“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”
—Anne Frank
Depression Counseling in Birmingham, Alabama
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED DEPRESSIOn counseling?
You feel stuck. The activities you used to enjoy don’t seem as interesting anymore. Motivation? What’s that? Your sleep isn’t normal. You either sleep too much or too little.
Depression is very common.
Around 17.3 million (7.1%) of adults in the U.S. feel the effects of depression. For teens, the rate is even higher. Approximately 3.2 million (13.3%) teens have experienced a major depressive episode. Unfortunately, that number is rising every day.
Depression shrinks your life.
It can make you feel like a shell of yourself. In addition, depression can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. You begin doing less and less of the things you used to enjoy. The activities you used to love stop bringing you joy. You notice that you are spending more and more time alone. This only makes depression worse. With that in mind, it’s normal to have occasional sadness or loss of interest. What’s important to consider, however, is the timeline of these symptoms. If you have had a period of more than two weeks of a depressed mood or other unusual symptoms, it could be time to get help.
Depression Counseling Can Help
Empower Counseling specializes in depression treatment. This is what we do. We have seen clients who could barely get out of bed to feeling like they have a purpose. Our clients have gone from feeling no interest in things to discovering what is most important to them. In addition, they feel motivated to take action. Clients come to us thinking something is wrong with them. Those same clients leave us knowing there is nothing wrong with them. Some of our clients come to us feeling worthless. They feel like everything is their fault. At the end of our work together, they find self-value and confidence. We have helped clients go from feeling hopeless to having a sense of purpose with great hope for the future.
Common Symptoms of Depression or Major Depressive Disorder
Depression looks different in each of us. Often, people who begin depression counseling are looking to address some of the following issues or symptoms of depression:
- Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Overwhelming sadness
- Low energy
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Having a tough time making decisions
- No motivation
- Feeling hopeless
- Problems with sleep – can’t fall asleep or sleep too much
- Feeling irritable
- Trouble concentrating
- Anxious, restless
- Fixated on things in the past
- Thinking about hurting yourself
To learn more about symptoms of depression, look into this resource.
Why Is It Important to Seek depression treatment?
Major depression is a complex condition that has a huge impact on overall health and wellness. Not receiving proper depression treatment can lead to:
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Relationship problems
- Anxiety, panic disorder, panic attacks
- Isolation, loneliness
- Excess weight gain
- Many other health problems
Empower Counseling Can Help Free You from Depression
Depression is treatable. However, it can also become much worse if left untreated. Skipping depression treatment can lead to further issues, like addiction and suicidal behavior. Getting help for your depression means a better likelihood of successful treatment. This will ultimately keep your situation from becoming worse.
The Empower Counseling Approach to Depression Counseling in Birmingham, AL
Empower Counseling can help. Empower Counseling uses only effective depression treatment. Our counselors are trained in, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method is highly effective for depression. We’ve seen improvements in clients’ symptoms through ACT.
Using this method, we can help you break free from depression’s control. We’ll work on you getting back to living and enjoying your life. If you would like to learn more about this approach, check out this resource to build your knowledge base.
After ACT Therapy for Depression Treatment, Empower Clients…
- Experienced fewer and less severe symptoms of depression, or were symptom free
- Were more confident and less fearful
- Had higher self-esteem and better self-care
- Felt in control of their lives
- Created clear boundaries
- Experienced more satisfaction in their relationships
- Were happier and not afraid to take action toward the lives they wanted
Starting Depression Counseling in Birmingham, AL
When you are ready to break free from the control of depression, EMPOWER IS HERE TO HELP YOU. Find the courage to take the first step by reaching out. You will not be going on this journey alone. We’ll be with you offering support and encouragement the entire time. When you’re ready to live the life you’ve always wanted for yourself, follow these steps:
- Fill out an appointment request.
- Get to know your new depression counselor.
- Rediscover your joy and start living your best life now.
Other Services Offered in Birmingham, AL
Life is messy. Unexpected things happen that we aren’t ready for. When this happens, we often feel leave unprepared. Luckily, our counseling clinic in the Birmingham area can help. We offer treatment for anxiety and difficult life transitions. I also provide a counseling for teens to help them navigate unfamiliar situations. In addition, I offer life coaching and healthy technology lifestyles. When you’re ready to start your journey, reach out to us and learn more.