Counseling for Depression Works – Find Happiness Again!

Counseling for depression works – find your happiness again! It requires hard work and dedication. Yet, left untreated, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or other self-destructive behaviors. However, if treated properly, you can recover from depression and get back to living a healthy and happy lifestyle.

What is Depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is defined as a mental illness that causes sadness and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. It can be mild or severe, but it usually lasts for a period of time of at least two weeks.

When it comes to dealing with feelings of depression everyone is different. Some people are more prone than others and some people have a harder time getting out of the blues. People who suffer from symptoms of depression might experience frequent crying uncontrollably, weight loss or weight gain, unable to sleep, losing interest in hobbies, or becoming irritable. Some people may withdraw socially, stop participating in daily life activities they used to enjoy, or avoid certain situations altogether.

The number of individuals who has a diagnosis of depression is staggering. “Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 8% (21 million) of American adults each year and “15% of youth (3.7 million ages 12-17 are affected.”(1) And while many people experience milder forms of depression, others struggle with more severe episodes.

Depression can be debilitating for many reasons. It can affect your physical health, your social life, your work performance, and even your relationships. Depressive symptoms can make everyday tasks such as sleeping, eating, and concentrating difficult. It can also cause you to feel hopeless about yourself, your life choices, and your future.

Chances are if you’ve tried everything in your power to get better, but you still feel like you need help, and have lost the joy and happiness that once made you smile, then you may want to consider counseling and seek treatment.

Can I Manage Depression?

Yes, you can! Management of depression can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for or how to recognize the signs of depression. This is why it’s vital for you to surround yourself with the best possible support system which should include, but is not limited to, one to two close family members or friends, a mental health expert, and if needed, a medical doctor. The support system is necessary to maximize your chances of recovery. To help you see blind spots in your own thinking and behavior and gentle, yet firmly, hold you to get the help you need.

It is important to understand there is no single way to manage depression. There are several types of treatments available including antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. The key to successfully overcoming the mental health issue is, do you really want to get well? If so, then take action. You will need to commit to making positive changes in your life and be willing to talk about your concerns.

Does Talking Help With Depression?

Yes, it does! You don’t have to do this on your own. There’s no shame in seeking help when you’re feeling down. In fact, talking about your feelings with someone who cares will often help you feel better faster. You can talk to friends, family members, co-workers, clergy, or a mental health specialist. If you decide to seek depression treatment from a professional counselor, remember that they are there to help you overcome the depression. Therapy works by providing an environment where you, the client, can talk openly even at the most difficult times. You’ll meet with a depression therapist several times over the course of a few months. During these sessions, you’ll discuss how the depression affects you, why you’re feeling this way, gain insight into depression triggers in your life, and ways to cope with it.

Your counselor will be purposeful in asking questions and trying to figure out why you are feeling depressed. They are there to provide support and guidance during times when you might not know what to do or where to turn. They will listen to your concerns and offer solutions focused on helping you see a bigger perspective. Sarah Fader, a contributor for betterhelp.com, writes,  “Depression counseling is vital to overcoming diagnosable depression because it provides you with game-changing coping strategies to manage the hurdles of life.”

Is Connecting With My Counselor Important?

Yes, it is! It is extremely important to connect with your counselor because there needs to be mutual trust between the two of you. Both parties must understand that their confidentiality is protected. The best counselors are those who understand the unique needs you have and tailor their approach accordingly. As an advocate for your mental well-being, your counselor should be available to answer any questions you may have. Your counselor should also be willing to meet with you at least once per week. This allows them to monitor your progress and adjust their treatment plan if necessary.

It is just as important for you to be open and honest about your thoughts and feelings. To reach the other side of the depression, and find happiness again, it is essential to be completely transparent. The joy you once experienced in your life can be regained by wrestling with the root cause(s) of the depression and finding ways to cope with it. Your therapist can help you identify negative thought patterns that lead to depression. By changing these thought processes, you can begin to change your depressive moods. Remember your depression therapist is there to guide you through this process of effective treatment.

When it comes to the different forms of therapy, your counselor can implement, there is a variety of approaches to treat your depression including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and supportive therapy. It’s not unlikely for the therapist to use more than one type of therapy depending on your specific symptoms. Commit to yourself to give a hundred percent in the counseling sessions; finding your happiness again requires all of your efforts.

Don’t Give Up, Regain Your Happiness.

You can do it! The good news is that depression can be treated effectively. The key to regaining happiness, and coming out of depressed moods, is to keep fighting. Don’t give up hope. Keep searching for answers. Talk to your doctor, your counselor, and others who care about you. Ask yourself: What am I doing wrong? Why am I so unhappy? How can I get back to my old self? These are all valid questions. You need to ask yourself these questions until you find the answers. Be the initiator; don’t wait for the therapist to ask questions. Come to the counseling session prepared to ask questions, share your story and pour your heart out. Let your counselor know what has been happening. You want to make sure they know everything that has been going on.

And when your counselor and you develop a treatment plan and healthy coping skills to battle against depression, be sure to follow it. If you feel like you’re making progress, then stick with it. Do whatever it takes to stay positive. If something isn’t working, don’t wait, discuss it with your counselor and come up with another solution. The therapeutic process will take time, but you’ll eventually find the answers you seek and the healing that is available.

Remember, you are worth more than you think. You are worthy of love and respect. You deserve to live a happy life. You are capable of living a full and meaningful life. There is no reason to let depression symptoms take over your life. Take control of your life and fight back. Find happiness, treatment of depression counseling works!

Get Support From A Mental Health Professional

If you or someone you love is dealing with depressive symptoms or has a diagnosis of depression and happiness is no longer present in your quality of life, the staff at New Heights Counseling & Consulting, LLC wants you to know, that you’re not alone and help is available.  Pick up the phone and call 850.757.1552 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional therapists today. Read our staff’s biographies on our website at meet our team. The therapists at New Heights will work with you at your pace and walk alongside you in your battle to overcome depression. Reach out and call us today.

Additional Resources:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline
• What is Depression? – Written by Stephen McCrea
• Coping With Depression: A Guide to Good Treatment
• National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
• New Heights Depression Counseling

Other Mental Health Services We Offer At New Heights Counseling

The staff at New Heights Counseling provides both individual sessions and couples therapy for a wide variety of mental health concerns and mental disorders, as well as EMDR trauma therapy. Our services are for children, adolescents, and adults and we offer in-person sessions at our Fort Walton Beach, FL location and online therapy for the state of Florida and Virginia.

Our office is located on the 2nd floor of WorkSpace Suites at 1992 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 1057, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Get directions to our office from Google Maps Or, visit our office location webpage. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Call (850)757-1552

About the Author:

Founder & Clinical Director of New Heights Counseling, Colleen Wenner is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In addition, Colleen is a qualified supervisor in the state of FL. and an EMDR trauma-certified practitioner and consultant in training. She is also licensed to provide professional counseling in the State of Virginia. Colleen is dedicated to her clients’ care and services the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Destin, and surrounding communities.