Depression is a debilitating disorder that can take over a person’s life. One of the hardest parts of depression is that it makes the person struggling to feel like they are alone. We want to assure you that you are never alone. To further illustrate this point, we wanted to share the following testimonial from a patient with depression:
“I have struggled with depression for as long as I can remember. Feelings of hopelessness and sadness became second nature for me. When I was in high school, I started going to therapy for the first time. Therapy taught me that my depression was not my fault and that I could live a life without it. Unfortunately, therapy didn’t take away my depression. But it gave me the tools I needed to fight it whenever it flares up in my life. These tools are beyond valuable to me because they allow me to improve my quality of life if I feel myself slipping into a depressive pattern.”
As this patient mentioned, struggling with depression is hard. It affects all areas of a person’s life. Living with depression can bring physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to debilitating. Many people who live with depression feel isolated or alone. We promise you that you are never alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 21 million people struggled with depression in the US in 2021.
While many people struggle with depression, we want to emphasize that there is hope and treatment available. When someone is dealing with depression, they will likely find the best results from combining multiple treatments. These treatments can lead to lasting relief and an improved quality of life.
Why Professional Treatment Matters
Limitations of Self-Help
After being diagnosed with depression, an individual should seek out some form of professional treatment. Because depression is a mental health disorder, self-help strategies alone are usually not sufficient treatment. However, these strategies can be used in conjunction with other therapies. If left untreated (or if someone only attempts self-treatment), their depression will likely get worse. The resulting symptoms will also worsen, affecting every area of a person’s life.
Benefits of Professional Guidance
Professional guidance is the best way to treat depression for a variety of reasons. To begin, professionals have access to evidence-based theories to teach their patients. They can also develop personalized treatment plans based on these theories and their professional experience. Overall, they provide ongoing support and accountability throughout your healing journey.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches how negative thought patterns affect our feelings. It explains the connection between our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This type of therapy works with thoughts by reframing them to be more accurate or positive.
CBT addresses depression by teaching techniques such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation. Cognitive restructuring involves replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. Behavioral activation involves helping people with depression participate in activities they enjoy. The goal of this technique is to improve their mood through these activities. CBT also teaches patients to develop coping strategies to help them manage their depressive symptoms.
According to The National Institutes of Health (NIH), CBT has a success rate of 51-87% in treating depression. CBT directly addresses the symptoms of depression by reframing negative thoughts.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a modified form of cognitive therapy that teaches skills for regulating emotions. Its core components are mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. DBT is helpful for people experiencing depression because it teaches skills for managing intense emotions. It also works to reduce self-destructive behaviors that a person might be engaging in as a result of their depression. DBT also teaches skills that may help improve the patient’s relationships.
DBT is especially helpful in treating depression with co-occurring conditions. These include borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and PTSD.
What Is Existential Therapy/Meaning Therapy?
Existential Therapy, also known as meaning therapy, focuses on exploring life’s meaning, purpose, and individual existence. It directly addresses depression by helping people find meaning in their lives. In addition to finding meaning, this type of therapy helps patients accept personal responsibility and authenticity. Existential therapy helps patients overcome feelings of emptiness and hopelessness and empowers them to create meaningful lives.
What Is Behavioral Activation?
Behavioral activation is an evidence-based therapeutic approach to treat depression. It encourages individuals to re-engage in meaningful and rewarding activities. Depression often leads to a cycle of withdrawal, inactivity, and avoidance, which can worsen feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Behavioral activation aims to break this cycle by identifying activities that align with the individual’s values and interests, such as socializing, exercising, or hobbies.
The process involves setting small, achievable goals and gradually increasing participation in these activities, even when motivation is low. By consistently engaging in positive behaviors, individuals can experience increased feelings of pleasure, accomplishment, and connection, which can improve mood and overall mental health.
Therapists use behavioral activation to help clients identify and overcome barriers to participation, such as negative thinking patterns or anxiety. The approach emphasizes taking action as a means to change emotions, making it an empowering and practical tool for managing depression.
What Are Mindfulness-Based Therapies?
Mindfulness-based therapies are a great tool to use when treating depression. When someone is struggling with depression, they usually also struggle with rumination. Rumination is a thought practice that fixates on negative thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness practices can be easily incorporated into your daily activities. Meditation is a type of mindfulness practice that allows people to focus on an object or thought for an extended time. During meditation, you practice mindfulness-based techniques such as being aware of the present moment. You can also practice mindful breathing throughout your day. Mindful breathing is the practice of focusing on your breath.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a type of mindfulness-based therapy that combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy techniques.
What Is Walk and Talk Therapy?
Walk and Talk Therapy is a type of therapy that uses talk therapy with physical movement. Exercise provides proven benefits for our mental health. Combining exercise and psychotherapy because the patient will receive benefits from both. Specifically, walk-and-talk therapy can be helpful for depression because it usually takes place outdoors. Outdoor activity can enhance mood and openness in people experiencing depression. A walk-and-talk therapy session typically includes a conversation between a therapist and a patient. The therapist will use to set the patient’s goals and teach treatment methods. Walk-and-talk therapy isn’t for everyone and is best suited for people comfortable with movement. It’s also important to note that because this type of therapy typically takes place outdoors, there may not be the same privacy as in a therapist’s office. If patients are uncomfortable with this type of confidentiality promise, walk-and-talk therapy might not suit them.
What Is Expressive Art Therapy?
Expressive art therapy is a type of therapy that uses creative processes to explore and express emotions. This type of therapy is especially helpful for people with depression because it promotes an emotional release. In addition to this, art therapy also promotes self-discovery. Expressive art therapy is usually practiced in the form of drawing, painting, writing, and music. If you are interested in partaking in art therapy, it’s important to work with a trained art therapist. Art therapy has the common misconception that you must be artistic to benefit from it. This isn’t true. You do not need any artistic skills to try art therapy. Focus on expression, not perfection.
What Is Movie Therapy (Cinema Therapy)?
Movie Therapy is a type of therapy that uses films as a therapeutic tool to help patients work through their struggles. This type of therapy is helpful for people struggling with depression because it helps them gain insights, find inspiration, and experience emotional release. Movie Therapy involves a patient and therapist discussing a film’s themes, characters, and narratives with a therapist. These movie choices can be tailored to resonate with the patient’s specific situations and emotions. The therapist will choose a movie they think best suits the patient’s specific needs.
What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy is a type of therapy that takes place virtually. It helps patients who may be anxious about attending one-on-one therapy. It is also convenient for patients because it can be done from anywhere. Online therapy can be helpful for people with depression whose symptoms may prevent them from coming into a therapist’s office. In addition to one-on-one therapy, group therapy can also be offered online. Group therapy can be helpful for people struggling with depression because it allows them to incorporate socialization into their treatment.
Medication Management
If someone who is being treated for depression is not showing improvement, antidepressants might be another option to try. Medications help treat depression because they address the chemical imbalances that come with it. It’s important to be under the supervision of a medical professional when taking medication. There are dangerous side effects that can occur with mixing medications and supplements. Because of this, it’s important to tell your doctor everything you are taking.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block serotonin from being absorbed by proteins in the brain. These medications help to regulate mood. These medications are usually used to treat anxiety and depression.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. While SNRIs can be used for depression, they are also used for sleep and anxiety disorders.
Atypical antidepressants
Atypical antidepressants work on neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in a different way than other antidepressants.
What are Holistic and Alternative Therapies?
Holistic and alternative therapies are also helpful in treating depression. Lifestyle modifications can help target symptoms of depression. Changing lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, and exercise can greatly impact a person’s mood. In addition to lifestyle modifications, there are also complementary treatment options. These include massage therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and herbal supplements (such as St. John’s Wort). It’s important to remember that these therapies are not meant to be your only form of treatment. Rather, they should be used in addition to traditional therapies.
Our Treatment Philosophy
Our treatment focuses on individual needs, preferences, and treatment goals. We offer a collaboration among therapists, psychiatrists, and wellness coaches. Our primary goal is to create a supportive environment that has an emphasis on building trust and confidentiality. We want to create a safe space for you and your healing.
Success Stories
Michael, a 32-year-old graphic designer, experienced a deep depressive episode after the sudden loss of a close friend. He found it difficult to articulate his grief and feelings of hopelessness through talk therapy alone. His therapist suggested Expressive Art Therapy alongside Movie Therapy to help him process his emotions creatively. Michael used painting as an outlet for his grief, creating a visual narrative of his healing journey. Watching and discussing movies related to grief and loss also provided new perspectives, which helped him feel less isolated. Over six months, Michael’s depression lifted significantly, and he found renewed inspiration in his work.
Jessica, a 50-year-old teacher, had struggled with depression for over a decade. She felt hopeless after trying several treatments. Her psychiatrist recommended Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance. With the help of her DBT therapist, Jessica learned specific skills to manage overwhelming emotions and reduce negative self-talk. She also worked on setting achievable goals, which helped her regain a sense of purpose. Over the course of a year, Jessica reported a noticeable decrease in depressive episodes and was able to return to teaching part-time.
Taking the Next Step
If you are interested in working with us on your treatment journey, you can reach out to us here. Teletherapy is also available for convenience and accessibility.
We currently do not take insurance because of privacy concerns, treatment limitations, delayed reimbursement, administrative hassles, and confidentiality issues. We can provide a superbill with all the information needed to receive reimbursement from your insurance.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, we want you to remember that there is hope for recovery. We know it is challenging to take the first step toward seeking help, but we promise it will be worth it. We encourage you to take this first step on your journey towards healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does depression treatment usually take?
- Treatment duration varies; many see improvement within 12-20 weeks with consistent therapy.
- Will I have to take medication?
- Medication is not mandatory; treatment plans are personalized based on individual needs.
- Do you offer online therapy sessions?
- Yes, we provide secure teletherapy options for those who prefer or require remote sessions.
- What is Walk and Talk Therapy, and is it right for me?
- Walk and Talk Therapy combines walking outdoors with counseling. It may be suitable if you enjoy movement and find traditional settings less comfortable.
- Do I need artistic skills for Expressive Art Therapy?
- No artistic talent is necessary; the focus is on expression and processing emotions, not on creating perfect art.
- How can Movie Therapy help with depression?
- Discussing films can provide new insights, help process emotions, and facilitate discussions about personal experiences.
- What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
- DBT is a type of therapy that helps with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- How does Existential Therapy help with depression?
- It assists individuals in finding meaning and purpose in life, which can alleviate feelings of emptiness and hopelessness.
Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand how difficult it can be to manage anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues. We can help through online therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, or Utah or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Remember, your mental health is important—take the time to care for yourself.
