin the journey to better mental health, call the office in Berwyn, Illinois, or book an appointment online today.
request an appointmentDo I need help for depression?
Unfortunately, people often delay getting help when they feel depressed because they keep expecting to feel better. But if they have depression, that’s not likely to happen.
Depression isn’t the blues. The blues improve on their own and usually in a short time. Depression is a serious mental health condition that persists or gets worse without treatment.
Clinical depression affects how you think, feel, behave, and interact with others. The longer it goes on, the higher your risk of taking time away from work, developing physical health problems, and in some cases, considering suicide.
If your depression lasts two weeks or longer, you should seek help from the team at Associates in Behavioral Science.
What symptoms occur if I have depression?
When you’re depressed, you experience symptoms such as:
- Feeling sad, worthless, and hopeless
- Withdrawing from your partner, family, and friends
- Losing interest in the activities you usually enjoy
- Eating more or less than usual
- Gaining or losing weight
- Sleeping more than usual
- Struggling with insomnia
- Having a hard time concentrating
- Being unable to make decisions
- Thinking about suicide
Many people also develop physical symptoms unlinked to an illness. You may have chronic headaches, muscle or joint pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea.
How is depression treated?
The team at Associates in Behavioral Science offers holistic care customized to meet your unique mental health needs. Your treatment may include:
Psychotherapy
Your therapist uses evidence-based therapies proven to help people recover from depression. During therapy, you may explore the events that trigger depression, identify and change negative thought and behavior patterns, and learn new skills to deal with the challenges in your life.
Medications
Your therapist may recommend antidepressants if you have moderate to severe depression. However, most people get the best results by combining medication with therapy.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep habits can significantly impact depression. You need certain nutrients to produce mood-regulating brain chemicals. Exercise boosts the levels of those same chemicals. Your therapist helps you identify lifestyle areas you can change to lift your depression.
If you struggle with depression, don’t wait to call Associates in Behavioral Science or book an appointment online today.