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Depression

VIRTUAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING IN NEW YORK

Depression

Approximately 7% of American adults are living with depression, and 20% of adolescents have had at least one major depressive episode. If you’re experiencing feelings of sadness and struggling to find joy in your life, you’re not alone. At Kensington Wellness Mental Health Counseling, the team of expert counselors offers telehealth depression treatment for people aged 12 and older in New York City, New York. Whether you’re interested in medication, therapy, or guidance for lifestyle changes, reach out by phone or online today.

 

Depression Q & A

What is depression?

Depression is a chronic condition that can last for weeks or operate in cycles throughout your life. The disorder leaves you feeling hopeless, empty, or uninterested, making it challenging to find joy.

A life event like an injury, job loss, pregnancy, death of a loved one, or breakup can trigger a depressive episode. If feelings of sadness last longer than two weeks and are unmanageable, you may have depression. 

How do I know if I have depression? 

Physical and mental symptoms of depression include: 

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty 
  • Loss of interest in work, sex, or hobbies 
  • Sleep problems
  • Lack of appetite 
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Anxiety 
  • Irritability 
  • Issues concentrating
  • Headaches 
  • Unexplained muscle aches and fatigue 

Depression can also lead to suicidal thoughts, which need immediate emergency care. 

What are my depression treatment options? 

Before deciding on a treatment plan, your provider may first encourage blood tests to detect any underlying conditions leading to your depression — like cancer, stroke, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and HIV. 

Medication

Common antidepressant medications include Zoloft®, Lexapro®, Desyrel®, and Oleptro.

They work by altering how your brain uses and produces the chemicals that affect your mood and stress levels.

Antidepressants can take 4-6 weeks to work, so it’s important to communicate with your provider before changing or stopping your medication. It’s normal to try multiple medications before deciding which is best for you. 

Psychotherapy 

Talk therapy is strength-based, trauma-informed, and trauma-focused and encourages body positivity and overall well-being. The team has a person-centered approach and focuses on your unique needs in individual, family, or group sessions. 

The team offers innovative methods for all ages, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT therapy.

Therapy helps you understand the source of your depression and develop daily empowering tools. You can create new, healthy thought and behavior patterns and restore confidence.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) uses a moving light to trigger your brain to revisit a traumatic event. That can help you release feelings of fear and blame that may be a cause of your depression. 

An internal family systems (IFS) approach can address family members within your immediate circle. 

If you’re interested in transparent and effective depression care, call Kensington Wellness and Mental Health Counseling today or book an appointment online.