4 Questions to Ask About Depression to Your Therapist

Depression can be remedied in numerous ways, and more treatments are being studied, developed, and approved every year. Most commonly, counseling services and medications are used to treat depression. Counseling and therapy can be offered one-on-one or done in a group, where you have the opportunity to gain a different perspective and support from peers. These meetings may be in the office or via telehealth communications, utilizing discussion to cover many aspects of the disorder and treatment.

In counseling, you will learn to develop an “emotional toolbox,” a set of particular skills for emotional regulation, effective communication, mindfulness, and more. You will receive this treatment in therapy, though you will also dive further into your memories and childhood, which we know shape our adulthood. This will allow you to cope with challenging circumstances while also learning and diminishing its effects on your current life. It is usually recommended that those with depression seek counseling and medication, as this combination optimizes results.

Many medications may be prescribed to treat depression, including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic, atypical antidepressants, etc. SSRIs and SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) treat depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, regulating anxiety, and provoking happiness and comfort.

Similarly, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is another neurotransmitter that influences mood and improves concentration and energy, effectively reducing the feeling of being bedridden due to depression.

Yes, depression may be a symptom of another condition. Numerous mental health conditions are likely to cause depression, though some physical disorders also are seen to cause depression. Bipolar disorder, type I and II, are known to have a high period, or “manic episode,” and a low period, or “depressive episode.”

A similar but rare mood disorder, cyclothymia, also has these high and low periods but is less severe. Borderline personality disorder (BPD), a mental illness brought on by trauma and presents close to bipolar (with shorter high and low periods), is also known to be heavily associated with depression. Anxiety disorders can also cause depression, notably obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most well-known mental health disorders dramatically raise the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms.

Further, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in childhood characterized by extreme irritability and frequent anger outbursts. When children experience DMDD age, they will likely develop depression. In women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder may be the root of depression caused by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Physically, chronic conditions can lead to the development of depression. Examples include Parkinson’s, cancer, organ disease, HIV and AIDS, and those causing chronic pain.

Depression is not a disorder that can be “cured” per se, though it can be recovered long-term. The severity range of depression symptoms is broad, and some patients may experience week-long bouts of it from time to time, or they may live with chronic depression for years. Of course, it is harder to treat any higher severity disorder, though it is not impossible to see results and maintain results.

Treatment for mental health illnesses like depression depends significantly on patient participation and adherence, so the likelihood of optimal outcomes is bettered with engagement. Since mental health illnesses are much more subjective than physical ones, it is more difficult to find an effective treatment since one thing will not work for everyone. This trial-and-error period may be displeasing, though perseverance will eventually lead to benefits.

Online depression treatment can refer to any number of therapies, and their effectiveness varies amongst patients, as does every other depression treatment. Some patients may find online depression treatment more beneficial than in-office treatment, as it may not require adherence to schedules or travel accessibility.

Therapy and counseling can be offered online; many other online therapies for depression do not involve discussion with another person. These apps and programs allow people to choose and guide their education in mental health and behavioral tools. Some patients may not find this kind of treatment effects as they cannot regulate and direct their treatments, while others find it easier and more helpful.

Jade Health and Wellness’s team of extraordinary mental health care providers is dedicated to delivering practical, affordable, and comfortable services, as we understand our patients’ backgrounds differ significantly. We are prepared to offer sessions both in-office and via telehealth communications, like Zoom or a phone call. We believe we can make a difference in your day-to-day life and overall mental well-being, so please, do not hesitate to give us a call and book an appointment, or you may do so online. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2375 East Camelback RD Suite 600 Phoenix, AZ 85016. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Alhambra AZ, Tempe AZ, and surrounding areas.