It’s natural to feel sad, upset or low for a while. But depression is different. It affects your healthy daily life, making it extremely hard for you to find even the slightest joy in day-to-day activities. Some days you may find it challenging to get out of bed, while on other days, you may not feel like doing the tasks or doing the hobbies you enjoyed doing the most. Living with depression can be incredibly taxing for both the one suffering and even those around them. Due to the nature of the condition, seeking help from a counselling psychologist in India is a must, and one must try not to delay the visit. In this excerpt, we will discuss the need for therapy for depression or counselling for depression.
We will also explore why seeking early help is crucial, the indications of depression, and how it can develop with time without knowing about it. We will also look into the numerous medications and therapies available, including therapy for depression, by famous counselling psychologist in India.
Do I have depression?
One of the significant and primitive hurdles for those seeking therapy for depression is in understanding whether or not they have depression. We shall discuss the signs of depression in the following section. But if you are struggling to deal with your emotions and feel unable to cope, it could be worth seeking support from a counselling psychologist in India. Always remember that you are worthy of help, no matter how unimportant or small you may perceive your problems to be.
Speaking to a professional, whether that’s your counsellor or clinical psychologist in Chennai, India, he or she can help you understand what you truly need. This can range from customised self-help tips and breathing exercises like pranayama to a course of psychotherapy. In extreme cases, your psychologist Chennai can refer you to a psychiatrist for healing medications. Everyone is unique and will need differing support and backing; hence, there’s no standard template available.
How does it feel?
If you have depression and are particular about it, you are likely to have at least five of the following depression symptoms. As per these symptoms, you can opt for definitive therapy for depression.
You may feel:
- Hopeless
- Like life isn’t even worth living.
- Always anxious and worried
- Like you can’t concentrate.
- Sceptical
- Indecisive
- Irritable and intolerant towards small things
- You are not getting enough enjoyment out of life
- Lack of self-esteem
- You have excessive and inappropriate guilt for no reason.
- Have no motivation or interest or excitement in things you used to enjoy
You may experience:
- Changes in sleeping patterns or insomnia
- Changes in eating habits – loss of appetite or overeating
- Drowsiness and a loss of energy
- Fatigue
- Persistent headaches and stomach upsets
- Chronic pain
- Slower speaking pattern than usual
- Loss of libido
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
You may also:
- Neglect hobbies and interests
- Isolating yourself from friends and family
- Avoid social activities
- Notice your productivity and efficiency falling at work
Sadly, you might not even notice that you have cultivated depression in some conditions, especially if it has been an incremental and slow process that may take some weeks or even months. Often it takes a friend, a relative, a family member or a spouse or a psychologist in India to identify that you may be facing an issue.
Why do we become depressed?
Sometimes it’s immediately noticeable what the reason or the rationale is. Still, many times there isn’t an obvious explanation of why you feel so low. It could be the loss of something or someone, or it could stem from a work-related setback. Personal disappointment or frustration concerning things not turning the way you wanted it to happen may also trigger depression. Generally, there would be a couple of reasons which have piled up on why you are suffering from depression, and most importantly, these reasons differ from person to person. So, ensure that you visit the famous psychologist in Chennai and undergo therapy for depression.
Common reasons behind the development of depression include:
1. Distressing life events – Discomforting and troubling life events can take a toll on us. It could be a divorce, family problems, financial issues or losing a job.
2. Bereavement Losing someone extremely close to you can increase the risk of falling into the trap of depression.
3. Childhood experiences – Believe it or not, your childhood experiences can affect you in adulthood, as well. You may be bullied, ragged, physically or emotionally abused, or not taught to confront problems that enter your life.
4. Anger ‘Frozen anger’ is a term that’s closely associated with depression. There could be times where you went through something that resulted in you being very angry.
5. Circumstances – The overall atmosphere and feelings a person goes through can trigger depressive episodes.
Types of depression:
There are different ‘types of depression, including:
Mild depression – This is when depression symptoms have a limited impact on one’s daily life. Generally, the ones who experience mild depression will face a chronic low mood and spirit.
Major (clinical) depression – This is a more severe form of depression. The symptoms will be more dominant and thereby hinder one’s daily life. They have the potential to affect eating habits, sleeping and other routine activities. Some may even feel suicidal and feel that life is no longer worth living.
Bipolar Disorder – This is a form of manic depression characterised by drastic highs and lows. People with bipolar disorder will experience contrasting episodes of intense highs and lows – mania and depression. These cycles are unlike ordinary mood swings.
Postnatal Depression – This is a condition that can develop in men and women after childbirth. Instead of feeling happy, the mother or father is merely depressed, and it is possibly the worst phase in one’s life. One should consult an experienced psychologist in Chennai for assistance.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – This is a form closely related to the duration of the days. It generally emerges in the autumn and winter months when the days are shorter comparatively. Eventually, the symptoms tend to ease when the days get brighter and more prolonged.
When is it time to seek therapy for depression?
If you encounter depression symptoms for most of the day, or every day, or for more than two weeks, you should seek help from a counselling psychologist in India. If your emotions start influencing several aspects of your life, this is the sign you may need trained support and do not be lazy or laid back in doing this.
The facets of your life that depression can tremendously have an unfavourable impact include, but are not just limited to:
- relationships
- work-life
- interests
- social life
- the overall sense of happiness and enjoyment
You may have thoughts of suicide and self-harm, then these are also warning signs that your situation is getting serious. If you develop these feelings, you should look for professional assistance immediately. Qualified psychiatrists in Chennai can help you.
In the initial stages, the counselling psychologist in India will diagnose the condition by conducting various tests to rule out other possible health problems such as an underactive thyroid. Then, they will also ask several questions about your general state and how your emotions and feelings are impacting your mental and physical well-being. From there on, the Psychologist will pursue appropriate treatment options as per the analysis. These will bank on the nature of the depression and several other factors such as your circumstances.
Therapy and Counselling for depression
Depression is a condition which one can cure, even if it is in the most severe form. With time, a spectrum of treatment options is available. The two most common types of treatment offered are counselling for depression and medication. These are often used in various permutations and combinations – particularly in more severe cases.
The following categories of counselling and psychotherapy are incredibly effective in treating depression:
1.Cognitive behavioural therapy for depression
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) regulations, cognitive behavioural therapy is among the topmost recommended therapies for alleviating evil depression. This treatment works on the belief that the way we act and think affects every single form we feel. People who are suffering from depression generally tend to have self-defeating thoughts that can dominate the negative behaviour within them. CBT thereby aims to help these ideologies, identify them and handle these negative thoughts.
2.Counselling for depression
Counselling for Depression is a model of psychological therapy proposed as a solution to depression. This has been approved for delivery within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme (IAPT) in most developed countries. Counselling for Depression is one of the effective therapies recommended by counselling psychologist in India in extension to CBT.
The counselling is unique and exceptional. Clients who attend these sessions are put in contact with a person who would support them and even represent them if needed. This course takes a load off his or her mind.
3.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression
This type of speaking medication is specially formulated to help those who suffer from depression again and again. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy puts together a beautiful composition. Elements of cognitive therapy and mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises and meditation help crack the negative thought patterns.
4.Interpersonal therapy for depression
Interpersonal therapy focuses on how our mental health influences our relationships and thereby how our relationships affect us. The rationale behind this is that psychological symptoms, such as depression, are commonly a reaction to our communication with others. The indications or the symptoms gained from this can also result in the conversation eroding, thus causing a vicious cycle. IPT functions best with those who have an identifiable crisis.
5.Psychodynamic therapy for depression
Psychodynamic therapy aims to determine a person’s unconscious thoughts and how these thoughts affect their behaviour. In addition, this kind of treatment can help people understand and unfold their deep-rooted feelings and experiences.
6.Group therapy for depression
Although the term ‘group therapy’ can be applied to many talking therapies, it’s primarily used with those that work sufficiently within a group dynamic. One of the major advantages of this category of treatment is the support network of peers who are all going through a similar issue. Its motto is to encourage you and motivate you to share your own experiences and comprehend yourself better.
7. Art therapy for depression
As the name suggests, art therapy uses artistic mediums to help individuals explore their feelings in a new and unique way. In addition, it uses art as a medium of communication. Surprisingly, this is particularly good for those who find it tough to verbalise their feelings.
Medication
Along with the therapy for depression, medication may be prescribed by psychiatrists in Chennai. This may sometimes be required to help those sufferers who are undergoing moderate to severe depression. Antidepressants can play a pivotal role to ease prevalent depression symptoms and warning signals such as inappropriate sleep, low mood, and low concentration. They can ultimately help sufferers function better, and they can even boost the ability to deal with risky situations if they arise by any chance.
However, these medications are not sufficient for everybody and anybody. In addition, it does not tackle the root issue alone. Hence, counselling therapy for depression is suggested in combination with medical intervention. The vital thing to remember is that you always have options. Also, support is available, and you have to identify it because you are not alone in this.
What should I be looking for in a counsellor or psychotherapist?
There are currently no laws or legal aspects that stipulate the level of training and qualifications a counsellor must possess to treat depression. The initial possible treatments for mild to moderate depression comprise a self-help programme or cognitive behavioural therapy and a physical activity workout or exercise. Certain countries offer computerised cognitive behavioural therapy, as well. Psychological treatments are those which include one-to-one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy for depression.
If self-help, computerised cognitive behavioural therapy or physical workout and activity have not helped you, your healthcare professional or counselling psychologist Chennai, India, should refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist may support you with medications.
Counselling For Depression with Praveen Saanker
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Mr Praveen, the founder of ‘Vedicology,’ is an internationally renowned scholar on Sanatana Dharma recognised for his knowledge and application of Indian Psychology and Spirituality. Praveen is an expert on combining various Indian and Western psychology traits, Vedic Scriptures, Indian Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions, Astrology, Vastu Shastra & Numerology. Aiming to be of the utmost help, Mr Praveen Saanker looks to understand your motivations and aspirations and then provide a solution accordingly. Praveen successfully integrates the principles of Vedas with modern Psychology and Business Management. Mr Praveen Saanker works with family business entrepreneurs and next-generation leaders, advising them on the family constitution and finding a subtle balance between family and business priorities.
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