Counseling for Depression

Depression is on the rise in our country and has been spiking since the pandemic began. So many people are still experiencing heavy feelings due to isolation and loneliness. Many do not realize that today’s pain is linked to past experiences. However, depression can be treated in several ways, including Christian counseling.

If you suffer from depression, you are not cursed to be held captive by it. Depression is a treatable mental disease, and its severity is on a spectrum. Some people only need talk therapy to overcome it; others may need medication. It’s important to consult with a trusted counselor if you have been feeling down for at least two weeks or more. This initial consultation can help you start on a healing path.

Sadly, many depressed people think they can manage this problem on their own. However, the refusal to get help can lead to many other problems like addiction, self-harm, and other destructive habits. It will also affect many others around you, whether at home, work, or elsewhere. Bravely taking the first step of getting help for depression will invite God’s healing and hope into your life.

The enemy Satan would like you to believe that no one could possibly understand how you feel. This lie will cut you off from the help that you need and the path that God wants you to take to get well. But if you ask God to give you the courage to reach out to others like a Christian counselor in California, you can start climbing out of the pit you are in today.

Depression often hides behind other problems like anxiety, anger, addictive behaviors, and relationship problems. That’s why it’s wise to seek help from a Christian counselor to understand the nature of your problems and get the help you need today. Several sessions with a qualified counselor will be very enlightening and provide practical help.

You may be suffering from depression if you have been struggling with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, discouragement, or isolation for two weeks or more. Depression is not just feeling blue for a day or two – it’s a prolonged state that is linked to brain functioning, which can be treated in counseling. You do have a way out of the darkness if you reach out for help as soon as possible.

If you have been experiencing any of these signs and symptoms for the past two weeks or more, please reach out for help today:

• Tearfulness
• Inappropriate or excessive guilt
• Hopelessness or worthlessness
• Inability to function normally at work or school
• Irritation or uncharacteristically short temper
• Lack of concentration
• Loss of energy even with normal daily activities
• Loss of pleasure or interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Memory problems
• Withdrawal from normal social engagements
• Recurring thoughts about death, dying, and suicide
• Restlessness or pacing
• Significant increase or decrease in appetite
• Over-sleeping or insomnia
• Slow movements or slowed, quiet speech

Three or more of these symptoms over the course of at least two weeks may indicate depression. After speaking with you, a therapist may diagnose you with Major Depression Disorder, otherwise known as clinical depression. Your condition may be linked to grief, such as what you may have experienced after a loved one’s death. Depression may also be linked to other mental disorders, which your counselor will be able to diagnose. Once you are diagnosed with depression, you can start your treatment process.

Depression is often passed down through families. It can also be caused by a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors. Certain temperaments and personalities may be more prone to experiencing depression than others. Your counselor will help you determine the cause of your depression so you can deal with it at the root.

Brain chemistry can be affected by depression. Depressed people may not be able to uptake enough serotonin, a hormone that produces feelings of calmness and wellness. You may need a prescription drug to help you absorb more serotonin. However, there are other natural therapies and techniques you can discuss with your counselor to help reset your brain chemistry. You may not need medication to overcome depression, but if you do, there is no shame in taking it to get better.