Depression is more than feeling down for a few days. To be “depressed” one must have the majority of the following symptoms present for 2 or more consecutive weeks. (1) Difficulty performing normal tasks, or feeling numb when hearing good news. (2) The loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities. (3) Changes in appetite (increased or decreased) and weight changes are also common. (4) Change in sleeping habits. Either finding it difficult to sleep or sleeping longer than normal. (5) A change in energy, feelings of fatigue or moving slowly. (6) Trouble concentrating or thinking. (7) Feelings of being worthless, guilty about past failures, and at times thoughts of suicide. (8) Some people will also be more irritable, “on edge”, or seem distracted.
What are the causes of depression?
Depression has several different forms. Not all are connected to life events such as losing a loved one or other negative major life event. Some forms of depression are caused by changes in the brain. These changes may be attributed to varying levels of neurotransmitters, injuries, cancer or tumors, or substance use. Depression that has organic or biological causes are often stable and long term.
For many people a combination of factors including faulty mood regulation, genetic predisposition, and stressful life events interact together to bring about a period of depression.
How does depression impact my relationships?
Negative relational experiences can cause feelings of depression even long after the events have passed. If you were raised by untrustworthy caregivers and there was no way to stop the neglect, and emotional, verbal, or physical abuse, you may have learned to cope by trying to meet the needs of others and suppressing your own needs. When a person cannot not stand up for themselves against abusive situations or leave abusive relationships this pattern may become stuck and be present even after these relationships end. People may find they do not leave unhealthy relationships even when they are free to do so. This learned pattern results in the suppression of a person’s own needs and boundaries.
Three negative beliefs are present with depression:
Permanence - “Bad things always happen to me and nothing is ever going to change.”
Pervasiveness - “Every area of my life is bad” or “When something good happens it is only in a small part of my life and won’t last.”
Personalization - “I am to blame for the bad things in my life.” or “I am a failure.”
How can counseling at our offices in Tampa, FL help decrease depression and improve relationships?
Counselors use a variety of tools to decrease helplessness and increase personal empowerment. These tools are used to train you to see the world differently.
Just like being boundaryless is a learned pattern of behavior, positive or optimistic patterns are also learned. Some optimistic people have experienced similar emotional, verbal, physical abuse, and neglect. However, they learned a pattern of behavior that resulted in empowerment. They realized they had the tools necessary to positively influence their situation. This learned pattern protects the optimistic person from getting stuck in depression because they have three positive self beliefs.
Three positive beliefs present in optimistic people:
Permanence: Optimistic people believe bad events to be more temporary than permanent and bounce back quickly from failure, whereas others may take longer periods to recover or may never recover. They also believe good things happen for reasons that are permanent, rather than seeing the transient nature of positive events. Optimists point to specific temporary causes for negative events; pessimists point to permanent causes.
Pervasiveness: Optimistic people compartmentalize helplessness, whereas pessimistic people assume that failure in one area of life means failure in life as a whole. Optimistic people also allow good events to influence every area of their lives rather than one specific area in which the event occurred.
Personalization: Optimists blame bad events on causes outside of themselves, whereas pessimists blame themselves for events that occur. Optimists are therefore generally more confident. Optimists also quickly internalize positive events while pessimists externalize them.
Is it too late to change?
Fortunately, change is possible. Our brains are built to adapt and learn new patterns throughout our lives. A good depression therapist in Tampa, FL will partner with you to develop new ways of thinking, identify strengths you are already using, and develop new skills to help improve your relationships.
BEGIN TREATMENT FOR Depression IN NORTH TAMPA, FL TODAY
Your difficulties with depression can benefit from support from our licensed counselors near Land O’ Lakes, Northdale, Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel, Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa, FL. Counseling with a professional can offer a great deal of support that you may need. Our team of caring therapists can offer support from our North Tampa, FL office or our South Tampa, FL office. To start improving your mental health, follow these simple steps:
1. Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa
2. Meet with a caring therapist
3. Start developing the skills needed to prepare for the holidays
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA
Depression treatment isn't the only service offered by our Tampa, FL based therapy practice. We understand the many ways your mental health may be affected. As a result, our team is happy to also offer child therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for trauma, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, ART, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today.