Everyone experiences some level of sadness or grief at different points in their lives. But when these feelings last for an extended period of time, it could be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious mental illness that can negatively impact every aspect of your life, from your personal relationships to your work performance. If you’re struggling with depression, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with this condition each day.
The good news is that depression is treatable, and while medication and self-care are important, in most cases, therapy can also be extremely beneficial. With the right help, you can start to feel better and get your life back on track.
If you think you might be clinically depressed, reach out to a mental health professional for an assessment. From there, therapy can help you understand your depression and identify the root causes. It can also provide you with tools and coping mechanisms to better deal with your symptoms. In some cases, it can even help you identify lifestyle changes that will make things a bit easier.
The Benefits of Therapy
Therapy has many positive effects, especially for those suffering with depression. You’ll want to work with a mental health professional who can diagnose you – rather than trying to do so yourself. After that, you can work together to come up with goals.
When you first get diagnosed, figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming, but know you there are many forms of support that are accessible to you. There are many different types of therapy available, and choosing an option that’s the right fit is a necessary first step.
If you’re considering therapy, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Therapy costs money. Make sure you have a good understanding of your financial situation before you commit to anything.
Therapy takes time. Make sure you have the time to commit to regular sessions.
Therapy requires effort. You won’t see results overnight, so be prepared to put in the work.
Therapy is confidential. Your therapist will not share your information with anyone without your consent unless you are going to be a harm to yourself or others (which is part of the exception. Therapists are mandated reporters.)
If you’re struggling to determine how to initially find a therapist to get a diagnosis, know that this is a common early on hurdle. It can be difficult to know where to start, and there are many things to consider. Here are a few tips:
Consider your budget: If you have insurance, you’ll probably want to generate a list of therapists in your area who take it. Go on your insurance carrier’s website and search for providers in your area. There are many affordable options available, so be sure to do your research. Also, you’ll want to have more than one option in mind in case your first choice is full.
Look for referrals: If you have friends or family who have seen a therapist, they may be able to give you a referral. This can be a great way to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with.
Read reviews: Once you have a few providers in mind, you can start reading reviews to see what others have said about their experience. This can be a great way to narrow down your choices.
Schedule a consultation: After deciding to move forward, schedule a consultation. This is a great way to get to know the therapist and see if they’re a good fit for you.
Once you’ve found a practitioner you feel good about and have scheduled your first session, you may be a bit nervous. Beginning therapy can also be stressful, because opening up to a stranger is never easy. However, remembering this person is solely there to help you heal and manage your depression can help ease the process. Therapists can help you find healthy coping mechanisms you can use to help manage your depression in a healthy way.
Managing your depression can be nearly impossible alone, but with the help of a therapist you can learn how to better handle your symptoms. Your sessions together will likely boost your self-confidence over time. The more you practice in therapy the easier it becomes to talk about and identify your feelings, and your therapist can help you understand why you are thinking or feeling a certain way. Sometimes, simply understanding the why behind what we do, or think is enough to put it to rest.
When you have depression, having someone to talk to helps relieve stress and gives you a better understanding of what you are feeling. It is important to express yourself, so your thoughts don’t continue to eat you up inside. Opening up to another person who is trained to diagnose and treat depression, and doing so in a safe and welcoming space, is a great jumping off point to living a happier and more fulfilling life.
