Depression

Do you often find yourself feeling down, apathetic, hopeless, or discouraged? Is it hard for you to enjoy relationships you once enjoyed, or take part in activities that you used to find fulfilling? Do you sometimes feel like a black cloud is hanging over you, or as if you have a black hole in your chest?

If so, you may be suffering from depression. Depression is a pernicious condition that if left untreated can lead one to self-isolation, feel mentally exhausted, and have trouble controlling anger. It often exhibits physical symptoms such as body aches, lethargy, headaches, or other kinds of illness.

Suppose you have never experienced the “black dog” of depression. In that case, you may be tempted to think that overcoming it is simply a matter of changing one’s outlook from negative to positive; that it merely requires stronger self-control. However, that would be a mistake because depression is seldom as simple as that.

It is a serious mental health issue that frequently requires the help of a professional to overcome it. If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, the therapists at Carrollton Christian Counseling are ready to help you find health and healing, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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How Can I Tell if I Have Depression?

It may not be easy for you to tell if you have depression, so a healthcare professional will need to provide an accurate diagnosis. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of depression you should seek professional help.

Fatigue, either mental or physical.
Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness.
No longer taking pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.
Irritability and anger issues.
A pervasive sense of hopelessness.
Thoughts of suicide.
Sleep issues such as insomnia or excessive sleep.
Eating issues such as overeating or conversely, loss of appetite.
Persistent physical pain, headaches, or indigestion.

Having any of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that you are depressed, but they indicate that you should pursue their root cause with a medical professional.

What Causes Depression?

The counselors at Carrollton Christian Counseling are not interested in merely treating symptoms but they want to expose the foundational causes of your depression in order to formulate a detailed and appropriate treatment plan. Many things can cause depression, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are a few of the more common root causes of depression (not in any particular order).

Emotional abuse.
Bad reaction to medication.
Physical abuse.
Experiencing a death or other significant loss.
Genetic factors.
Conflict in relationships.
Any of several life-changing events.
Substance abuse.
Financial difficulties.
Experiencing trauma (personal or secondary).
Prolonged illness.

As you can see, there are a wide number of causes of depression. Though you may not recognize yourself in the above list, that may just mean that your case is different. Your therapist will help you dig down to the foundational cause.

What Are the Main Kinds of Depression?

Depression can have various causes and likewise, and there are various types of depression, including:

Major depression. Also referred to as clinical depression, this is what the average person has in mind when they talk about depression. A combination of medication and counseling has proven effective in treating major depression.

Persistent depressive disorder. This form of depression is milder, but that lasts for a minimum of two years and exhibits several of the common depression symptoms.

Seasonal affective disorder. Many people experience this type of depression. It tends to occur only during certain times of the year – typically fall or winter – and is generally considered to be a result of lower vitamin D production in the body due to lower levels of sunlight.

Bipolar depression. This used to be referred to as manic depression. It is characterized by extreme mood swings between emotional highs and lows.

Situational depression. This is typically a shorter-term form of depression, typically caused by trauma or some sort of major change in their life.

Postpartum depression. This is a type of depression that generally affects women after giving birth. It can extend over months or years after the birth if left untreated.

Atypical depression. This is a blanket term to cover depression which does not easily fit the above categories.

What Does Treatment for Depression Involve?

Treatment may look different, depending on the kind, severity, and longevity of the depression. The professional counselors at Carrollton Christian Counseling employ Christian faith, Biblical wisdom, prayer, and proven counseling techniques such as the following.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT helps the client to identify and overcome negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors by exploring how these things contribute to their depression. They learn to replace the negative, unhealthy ones with positive, healthy ones.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy. This form of therapy examines how any kind of conflict impacts the client and how they subsequently relate to others, such as their family, friends, and romantic partners.

Psychodynamic Therapy. Psychodynamic Therapy attempts to uncover the foundation of the client’s depression by looking at both their past and their relationships. They are encouraged to let go of self-blame or shame and come to terms with their struggles so that they can heal.

Reach Out

If you are ready to take the step of addressing your depression, contact us today. The counselors at Carrolton Christian Counseling will come alongside you to help you navigate a path through depression and find healing and peace.