Grand Rapids Depression Counseling - Therapy and Counseling for Depression
Depression counseling involves identifying interfering thoughts and behaviors and helping clients to create more adaptive ways to think and act. These counseling techniques tend to increase energy and productivity and elevate moods. Clients tend to feel better because they are accomplishing things and taking part in activities that matter to them.
“I’ll do it when I feel better.”
People with depression often come to me saying things like, “I’ll do it when I feel better” or “I’m too tired to take action.” While these are certainly understandable sentiments, as fatigue, low motivation, and negative thoughts are often symptoms of depression, they are self-defeating and often inaccurate. I like to remind my counseling client that there have been many things they’ve accomplished in their lives and activities they’ve engaged in while being tired or thinking that they couldn’t follow through. And, oftentimes, they acknowledge that they felt better after taking an action. So rather than waiting until we feel better to do something, we take action first and the mood tends to follow.
Thoughts and self-messages are another key component of my approach to counseling. We often treat thoughts as facts and criticize ourselves with statements we would never say to another person. By choosing more accurate, helpful thoughts and self-statements, you learn to shape your moods and actions in a more positive direction. This sums up my approach to counseling: putting you in charge and giving you the autonomy to decide how you want to live your life.
What are the types of depression?
The main types of depression are as follows:
Major Depression: This is believed to be the most common form, often characterized as unipolar or classic depression. Persons with major depressive disorder experience the following symptoms most of the day nearly every day for at least two consecutive weeks, and often much longer:
Low interest and loss of pleasure in activities previously enjoyed
Appetite change and fluctuations in weight
Sleep disturbance (difficulty sleeping, falling asleep, staying asleep; or sleeping too much)
Psychomotor agitation or retardation (being fidgety or restless, or moving or speaking more slowly than usual)
Low energy or physical fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Reduced ability to think or concentrate and difficulty making decisions (indecisiveness)
Frequent, recurring thoughts of death or suicide with a plan; or having a specific plan or attempting suicide.
If you are feeling any of the above please get in touch and I can help.
Additional forms of depression include:
Dysthymia:
Persistent depression that lasts two years or more. Symptoms may be less severe than with Major Depressive Disorder but can still interfere with functioning and relationships.
Depressive Psychosis:
Seeing or hearing things that others cannot see or hear during depressive episodes, or experiencing delusional thoughts or false, fixed beliefs during the period of depression.
Bipolar Depression:
Often termed “manic depression,” this type features periods of mania or hypomania, during which the person feels elated, irritable, and/or filled with energy and confidence; followed or preceded by depressive periods of sadness and emptiness, low energy, decreased activity, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and/or suicidal thoughts.
Situational Depression:
Depression that occurs in response to specific events or stressful life occurrences. This form of depression typically dissipates when the situation is resolved.
Peripartum/Postpartum Depression:
This occurs during pregnancy or in the weeks following childbirth.
Atypical Depression
A depressive condition that tends to go away when positive events occur in a person’s life. Symptoms may include classic symptoms as well as aches and pains, poor body image, sensitivity to criticism, and disordered diet.
Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
This type typically occurs during cold, winter months in cooler climates and during periods of minimal sunlight.
What is the number one cause of depression?
The number one cause of depression is believed to be changes in the brain. That said, we are constantly learning more about the brain and its causes. I typically tell people that with depression, and most mental illnesses, it’s not nature versus nurture but nature and nurture. This means that a complex array of factors influences the onset, duration, and intensity, including genetic predisposition, social environment, developmental history, resiliency, substance use, and physical health.
What is a simple definition of depression?
A simple definition of depression is intense sadness that lasts for weeks and interferes with the ability to perform tasks and take part in meaningful relationships.
What are the levels of depression?
The levels of depression are typically categorized in terms of mild, moderate, and severe. Mild to moderate symptoms tend to create significantly less disturbance in mood and functioning than severe depression, which can lead to loss of work productivity, lack of self-care and attending to personal hygiene, and suicide.
In conclusion, millions of people suffer, but there is hope. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which I have many years of experience in, is an evidence-based treatment and counseling shown to alleviate depression symptoms and help people feel good and take part in meaningful activities again.
Anecdotally, I have seen a great many of my clients improve tremendously through my person-centered counseling approach, which also integrates compassion, empathy, and each person’s strengths.
If you are depressed and would like help, please contact me to schedule an initial consultation:
‘‘Talk to yourself like you would talk to someone you love.’’
Brene Brown (1)
Grand Rapids Depression Therapists
Learning about what kind of online or in-person therapy or counseling options are available in Grand Rapids can be overwhelming at first but there are many therapists out there who work well with children and adults alike. Finding counseling that fits your schedule as well as your personality may take time but it's worth it! A therapist can help with a variety of issues. If you're feeling down, anxious, stressed, or just don't feel like yourself, therapy or counseling may be a good option for you. A therapist can provide support and guidance as you work through your depression with counseling.
Therapy can also help if you've been struggling with relationships, low self-esteem, or problems at school. It can be a very isolating experience and it's important to have a counselor to talk to who understands what you're going through. A therapist can help you learn coping skills and give you tools to deal with it. If you're interested in counseling or therapy, your doctor may be able to refer you to a therapist.
Therapy for Your Mental Health
It is a struggle for many people to find the motivation and energy needed to get through each day. What may be a simple task for one person, such as making dinner or going grocery shopping, can become overwhelming trauma when you feel sad or depressed. If you are struggling with these feelings on an ongoing basis it may be time to seek out mental health treatment from Grand Rapids therapists. There are various options available that range in intensity and type of care so take some time before your first counseling appointment to learn about what therapy might work best for you! One option for those seeking treatment is counseling or therapy from Grand Rapids depression counseling. This type of care is provided by mental health professionals such as psychotherapy, psychiatrists, and therapists. During therapy, you will meet with your therapist or counselor on a regular basis to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This is an opportunity for you to openly talk about what you are going through without judgment. Sometimes it can be so overwhelming that you may not know where to turn or who to talk to. Talking about how you are feeling can help you see things from a different perspective and learn new ways to cope.
Grand Rapids Counseling
Grand Rapids Michigan is a beautiful city. It's surrounded by the Grand River and has great shopping along with other activities for families to enjoy together. Grand Rapids, MI is a place that many people choose to live and work, as it offers a great quality of life.
Depression therapy is an interesting area of psychology because one size doesn't always fit all when it comes to treatment. Some people respond well to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), where they work on challenging negative behaviors and thoughts with the goal of replacing them with positive ones. Other individuals find more relief through interpersonal therapy (IPT) which focuses on relationships. However, even in a city like Grand Rapids, people can experience times when they feel down. If this is something you are currently experiencing, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you get through this tough time. One such resource in Grand Rapids is therapy or counseling.
Counseling is a type of therapy that is provided by counseling professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists. During counseling, you will meet with your counselor online or in Grand Rapids on a regular basis to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This is an opportunity for you to openly talk about what you are going through without judgment. Counseling can be very helpful if you are struggling and have issues with depression, anxiety, stress, and other trauma.
Counselor Services
Counseling therapists will help you find solutions to problems and work through difficult times. They have the education and experience to help people of all ages, backgrounds, and religions with their services. A counselor is trained in different techniques and has many specialties that can be helpful in resolving various concerns.
Most counselors offer a free consultation so you can meet with them and see if they are a good fit for you. During this time, they will ask about your symptoms and what you are hoping to get out of therapy. If you feel like counseling individual counseling is not the right option for you, don't hesitate to say so. There are many other types of mental health professionals available who may be a better fit for your therapy or counseling needs.
Therapy is a collaborative effort between you and your therapist as you develop a program for treatment. You should feel comfortable discussing anything that is on your mind. If you are not comfortable with something, let your therapist know. They should be understanding and respect your boundaries. It is important to find a therapist that you can trust and who makes you feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to ask around for referrals or do some research online. There are many depression therapists in Grand Rapids that can help you get the care you need.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to seek counseling help from a professional. Grand Rapids counseling can provide support and counseling guidance. Therapy & counseling in Grand Rapids can also help if you've been struggling with relationships, low self-esteem, or problems at school. Depression can be a very isolating experience and it's important to have a support system in place. If you are having a hard time coping on your own, don't hesitate to seek help in the form of counseling for depression treatment in Michigan Grand Rapids! You can email or call to learn more and make an informed opinion. There is a lot to read online about counseling and therapy in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids is a wonderful community and you can find your therapy and counseling needs right here in this beautiful city.
