Depression Counseling

Depression can often feel insurmountable, and many people suffer alone. However, it doesn’t need to be that way. Great Lake Psychology Group’s network of trained psychologists, counselors, and therapists are available to help you improve your mental health.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that profoundly impacts all aspects of a person’s life. People living with clinical depression may face challenges in functioning at work or school, managing their personal lives, and maintaining healthy relationships. It’s believed that depression stems from a combination of genetics, biology, personality, and life events, making its causes diverse.

Some symptoms of depression include:

• Irritability
• Significant weight loss even when not dieting or exercising
• Weight gain
• Sleeping much less or much more than usual
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Avoiding social activities
• Excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate
• Indecisiveness
• Suicidal thoughts – If you are in a life-threatening situation, do not use this site. Please call 988, or visit this website for more information. If your issue is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Types of Depression Disorders:

• Major Depressive Disorder: Experiencing five or more symptoms, including feeling depressed or an inability to experience pleasure. 
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: Depression that is linked to changing seasons, typically
• winter. It resolves when the seasons change.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder/Dysthymic Disorder: Characterized by a long-term, low-grade depression that manifests as a gloomy, grumpy mood without apparent cause. Typically, to be diagnosed, symptoms must persist for 2 years or more. 
• Postpartum Depression: Depression that begins after giving birth to a baby

Some Treatment Options for Depression:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Did you know?

• Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the United States, affecting about 8% of the population.
• Only one third of depression sufferers seek treatment.
• Up to 80% of those who seek treatment for depression report an improvement in symptoms in only four to six weeks.