Depression Therapy
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Depression Therapy in Fort Lauderdale
Depression therapy helps you get back to a life full of joy and meaning. Depression can feel like you're at war with your mind and body. You can feel sluggish, overly negative, and like there is no joy in life. Depression therapy with the right experts can help improve mood, instill hope, and rebuild a life worth living. At The Psychology Group Fort Lauderdale, we specialize in helping our clients overcome depression.
Many folks buy into the myth that they 'deserve' to be happy and end up feeling disappointed if it hasn't happened. Deserve has nothing to do with it. No one simply deserves to be happy all the time just as no one deserves to be miserable. Happiness or despair largely depends on the actions, lack of actions, opportunity, genetics, brain chemistry, and other factors that precede the resulting mood state. Overcoming depression isn't necessarily easy but most individuals who seek appropriate treatment do recover. Beating depression requires active participation and we'll show you how to do it. And we'll be here for you every step of the way.
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Index:
- Depression Therapy Statistics
- How We Help Through Depression Therapy
- The Cognitive Model of Depression
- How Depression Therapy Works
- What To Expect From Depression Therapy
- Depression Signs & Symptoms
- Anhedonia Information
- Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder
- More Info
- Depression Therapy Reviews
Depression Statistics
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 17.3 million Americans (7.1% of adults) have been diagnosed with a depressive episode. The average person experiences depression or mood swings from time to time. However, when a mood disorder interferes with your health, relationships, job or other responsibilities--depression therapy gives you the tools to reclaim your life. Studies show that 80% of people who participate in therapy report that it was helpful.
How We Can Help
At The Psychology Group, our therapists are highly trained and well equipped to help you beat depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression or another mood disorder. We utilize empirically validated treatments—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy—which are scientifically proven to reduce symptoms.
The Cognitive Model of Depression
At The Psychology Group, we use a variety of effective methods to help you overcome depression. As stated above, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the evidenced based treatments we use. To explain depression according to the Cognitive Model, three specific concepts are present: the cognitive triad, schemas, and cognitive errors.
The Cognitive Triad consists of three major cognitive patterns which are:
- Negative views of the self (seeing yourself as not good enough in some way)
- Negative views of experiences or others (perceiving life as unrewarding)
- Negative views of the future (pessimistic that anything positive will come)
To learn more about schemas and cognitive errors, you'll find more information on our CBT page.
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How Depression Treatment Works
- Therapy for depression is typically very hands on. A typical therapy session may focus on increasing pleasurable activities, adding back productive behaviors, learning how to relax the mind, improving positive self-talk, and understanding the root cause of sadness
- It is now a readily accepted fact that therapy works as well or better than medication. Over the past 20 years, psychology has become a widely tested field of medicine. We now have outcome measures and clinical trials to prove that therapy with a skilled therapist works
- Skills-based therapies (such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy) will give you effective coping strategies that you can use when issues arise, even long after you concluded treatment
Therapy is the most effective path to beat depression. Sometimes, symptoms can improve without help, but more often you’ll see better and faster results with a therapist.
What to Expect From Depression Therapy
- The first step is to give us a call: (954) 488-2933
- Our practice offers complimentary 15-minute phone consultations. During this consultation we will learn more about your needs and goals. You'll be matched with one of our expert therapists
- Next, you'll meet with your depression therapist for an initial session. There, they will get a very thorough understanding of your unique background, history and what you'd like to accomplish. They'll share ideas for an action plan and collaboratively, you'll both decide next steps
- Treatment for depression typically includes other team members as appropriate. You might be recommended to visit a general physician, psychiatrist and/or dietician as part of your treatment team to address both mind and body
- How long does depression therapy last? The duration of treatment depends on many individual factors (e.g., the severity of symptoms, co-occurring conditions, your attendance in therapy, etc.). Generally speaking, some folks reach their goals as quickly as ten sessions whereas others may find it helpful to continue therapy sessions for several months. The course of treatment will be collaboratively decided between you and your therapist.
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Signs & Symptoms of Depression
Some studies suggest that one out of every five people struggle with depression. Often referred to as “the common cold of mental disorders,” depression should be taken seriously and addressed as early as possible.
Bipolar Disorder (previously known as Manic-Depression) is characterized by instability of mood, coupled with poor impulse control, and excessive energy. Read more to review signs and symptoms of two mood disorders.
What is Anhedonia?
A signature symptom of depression is anhedonia--the loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed. It can be experienced socially or physically. Social anhedonia is a lack of interest in engaging with others and the feeling that social interactions are less enjoyable than they used to be. Physical anhedonia is an inability to feel sensory pleasures such as physical touch, eating, or sex.
What Causes Anhedonia?
Although anhedonia is a hallmark symptom of Major Depression, it doesn't necessarily indicate you meet diagnostic criteria for depression. Aside from a mood disorder, anhedonia can be caused by abusing drugs or alcohol, excessive stress, a recent trauma, or another psychological condition.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Signs of MDD:
- Feelings of sadness that doesn’t seem to lift after a week or two
- Sadness coupled with feeling hopeless, worthless, or helpless
- Loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed
- Weight loss or gain; changes in appetite
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping more than usual
- Loss of energy
- Negative self-talk, low self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
*Note: if you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide, it's critical to contact a mental health/medical provider immediately. If you or a loved one experiences a life threatening emergency, immediately call 911.
Bipolar Disorder
Signs of Bipolar Disorder:
- Extreme fluctuations in mood ranging from euphoria to a crashing low
- Excessive energy and talking quickly
- Difficulty sleeping or a decreased need for sleep
- Taking on excessive tasks
- Engaging in high risk behaviors or actions that are out of character
- Easily reactive or “flying off the handle”
- Manic symptoms are often followed by a crashing low or depressive episode
*Note: if you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide, it's critical to contact a mental health/medical provider immediately. If you or a loved one experiences a life threatening emergency, immediately call 911.
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(954) 488-2933
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