Depression Counseling

Video: The Science of Depression

Depression Counseling

When everything feels overwhelming

Do you find yourself struggling to enjoy life, even in a beautiful city like Austin? Are you unable to get enough sleep, feeling exhausted and in pain? Are you constantly angry and sad, wondering why you can’t be happy? Do you feel like giving up on life, afraid of dragging those around you down?

Depression can make everything feel difficult as if you’re living under a dark cloud that won’t go away. It can even make it hard to motivate yourself to try to feel better, but seeking counseling sooner rather than later can prevent depression from gaining too much momentum.

Remember, not all depression is the same. It can be a symptom of experiences like grief and trauma and left untreated, it may progress into major depression. However, treatment is highly effective, and sometimes, all you need is a little help to get started on helpful behaviors.

Living with depression can be extra isolating in a vibrant city like Austin, where there’s so much to do and see. But taking action now can help you reclaim your life.

A man sitting on a sofa in a dark room, leaned forward looking at the ground.

Physical Symptoms

What your body feels and does

  • Lethargy
  • Craving carbohydrates like sugar, bread, pasta, and cereal
  • Eating too much or too little, or forgetting to eat
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Headaches, stomach aches, and body pain, especially in the back, shoulders, and neck
  • Poor posture and slouching
A man in a nice suit wiping tears from his eye.

Cognitive Symptoms

What the mind feels, thinks and does

  • Pervasive sadness
  • Irritability and lashing out
  • Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Low motivation to do what you know would help
  • Loss of enjoyment in activities you used to enjoy
  • Withdrawal from friends and family, leading to isolation
  • Anxiety and worry
  • Pessimism

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards feeling better.

Depression FAQs

Do mood fluctuations mean that I have bipolar depression?

Not necessarily. Everyone experiences normal mood fluctuations, but bipolar disorder involves extreme ups (manic phases) and downs (depressive phases) that significantly impair daily life. Other types, like Bipolar II, have hypomanic phases that are less drastic but still more intense than normal mood shifts. If you’re unsure, contact a professional to discuss your concerns. Milder versions of mood swings can occur with cyclothymia.

Can depression lead to drug and alcohol use?

While depression doesn’t directly cause drug and alcohol use, the pain it causes is a common reason for self-medication. However, drugs and alcohol can be addictive and often worsen depression. A better approach is counseling, exercise, a healthy diet, meditation, and sometimes medication prescribed by a psychiatrist.

What causes depression?

The causes of depression are diverse. Genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances (like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine), trauma, grief, injury, and major stress can all contribute to depression.

Is depression curable?

Depression is manageable and doesn’t need to be cured like a disease. Exercise, healthy nutrition, hydration, meditation, medication, and even massage therapy can help manage depression. The more consistently these activities are practiced, the better the results. Counseling and non-medical methods are typically 2-3 times more effective than medication alone.

How long does depression last?

Depression can be a temporary symptom of something like grief or stress, or it can be a diagnosable condition like Major Depression or Bipolar Disorder. Diagnosable depression can be episodic or chronic.

Depression Resources

National Institute of Mental Health – Publication about specifics of depression

NIMH – Overview of depression facts

National Alliance on Mental Health – Useful information regarding symptoms, treatment and support of depression

University of Texas – Austin –  Counseling and Mental Health Center information about depression and treating it

National Suicide Prevention LifeLine Live Chat – 1-800-273-8255 is the 24/7 hotline

(512) 472-HELP – 24/7 Texas Crisis Line

grieving statue at cemetary

Grief: It’s not just about death

Understanding the Many Faces of Grief: Beyond Loss and Death When we talk about grief, our minds often go to the loss of a loved one. However, it's essential to realize that grief can take various forms. Regardless of the circumstances, grief…
Picture of teen girl crying in a chair

Help! Teenage Depression!

Understanding Your Teenager’s Emotional Struggles Most parents understand teenage angst: the sometimes obnoxious independence and defiance, even seemingly random outbursts of anger and frustration over minor annoyances (which, well, are minor…

Learn about dealing with depression: Depression Articles

Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s has worked in the helping profession since he started college in 1990. After completing his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas, Austin in 1994, he attended the highly-regarded University of Minnesota to earn his Master’s degree in 1997. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is recognized as a Board Approved Supervisor by the State of Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Jonathan has completed Level-2 of the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling, and in 1998 received training by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Advanced Critical Incident Stress Management & Debriefing. To learn more about Jonathan’s practice, click here: Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s.

© Copyright 2023 - Gate Healing, PLLC - All Rights Reserved. Material provided on this website is for educational and/or informational purposes only. Direct consultation with a qualified licensed health care provider, licensed professional counselor, or psychotherapist should be sought as necessary for any specific questions or problems. This site should not be construed as offering either medical advice or online professional service; no therapeutic relationship with a licensed professional counselor is established by use of this site. Please do not send emails to this site or anyone associated with it that may include confidential information.