Depression Therapist Chicago

Chicago Therapist for Depression 

Need a therapist for depression in Chicago? Hoping to find a therapist to treat depression? Are you trying to get a better understanding of your mood, so you don’t feel so blue?

Do any of these traits describe you?

• You feel sad and down more days than not
• You have a low sense of personal confidence
• You are quick to blame yourself for small things & feel guilty
• You often feel worthless and think “What’s the point?”
• You struggle getting out of bed or can’t get to sleep
• You regularly fidget with anxious energy 
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• You isolate, have conflicts with others, and are irritable 
• You can’t seem to concentrate or remain focused
• You have lost interest in things that once brought you pleasure.

If you can relate to any or all of the above, you aren’t alone. Many of our clients who live in Chicago come to us for depression treatment because they want to live happier and joyful lives.

And here is the truth – we have seen an increasing number of clients seeking help for depression in recent years, partly because of the many rapid changes happening in our world.

Here is what you need to know. Depression is a common mental health challenge that affects millions of people around the globe. It can be a debilitating condition that negatively impacts an individual’s quality of life, relationships, and productivity.

In this article, we will explain what depression is, its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can manifest in different ways in different people, but some common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Low feelings of self-esteem

Our Chicago Therapists Want To Help Reduce Your Depression

It is important to note that depression is a medical condition and not a personal weakness or character flaw. It is not something that can be overcome by willpower alone.

Causes of Depression

Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some common risk factors for depression include:

• Family history of depression or other mental health conditions
• Brain chemistry imbalances
• Chronic stress or trauma
• Chronic medical conditions such as chronic pain, heart disease, or cancer
• Substance abuse or addiction (see addictions counseling)
• Life transitions such as job loss, divorce, or the death of a loved one
• Social isolation or loneliness

Treatment for Depression

Depression is a treatable condition, and early intervention can significantly improve an individual’s chances of recovery.

The most effective treatment approach will depend on the severity of the depression and the individual’s specific needs. Some common treatments for depression include:

• Psychotherapy – Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a form of mental health counseling that helps individuals identify and address underlying issues that may be contributing to their depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two common types of therapy used to treat depression.
• Medication – Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can be effective in treating depression. However, medication should be prescribed by a licensed medical professional and used in conjunction with therapy.
• Lifestyle changes – Making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can also help manage depression symptoms.
• Support groups – Joining a support group can provide individuals with a sense of community and help them feel less isolated.
• Coping strategies – There are a number of coping strategies that are unique to depression that may help alleviate symptoms. Counseling can help you to learn about these techniques.

“My Chicago counselor helped my depression become less severe”

-Kenny in Gold Coast of Chicago

Two Types of Depression

Anaclitic depression and introjective depression are two types of depression that were identified by psychoanalyst and psychologist, Dr. Robert D. Stolorow. These terms are used in psychoanalytic theory to describe two distinct patterns of depression.

Anaclitic Depression:

Anaclitic depression is also known as “relationship-based” depression. It is characterized by feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and despair that stem from early experiences of loss, rejection, or neglect.

Individuals with anaclitic depression may fear abandonment and have a strong need for attachment and validation from others. They may feel overwhelmed by feelings of emptiness and may struggle with self-soothing.

People with anaclitic depression may have difficulty regulating their emotions and may be more prone to experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. They may also be more vulnerable to developing physical health problems, such as autoimmune disorders and chronic pain.

Introjective Depression:

Introjective depression, also known as “self-focused” depression, is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and self-doubt. Individuals with introjective depression may be critical of themselves and may have an intense fear of failure. They may struggle with perfectionism and may feel like they are never good enough.

They may also experience a loss of identity and have difficulty finding meaning and purpose in life.

People with introjective depression may have difficulty expressing their emotions and may be more prone to experiencing depression-related physical symptoms, such as fatigue, appetite changes, and sleep disturbances.

They may also be more vulnerable to developing anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

While both anaclitic and introjective depression have similar symptoms, they are caused by different underlying emotional patterns. Psychotherapy can help individuals with both types of depression to identify and address the underlying emotional patterns that contribute to their depression.

By gaining insight into the root causes of their depression, individuals can develop coping strategies that help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

“Depression therapy and counseling was the best thing I ever did for myself”

-Amy in Lakeview

How Our Chicago Counselors Help With Depression

Counseling can be a highly effective treatment for depression. Depression can be a complex condition that affects individuals in different ways, and counseling can help individuals to better understand their unique experiences and develop strategies to manage their symptoms.

• Identify underlying issues: Counseling can help individuals to identify and address the underlying issues that may be contributing to their depression. This can include exploring past experiences, relationships, and patterns of thinking and behavior. Challenges with infertility and depression can also be part of the dynamic.
• Develop coping strategies: Counselors can work with individuals to develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms of depression. This can include techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation, and stress reduction.
• Improve communication skills: Depression can impact an individual’s ability to communicate effectively with others. Counseling can help individuals to improve their communication skills and build healthy relationships with others.
• Provide emotional support: Counselors provide a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism or rejection.
• Encourage self-care: Depression can make it difficult to engage in self-care activities, such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough rest. Counselors can help individuals to establish healthy routines and self-care practices that can improve their overall well-being.
• Evaluate treatment options: Counselors can help individuals evaluate different treatment options for depression, such as medication and other forms of therapy. They can also provide guidance on how to access and utilize these resources.
• Grief counseling in Chicago for death or the death process of a loved one.

“The best therapist for depression in Chicago is the one I worked with.

She really helped me change my mood for the better!”

-Kathy in Andersonville

Benefits of Counseling for Depression

Therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals struggling with depression. Here are five benefits of therapy for depression. Here are five ways you may see meaningful results:

Improved Mood: Therapy can help individuals with depression to identify and address the underlying emotional patterns that contribute to their symptoms. By gaining insight into the root causes of their depression, individuals can develop coping strategies that help them manage their symptoms and improve their mood.

Increased Self-Awareness: Depression can be a complex condition that affects individuals in different ways. Therapy can help individuals to better understand their unique experiences and develop strategies to manage their symptoms. By increasing self-awareness, individuals can make better decisions, improve their relationships, and live more fulfilling lives.

Better Coping Skills: Depression can make it difficult to cope with stress and negative emotions. Therapy can teach individuals coping skills such as relaxation techniques, stress reduction strategies, and problem-solving skills. By developing effective coping strategies, individuals can better manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

Improved Relationships: Depression can impact an individual’s ability to communicate effectively with others, leading to strained relationships. Therapy can help individuals to improve their communication skills, build healthy relationships, and set healthy boundaries with others. These relationships can improve regardless of your background or sexual orientation (see our LGBTQ counseling services page).

Increased Resilience: Depression can make individuals feel helpless and powerless. Therapy can help individuals to develop resilience by teaching them how to cope with setbacks, bounce back from adversity, and stay motivated in the face of challenges.

Getting a Depression Therapist in Chicago

Our Chicago therapists and counselors want to help you with your depression. Compassionate, understanding, and results oriented therapeutic services are available to help you live a happier, more fulfilling life.

If you have challenges around anxiety, trauma, addictions, or stress, our psychotherapists may be able to offer the support you need to create change. Use our contact form to ask about an appointment.

Our Chicago Depression Therapy Professional Want to Help You

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References:

Psychiatric Clinics (2012) Vol. 35. Issue 1. The Cost of Depression. Retrieved from the web at: https://www.psych.theclinics.com/article/S0193-953X(11)00113-4/fulltext