Are You Dealing With Depression?

Has a lack of motivation or energy caused you or your child to be less successful at home, school, or work? Do the activities that were once a source of joy now feel like chores or a burden? Have your or your child’s daily experiences been tainted by a sense of hardship or difficulty?

A shortage of energy may preclude you or your child from completing necessary tasks. Perhaps a “wet blanket” feeling drains every experience from fun and positivity, killing any sense of motivation to engage in the relationships or activities that once brought joy. Or maybe an overwhelming sense of sadness has caused bouts of tearfulness and feelings of isolation. 

As such elements of distress build up, it can become easy to lose sight of what gives life meaning or purpose. Therefore, you or your child may be experiencing frustration, irritability, and thoughts of self-harm. With any of these circumstances, the act of living in and of itself can present a tremendous challenge, leading you or your child to believe that life is no longer worth living if it’s going to involve this much pain and adversity. 

You may think that if you could simply get yourself or your child to just think more positively, then life would be easier and more desirable. If this is the case, you likely feel shame or guilt about not being able to cope with issues of mental health on your own. However, finding a solution is often easier said than done—and that’s why therapy is a great first step to problem-solving around your or your child’s depression. 

Depression Is A Natural Reaction To The Overwhelm Created By An Ever-Changing Environment

Depression is an extremely common facet of the human experience and recent circumstances on both national and global levels have caused a sharp increase in individuals who struggle with this condition. Between the loss of income, upheavals in daily routine, and confronting the collective grief and worry we all feel, the pandemic has made life much more difficult. 

Moreover, depression and anxiety remain inextricably linked. Oftentimes, feelings of worry and fear compound existing symptoms of depression, causing even greater mental anguish. As the two leading mental health issues across the globe, depression and anxiety cohabitate in such a way that our energy and functionality are greatly depleted. 

Feelings of guilt and shame add to stigmas around mental health, making us believe that we should be strong or capable enough to overcome depression or help our children to overcome it themselves. Here in Chattanooga, in particular, we are often encouraged to seek help and guidance from religious sources. And while pastors, scripture reading, and the church community can help provide perspective, it’s often not enough to simply pray our issues away. 

We are a stressed-out society, constantly on the go and subjected to daily obstacles. Our brains can only handle so much before they’re sapped of energy and forced to check out mentally and emotionally. Such a degree of overwhelm would impact anyone, but with the added pressures to perform at work or in school—all while managing the distress that comes with an ever-changing world—we are increasingly primed for depressive episodes. 

As with any challenge or problem you have faced in the past, you or your child may have tried various solutions for improving your mental health. Yet if those approaches have ceased to work, it may be time to enlist the help of a professional who can devise an effective and meaningful treatment plan so that you or your child can find freedom from the shackles of depression.  

Therapeutic Treatment Can Help You To Conquer Depression

Whether or not you can locate a specific source of grief, trauma, or stress that has contributed to your depression, a therapist can help you process exactly what it is that is causing pain and anguish. With an objective person whose main purpose is to validate your feelings and help you chart a path forward in finding relief, therapy gives you an opportunity to better understand your past, present, and future. 

After selecting a counselor who is best suited to your needs and personality, you or your child will be asked to complete a basic intake form that covers elements of your history and the issues that are bringing you to therapy. By understanding the disruptive symptoms, thoughts, and feelings that you are (or your child is) having, our team will have a strong idea of how we can best tailor our treatment methods to lessen the impact that depression has on your or your child’s life.  

We will start by identifying the steps you can take to increase mindfulness so that you can be more highly aware of your senses and what happens in your body during triggering moments. From there, we will use behavioral techniques and practical skills to build on your emotion regulation and distress tolerance. In developing effective coping mechanisms, you will be more likely to change negative thoughts and emotions. 

We take a diverse and individually tailored approach to counseling so that you or your child can be equipped with the toolbox needed for reducing symptoms associated with depression both now and in the future. Much of the work we do in session will be centered around identifying and recognizing your or your child’s natural gifts and abilities. In focusing on your strengths, you are more likely to feel empowered to affect positive change in your life and create sustainable solutions that can help you in the long term. 

While depression is extremely common, it’s nonetheless a treatable condition. With help and support, you can regain control over the impact that stress, trauma, anxiety, and sadness have on your life. If you are committed to the work, we at Journey Mental Health can support you in finding lasting relief from depression.

Don’t Let Depression Drain You Of Your Energy And Worth 

If depression is impacting your or your child’s ability to be productive, active, and connected, depression treatment at Journey Mental Health can help to chart the path forward towards a solution. For more information about how we can help, call (423) 521-5678 or contact us via our website today.