Therapy For Depression

You Don’t Have To Face Depression Alone!

When you’re depressed, it can feel like you may never get out from under a dark storm cloud. Know, though, that even the most severe depression is treatable — and that therapy for depression can help. If your depression is keeping you from living the life you want to lead, it’s time to ask for help! There are many different treatment options available to you, including therapy. At Clarity Counseling Center in Wilmington, NC, we specialize in relationship counseling and affordable therapy for depression, guiding you toward the fulfilling life you deserve.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for any mental health issue; what works for one person may not for another. Here at Clarity, our goal is to act like matchmakers, helping you find the therapist that fits your needs and your personality. We’re here to help. Reach out today to get started.

Common Symptoms Of Depression:

Mood - apathy, general discontent, hopelessness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Behavioral - agitation, irritability, restlessness, excessive crying
Cognitive - difficulty concentrating, feeling slow, repeatedly going over thoughts, thoughts of suicide
Whole Body - excessive hunger or loss of appetite, fatigue

If you have a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest, you may be suffering from depression. Consult a doctor and/or schedule therapy.

What Is Depression?

15 million Americans a year struggle with depression, an illness that comes in many forms — from major depression and seasonal affective disorder to dysthymia and bipolar disorder. Depression is an illness that increasingly afflicts people worldwide, interfering with concentration, motivation and many other aspects of everyday functioning. It is a complex disorder, involving many systems of the body, including the immune system, either as cause or effect. It disrupts sleep, and it interferes with appetite, in some cases causing weight loss, in others, weight gain. Because of its complexity, a full understanding of depression has been elusive.

Scientists have some evidence that the condition is related to diet, both directly—through the nutrients we consume, such as omega-3 fats—and indirectly, through the composition of the bacteria in the gut. Of course, depression involves mood and thoughts as well as the body, and it causes pain for both those with the disorder and those who care about them. Depression is increasingly common in children.

Everyone experiences an occasional blue mood; depression is a more pervasive experience of repetitive negative rumination, bleak outlook, and lack of energy. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with depression cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. There is some evidence that, painful as depression is, it serves a positive purpose, bringing with it ways of thinking that force people to focus on problems as a prelude to solving them. At Clarity Counseling Center, our experienced relationship therapists provide affordable counseling tailored to your needs. As one of the best relationship therapists in Wilmington, we are here to support you on your journey to healing and connection.

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

“ Terrific place! Highly recommended if you are looking to make real progress and get to work on your life. Absolutely five stars for Karin and the team at Clarity! ”

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“ I really appreciate Karin's help and guidance. After some major life changes, I was struggling. I wouldn't have connected those dots without her. ”

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“ I just wanted to let you know that Shaina has been incredible for my wellbeing. She has helped me in ways that I wasn’t even expecting. I only wish that I had started seeing her much sooner. In a nutshell, "She is the best!" Thank you for everything your company does. I would recommend you to anyone that needs you! ”

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“ Gilda is very good!!!!!! I feel comfortable with her. She has provided me with coping skills. She has helped me to identify and address my feelings and emotional issues honestly. ”

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“ Kristen is very helpful. I look forward to our second session. ”

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“ I was comfortable and be myself. ”

Unsolicited client feedback after first appointment
“ Just our first visit but my granddaughter, who didn't want to go, didn't have one complaint after her session. I'm impressed already. Thank you! ”

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“ Karin is excellent. We are so relieved and encouraged to have her help our family. ”

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“ I have never done therapy before and am so happy I decided to give it a try! I feel like I got lucky being placed with Kelly because she makes me feel so heard and validated. It has been a great experience so far! ”

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“ I just wanted to thank you. We (as a couple) are really doing great having a united front with the kids. We're both really trying to improve our relationships. Thank you so much, as we could not have gotten here without you! ”

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“ Loved my experience! First time seeing a therapist and it went very well. She was so nice and made me feel comfortable opening up about what has been going on. ”

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“ You and _____ have worked on some hard stuff over the years. I just wanted to say thank you and that _____ seems to have made some significant progress. She is an amazing young woman who has so much to share with others. Her road ahead will incur some bumps along the way, like everyone's road. However, she is in a much better place to be able to face those challenges and overcome them. Thanks again and keep up the great work, not just with my daughter, but for the countless others you walk alongside as they discover and live into wholeness and healing. ”

Current Client's Father
“ This practice has been a godsend for me. Highly recommend for anyone... let's face it, we ALL need a little mental health guidance. This team is the one. The practice is very welcoming and inclusive to all. The environment is calming, the decor is on point. I love having a pillow to hug when I'm in a vulnerable state. Staci was phenomenal, I miss her tons. Now I am seeing Sara and am very pleased with her insight and skill. ”

Client Google Review
“ Hands down the chillest therapists and most charming office space in Wilmington. I feel so welcome in Clarity and each time I leave, it's like I'm walking on air. Highly highly highly recommend. ”

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“ Wonderful experience. My first time doing anything like this. My therapist helped me establish a course forward and I will likely be making a follow up appointment. She is a really good listener. ”

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Can Depression Be Treated?

Yes! At Clarity Counseling Center in Wilmington, we specialize in affordable relationship counseling and helping individuals with depression find happiness and joy. Even in the most severe cases, depression is highly treatable. The condition is often cyclical, and early treatment may prevent or forestall recurrent episodes. Many studies show that the most effective treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which addresses problematic thought patterns. In addition, evidence is quickly accumulating that regular mindfulness meditation, on its own or combined with cognitive therapy, can stop depression before it starts by effectively disengaging attention from the repetitive negative thoughts that often set in motion the downward spiral of mood. If you’d like to learn more about our counseling services or want to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

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Tips for Dealing With Depression

Remember, even the most severe depression is treatable! Consulting with your doctor or scheduling therapy for depression is a great place to start. Here are a couple of other depression treatment tips that may help.

Learn as much as you can about your depression

It’s important to determine whether your depressive symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition, which will need to be treated differently than clinical depression alone. You’ll also need to learn the severity of your depression, as those with more severe depression will need more intensive treatment. If you’re up for it, you can also learn about depression more broadly. If you choose to see one of our therapists, they’d be more than happy to recommend books or point you towards resources!

It takes time

When it comes to treating depression, it may take some time (and trial and error) to find the treatment option that works best for you. It might take a couple of tries to get matched with a therapist you really click with, or, if you are taking medication, you may need to try a couple different types of antidepressants.

All depression treatments take time, and when you’re feeling depressed, it might feel overwhelming or frustrating. It’s totally normal to feel that way, and recovery will have its ups and downs.Try to be open to change and keep going — eventually the treatment will work!

Don’t rely solely on medication

While medications help a lot of people and can relieve the symptoms of depression, remember that it works best when you incorporate therapy and lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet.

Get support from others

Cultivating social connections goes a long way in helping lift depression — and can keep you from getting depressed again. It can be difficult to talk about mental health, but asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness and it doesn’t mean that you’re a burden to others. Talk to trusted family members and friends, or seek out new connections through a support group or group therapy. Often, just sharing how you’re feeling with someone can be a big help.

Lifestyle Changes To Help Lift Depression

Even if you’re seeking help for your depression through therapy, medication, or a combination of the two, making lifestyle changes can help lift depression faster — and keep you on a healthy path after you’ve stabilized your depression. Here are a few suggestions that you can try incorporating into your life.

Exercise

Did you know that regular exercise can be as effective at treating depression as medication? Exercise boosts serotonin, endorphins, and other brain chemicals that make you feel good. You don’t have to run a marathon or start crossfit to get the benefits of exercise, and even a half hour walk can make a big difference when it comes to boosting your mood! If possible, try to fit in at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day into your schedule.

Nutrition

Eating well is important for your mental, and physical, health. While a symptom of depression is excessive hunger or loss of appetite, try to eat small, well-balanced meals throughout the day to help balance your mood. When you’re feeling depressed, you might be drawn to sugary food, but while they can give you a quick mood boost, you’ll also end up with a sugar crash.

Sleep

Sleep has a big effect on your mood! When you don’t get enough sleep, or too much sleep, your depression symptoms can get worse. Do your best to try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Meditation/Mindfulness

Many of the therapists here at Clarity Counseling Center specialize in mindfulness, and learning mindfulness techniques can help you manage and reduce stress, which exacerbate mental health problems. If you’d like to learn more or connect with a therapist who specializes in mindfulness, contact our counseling center today.

Clarity Counseling Center - Wilmington Therapists

If you’re ready to start moving forward on the path to healing, our Wilmington counseling center is here to help you deal with depression. We provide counseling services both in person and via online therapy, and we’d love to talk with you about your options. All of our counseling services are delivered in a participatory and collaborative manner, and our number one goal is to help you help yourself! Whether you seek individual or couple's support, in person or online, our team includes some of the best relationship therapists in Wilmington, devoted to uplifting every person who chooses to work with us.

Don’t wait any longer—contact us today to get started on your journey to healing and a brighter future!