Depression has become a common problem in the United States. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. While it is okay to feel down occasionally, people with depression experience these negative feelings persistently and to a greater degree. Therefore, if you know someone struggling with depression, seeking help from a professional depression therapist is essential.
Depression can interfere with daily activities and lead to relationships, work, and school problems. Thus, consulting a professional becomes necessary. However, before we get into the advantages of consulting a therapist, let's look at some depression statistics.
What do the depression statistics look like?
According to the reports, around 19.4 million individuals in the US had at least one episode of depression. This number represents 7.8% of the US population. In addition, the impact of depression is 9.6$ higher in females compared to males. The majority of depression cases are of people aged between 18 to 25. These numbers are concerning as they are growing every year. On this note, let's understand who depression therapists are and the benefits of consulting them.
Who is a depression therapist?
A depression therapist is a mental health expert who deals with patients suffering from depression. They are trained to provide counseling, psychotherapy, and support to help people manage their condition. While sometimes medication may be necessary, therapy is the most common treatment for depression.
There are different therapists available for people suffering from depression. The most popular ones include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed professional counselors (LPC), and more. Whichever type you choose, they must have training and experience providing therapy for depression patients.
What are some benefits of consulting a therapist?
Supports during difficult times
The greatest advantage of contacting a therapist is that you will have someone to discuss your feelings. You will always have someone to listen to you and give you moral support. A therapist has the right skills, knowledge, and training to help depression patients handle negative thoughts and emotions. You have to find a therapist who listens to what you need without judging or criticizing you.
Identifies why depression occurred
Talking about how depression makes them feel helps people understand their condition better. Their therapist may ask questions regarding recent life events, family history of mental illness/behavioral health problems, and more to identify the root cause of depression. This information helps therapists develop short-term goals that can help prevent future episodes of depression and long-term goals that can help build a better life.
Helps manage and cope with depression
Self-care is essential for people suffering from depression. It may not be possible when you live alone and do not have someone to care for you. Therapy helps manage the condition effectively by assisting individuals in developing self-care techniques. Some standard methods are taking a healthy diet, creating a structured routine, finding time for relaxation, and more. This way, they do not feel lonely and depressed all the time.
Focuses on reducing symptoms over time
A professional therapist understands the gravity of your condition and treats it accordingly. The primary focus of a patient's counseling sessions is to reduce negative thoughts and symptoms over time. It is done by setting goals and working on them gradually. In some cases, therapy may also include family members to understand and support the person suffering from depression.
Contact us today!
Want to know more about how a depression therapist can help? Get in touch with us at 818.331.1131 to learn more.