Depression manifests itself in several different forms. Symptoms such as irritability, anger for no reason, struggling to get out of bed, loss of interest in activities, binge eating, loss of appetite and other issues. Depression is a very serious mental health disorder that can take years to learn how to manage. When you have depression, or you think you have depression, it’s important to gain insight on how to manage it. If you are currently on medication then yes continue taking your medication as prescribed. If you are looking for a more compressive approach, then counseling and the inclusion of a more mindful approach can help gain the life that you deserve. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The evidence-based guidelines for PTSD treatment include offering Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy. Medications (such as benzodiazepines) are not recommended because “there are no demonstrated benefits of these medications in treating PTSD. These medications have possible harmful side effects including the risk for addiction, overdose in combination with alcohol, and interference with benefits of some psychotherapies.” Medication does not provide a safety net. Medication seeks to cover the symptoms and issues while professional counseling strives to correct and heal these issues. Medication does not provide a safety net. What happens if you seem to be feeling all of these emotions and can’t make sense of them? That’s when you decide to contact a professionalwho will help you learn how to cope with your depression when you’re overwhelmed. Luminous Counseling is a counseling center in the Huntsville, AL, area.
Feelings You May Be Experiencing
If you have always dealt with depression, you may not notice any heightened emotions; however, when you are depressed, it is important to be attuned to your body and your emotions. Depression can heighten your feelings and make you more distressed. Some of the feelings you may be experiencing are sadness, anxiety, anger, fear, embarrassment, confusion, helplessness, and irritability. These emotions will all make dealing with day-to-day activities more distressing and difficult. If you are feeling these emotions, it is time to reach out to a professional, so you can stop a mental health episode in its tracks.
Signs It’s Time To Reach Out
Besides how you may be feeling and the distress you may be experiencing, there are other signs that show it is time to seek a professional’s help. Some of the signs to help you figure out if you need to see a doctor are listed below:
- Feeling tired
- Lack of energy for activities
- Can’t remember details
- Can’t concentrate on anything
- Persistent aches
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Thoughts of depression
- Guilty feelings
- Worthless feelings
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Restlessness
- Change in sleep patterns
If you are experiencing any of these signs, then you need to speak to someone so you can work through the situation. You might not think it is something you need if you have been dealing with depression for your whole life; however, when you are feeling or showing any of these signs, it is time to ask for help, so you can continue living your life.
How Luminous Counseling & Consulting LLC Can Help
At Luminous Counseling, we strive to help not just individuals in counseling, but couples as well. We help those who may be struggling with an assortment of issues from depression to PTSD as well as specializing in addiction. As a counseling center, we will hear what you wish to focus on and develop a plan that will work for you. We know it is not easy to fight depression and anxiety or to get sober, which is why as a licensed professional counselor we will use cognitive behavioral therapy for introspection into your issues, so as to help you work on them.