Depression Counseling
Is Depression Counseling for You?
Do you have symptoms of depression?
Are you feeling sad, helpless, hopeless, irritable, or angry all the time? Do you find that you’re not sleeping well or sleeping way too much? Do you feel guilty more often or have lower self-esteem? Do you find yourself secretly saying to yourself, “I’m not worth it, everything with me always goes wrong, or things would be better off if I were not around.” Are you isolating yourself or crying more often than usual? Or maybe you lack motivation or the interest to do things you used to find enjoyable. You might be experiencing physical symptoms, including changes in appetite and weight, slower muscle movements, sexual problems, and fatigue. Have these changes been going on for more than 2 weeks?
If this is the case, there are many others like you.
You may have something in common with many people. In 2014, an estimated 15.7 million adults aged 18 or older in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. That is 6.7% of all U.S. adults.1 Today, as many as 3 out of 5 adults will experience depression in their lifetime.2
The Good News
There is very likely an effective depression treatment for you. In fact, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reported that “up to 80% of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms generally within four to six weeks of beginning medication, psychotherapy, attending support groups or a combination of these treatments.”3 If you have signs of depression, the earlier you treat them, the earlier you can recover.
“Despite its high treatment success rate, nearly two out of three people suffering with depression do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment.”
4 DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance).
If you’re wondering what depression is or what types of depression exist, then an experienced therapist can help you identify the causes of depression and help you significantly reduce guilt, shame, hopelessness, low self-esteem, seasonal affective disorder, manic depression, loneliness, isolation and most depression feelings, even suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies.
Many factors can play a role in Depression
- “Genetics, brain biology and chemistry, and life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, an early childhood experience, or any stressful situation.
- Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early 20s or 30s. Most chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in childhood. In fact, high levels of anxiety as a child could mean a higher risk of depression as an adult.
- Depression can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa. Sometimes medications taken for these illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression. A doctor experienced in treating these complicated illnesses can help work out the best treatment strategy.”5
You may be asking yourself…
“I’m so exhausted, is it really worth my energy to go to counseling?”
We hear you. When depression drains your energy, even simple tasks feel impossible. The thought of starting depression counseling can seem overwhelming. But consider this: how much energy is being consumed by feeling the way you do right now? Tired of feeling tired? If you’re battling constant fatigue, low motivation, sleep problems, irritability, or a persistent sense of hopelessness, therapy for depression can be a lifeline. Professional counseling offers a high likelihood of significant improvement – studies suggest around an 80% chance of feeling better compared to not seeking treatment. If you long to feel like your old self again, investing this initial energy into counseling can yield a massive return in your overall well-being and vitality.
“Right now, I’m in such a bad place, I’m embarrassed to talk to someone about it.”
Feeling embarrassed or ashamed when you’re struggling with depression is incredibly common, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Many people experience similar feelings and situations. A qualified depression counselor has helped countless individuals navigate challenges just like yours. Therapists are trained professionals who provide a confidential and understanding environment. Their expertise lies in connecting with you, assessing your unique situation, and co-creating a personalized depression treatment plan. Most individuals who take the brave step to talk to a therapist wish they had done so sooner, as it often means ending emotional challenges more quickly.
“I hear counseling is expensive, is it worth the money?”
Concerns about the cost of mental health support are valid. Many insurance plans cover a significant portion of counseling costs. If insurance isn’t an option or coverage is limited, we may be able to work with you to find an affordable solution. Consider the hidden costs of not seeking help: missed work or reduced productivity, strained relationships, the emotional toll on your family, and potential physical health impacts. With an 80% success rate for depression treatment, the investment in counseling is often far less than the long-term costs of untreated depression. It’s an investment in your overall quality of life, your relationships, and your future.
Professional Testimony
How do you know that counseling will really work for you? There are many good therapists. Renew Hope and Healing therapists accept most insurances to make counseling affordable.
This is a recent professional testimony:
“I have been referring patients to Jeff Young for more than a decade. He is professional, caring, and insightful. Patients comment back to me how much their time with Jeff has been both helpful and healing. He is a gifted therapist!”
Michael Brennan, Nurse Practitioner (August, 2016)
What Renew Hope and Healing has to offer
- We have convenient hours for those who need appointments after school, work or extra-curricular activities.
- We accept most insurances. See here for more information about payment/insurance. We will work with people who have a financial hardship.
- We have offices in Victor, Henrietta, Pittsford, and Penfield, NY. We also provide telehealth.
- Our therapists have combined decades of experience helping clients with depression counseling
- Many clients at the last session report their experience: “I felt listened to and understood, I was able to gains useful skills to deal with my depression, I wish I came earlier.”
Next steps
- Call your Primary Care Physician for a consultation.
- Call us at 585-398-8835 or Schedule an Appointment online.
Renew Hope and Healing
Locations in Henrietta, Victor, Penfield and Pittsford. Also Servicing Surrounding Areas Such as: Canandaigua, Farmington, Clifton Springs, Geneva, Shortsville, Macedon, Palmyra, Perinton, Fairport, and Bloomfield.
REFERENCES:
1 The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. ADAA, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research.
3. 1998, DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders.
4 , 1998, DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance).
5 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (2015). Depression (NIH Publication No. 15-3561). Bethesda, MD: U.S. Government Printing Office.