The issue of depression continues to gain greater and greater exposure as mental health becomes a more valued aspect of society. Depression is a serious issue that affects people in a variety of ways. While everyone will feel sad and depressed at times, humans were never meant to live in a state of depression. Signs you may be experiencing a lasting state of depression are:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• A seeming inability to concentrate or remember simple things
• Unexplained exhaustion or fatigue
• Hopelessness
• Irritability
• Disinterest and lack of motivation
• Irregular appetite (eating too much or too little)
• Regular aches, headaches, and digestive issues
• Suicidal thoughts

Treating depression

The counselors are Encinitas Christian Counseling are trained to help your process your depression. They deeply believe in the biblical principle of bearing one another’s burden. Depression can feel overwhelming, which is why having a present, listening, and attentive counselor can make all of the difference as you process this issue.

The first step is to establish the truth of Scripture, reminding you of your identity as a child of God. With that as your foundation, then your counselor will be able to develop a unique plan for your situation. Everybody will experience depression in a different way which means your recovery will be unique to you. The counselor will create a safe space for you to explore the source of your depression and come up with practical strategies to help you cope. Common approaches to treating depression are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT focuses on people understanding their thoughts and emotions. It asks you to step back and consider how these thoughts and emotions could be affecting your depression. After this, the counselor will help you to reorient your thoughts from negative ones to healthy ones.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy Therapy – IPT address interpersonal conflict. Often, relational conflict produces depression. By dealing with the relational sources of the depression, you can begin to experience greater degrees of peace and freedom.

Psychodynamic Therapy – This approach zeroes in your past. You will delve into past relationships and experiences, seeking to process unresolved pain and emotions to set you free in the present. The aim is to help your release the past and help understand your present behavior to help you move forward.

Depression is a heavy burden and can seriously impact your life and relationships. Dealing with it on your own is difficult and discouraging. If you are concerned about depression for yourself or a loved one, then get in contact with the counselors at Encinitas Christian Counseling today.