Depression—also called Clinical Depression, Depression Disorder or Major Depression Disorder—is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression affects you feel, think, behave and act, and it can lead to a lot of other physical and emotional problems. People with severe depression have trouble participating in normal day-to-day activities, and can feel despondent, detached, and sometimes that life isn’t worth living.
Depression is the most commonly treated mental health issue after anxiety, and 1 in 6 Americans will experience clinical depression at some point in his or her life.
The therapists and psychologists at Texas Whole Life Counseling are here to help. We have helped countless individuals overcome their depression and go on to lead active, fulfilling lives.
Going through life with depression, is like going through life with a chronic case of the flu …
Yet 80% of depressed individuals are not receiving treatment, and likely don’t even realize they are depressed. Depressed individuals commonly report a general lack of energy or motivation, along with significant changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns. Pervasive feelings of sadness and guilt are often experienced, sometimes accompanied by sudden fits of crying or irritability. The libido is often affected by an episode of depression, temporarily diminishing the individual’s desire and even ability to have sex, which may fuel the need for couples counseling.
Activities the individual has usually enjoyed, such as hobbies or other special interests, are experienced as somewhat flat and less fulfilling while depressed. Not all of these symptoms are necessarily experienced by a depressed person, nor do they necessarily interfere with that individual’s daily life in a dramatic way. Many individuals—in fact—may experience a somewhat chronic sense of boredom, dullness or low energy, without even realizing they are likely suffering from some form of depression.
There is often a neurochemical (brain chemistry) component to clinical depression. When appropriate, treatment may make use of both psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. Many individuals, however, suffer much less severe depressive symptoms, and antidepressants are not necessarily essential to the treatment process in these cases. In such situations, the patient works with the therapist to examine the causes and effects of his or her symptoms and patterns. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help the individual reprogram unwanted habits of thinking, feeling and doing. CBT provides clear, structured action steps to help the client move past old depressive patterns.
Psychodynamic therapy is also useful in working through depression, as this process encourages clients to better understand unresolved family issues that may be contributing to negative thoughts and feelings.
Getting started takes just a few minutes and we can usually see new patients in as little as 3 days.
Making an appointment is quick and easy. After you submit your request, our office staff will send you information on how to fill out new patient paperwork, gather necessary documentation, and confirm your appointment. If it’s currently normal business hours, we’re usually in touch within one to two hours. Our goal is to see new patients within 3 days, although appointment availability may be influenced and limited by factors like your insurance plan and if you’d like to see a specific counselor.
