Depression Therapy Rochester NY
Depression can be a difficult issue to combat because it is a mental illness that makes the affected individual resistant to treating it.
At Villa of Hope, we do our best to bring out a new side of depression therapy Rochester NY can appreciate, by encouraging and rewarding positive behaviors.
Still, the stigma around mental health can make seeking help difficult. We strive to ensure every patient knows that depression is not something to be ashamed of.
No one needs a one-size-fits-all treatment regimen. Everyone’s struggle is a little different, which makes it important to tailor therapy to the individual level.
Understanding Depression and Getting Help
Depression is more than a temporary feeling. It is normal to feel down or dissatisfied from time to time, but if the feelings grow deeper and become chronic, it may be time to seek help. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
To the everyday person who doesn’t struggle with these issues, it can be difficult to empathize with someone who does. As a result, depression – among many other mental illnesses – has seen its fair share of stigma over the years.
Fortunately, the tide is turning; many people around the world are opening up about their struggles with mental health, creating room for those who are quietly struggling to seek help.
Even with this shift, seeking help can require a lot of courage. Many individuals “stick it out” because they feel like they don’t have it “bad enough” to seek professional help.
Sound familiar?
There is never a wrong time to contact a depression therapist. The sooner you seek solutions, the easier it will be to correct the cause of these symptoms.
Above all else, it is important to remember that no matter how deep feelings of depression may get or how long you have struggled, it is a reversible condition that can be corrected with the right treatment. There is hope.
Contact Villa of Hope to learn more about depression therapy services in the Rochester, NY area today.
Symptoms of Depression
As a mood disorder, there are many symptoms associated with depression that can be expressed a little differently in each individual. Overall, it is characterized as a long-lasting and deep sense of sadness and loss of motivation or interest in things that you would typically enjoy.
Other symptoms of depression may include.
- Loss of enjoyment of hobbies or activities
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Insomnia, restlessness, and other sleep disturbances
- Anger, irritability, outbursts of frustration, and agitation
- Brain fog leading to trouble thinking or concentrating
- Fixating on past failures, guilt, or shame
- Negative self-talk including blame, self-insults, and lack of trust in oneself
- Unexplained physical problems such as headaches, backaches, and joint pains
- Slowed thinking, speech, or movements
- Difficulty making decisions or recalling details
- Low energy or feeling like everyday tasks take extra effort to complete
- Thoughts or actions of self-harm including cutting, starving, or suicidal attempts
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
Every individual is different, so it is important to remember that these symptoms may manifest differently for everyone. For example, someone may not believe they have depression because they have all the symptoms except suicidal tendencies.
Vice versa, someone may have suicidal tendencies, feelings of sadness and worthlessness, or a negative self-image, but not believe they have depression because they did not stop taking interest in hobbies or other depression-related symptoms.
If you believe you have depression, it is important to seek professional help, especially if you do not feel like you can talk about how you feel with loved ones or friends.
Your therapist will help you navigate your mental health, create a treatment plan, and coach you through opening up to those around you in a way that helps you feel supported and celebrated.
What Are the Top 3 Causes of Depression?
While there are many types of experiences and circumstances that can cause depression, there are three that stand out as the most common causes among most adults.
- Chemical Imbalance – A chemical imbalance in the brain means that the brain does not produce enough of a certain chemical – typically serotonin – which can leave you feeling a loss of pleasure, low self-confidence, and other symptoms of depression. This is sometimes a natural side effect of how the brain has developed. It may also be in response to any physical trauma of the brain, or chemical changes such as medication changes. Once identified as a cause, chemical imbalances are treatable with medication, diet, and exercise.
- Substance Abuse – Substance abuse is a compounding problem that affects every part of the body both physical and mental. Abusing substances, whether it is drugs or alcohol, significantly impacts brain function and can lead to severe but treatable depression in combination with overcoming substance abuse tendencies. Treatment programs are multi-faceted and vary greatly based on the individual’s needs.
- Current or Past Experiences – Current or past experiences such as physical abuse, early childhood experiences, sustained lack of support from peers, or a consistently negative environment can all trigger depression. This is also a treatable cause with an individualized treatment regimen.
Multiple causes may also contribute to depression, which makes it important to address in a professional therapy setting so that all aspects of depression may be addressed. Individuals may also experience depression in combination with other mental health concerns such as impulsiveness, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
There Is Hope
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, there is hope. No matter what the root cause is, depression is a reversible condition that can be overcome.
All it takes is a little kindness and a little time to go through the appropriate treatment steps. By working with a professional, you can ensure that you’re taking the right steps to live a better life.
You are not alone. We can help. Learn more about our services or talk to our depression therapy specialists at Villa of Hope today for more information about the enrollment or treatment process.
How to Help a Loved One
If you notice a loved one who is struggling with depression, you can help them. While some people may not be receptive to discussing depression outright, it can mean a lot just to empathize with the situation and make yourself available for conversation.
Remember that their feelings are valid, and may be caused by a range of circumstances, hormones, or environmental imbalances that can be contributing to their feelings of helplessness and lack of motivation. By helping them understand that you are a safe person to communicate with and that you are trying to understand their plight, they are more likely to open up to you about their circumstances.
For many people struggling with depression, just knowing that someone cares and is willing to talk to them about the difficult things can be the difference between spiraling deeper or seeking help with their feelings.
Once they are open to discussing their depression with you, it may be time to talk to them about Villa of Hope’s depression therapy in Rochester NY. Give us a call today to learn more about our services or enrollment process. Each depression therapy session is tailored to their schedule and needs.
When talking to someone with depression, it is important not to force them to seek help, but to help them realize that they can benefit from therapy.
