Depression Therapists in Louisville, KY

Are you feeling depressed and might need depression therapy?

• Do you find it difficult to get up every morning?
• Have you contemplated suicide or hurting yourself?
• Do you feel like life is not worth living anymore?
• Are you depressed more than 50 percent of the time?
• Have your sleep patterns been disturbed as a result of feeling down?
• Do you find that you have less energy than in the past?
• Are you having trouble going out?
• Have others mentioned you need a depression therapist? 
• Has there been a sudden change in your relationships?
• Do you find less pleasure in doing things that you used to enjoy?
• Have your eating habits changed? Do you eat more or less than usual?
• Are you feeling hopeless?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then a depression therapist in Louisville, KY can help. Read below to find out how we can help you with depression treatment.

What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is very different from normal feelings of sadness that everyone experiences from time to time. Normal sadness is expected when human beings suffer through the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a major life change such as divorce or job loss.

However, if feelings of sadness are persistent, intense, and last for long periods of time, individuals may be struggling with a mood disorder known as MDD. This medical condition not only affects mood and behavior but also things like sleep and appetite. According to the World Health Organization, 280 million people worldwide suffer from MDD.

While there isn’t necessarily a single cause of MDD, many factors can increase an individual’s risk of becoming clinically depressed. Some people are genetically predisposed to MDD and have more difficulty handling stress, both of which can change the chemistry in the brain. This may lead to a reduced ability to stabilize moods.

Hormonal imbalance, certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or cancer, specific types of medications, drug or alcohol use, and childhood abuse can also contribute to the development of clinical depression in individuals. A Louisville depression therapist can help you figure out the cause of your low mood.  

Typical symptoms of MDD include:

• A significant change in functioning compared with past behavior
• Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in normal life activities
• Five or more of the following symptoms must persist for at least a two-week period:
  • Feeling sad or irritable nearly every day for most of the time.
  • Being less interested in previously enjoyable activities.
  • Losing or gaining weight suddenly or an appetite change.
  • Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping excessively.
  • Feeling restless.
  • Being very tired and lacking energy.
  • Experiencing feelings of being worthless or guilty after minor things.
  • Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions.
  • Contemplating harming yourself or suicide.
• Symptoms that teenagers often experience include:
  • Starting or increasing alcohol abuse or smoking.
  • Decreasing academic performance.
  • Difficulties with friends and classmates.
  • Increasing social isolation or withdrawal from activities.

What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression. Although it is not as serious as MDD, its long-term nature can make normal life activities difficult. Individuals suffering from persistent depressive disorder may be seen as a downer or compared with the Pooh character, Eeyore. You may be invited to the Kentucky Derby, shopping in Springhurst, or a Lousiville festival, but you’d rather stay home and lay on the couch.  That might be persistent depressive disorder.  

Individuals may feel hopeless, be unproductive, and experience low self-esteem for years, which can significantly interfere with relationships, school, work, and other daily activities. They may find it difficult to be happy during normally joyous occasions. The current mood of a person with dysthymia may be mild, moderate or severe and vary day-to-day. Symptoms do not go away for longer than two months at a time and can be bookended by MDD, which can lead to double depression.

Like MDD, persistent depressive disorder can result from a combination of biological, brain chemistry, genetic, and life events. Persistent depressive disorder frequently has its roots in childhood or teenage years, and risks increase if individuals:

• Have a first-degree relative with depressive disorders
• Experience traumatic life events
• Carry negative personality traits like low self-esteem, dependency, or pessimism
• Have a history of other mental health disorders

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and How It Can Help

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based depression therapy that modifies thought patterns to change both moods and behavior. Therapists teach patients balanced and constructive ways to handle stressful triggers, which will ideally help them to better cope or recover from depression.

Patients can take the skills they learn and use them as part of their daily life. For example, CBT helps individuals become more aware of negative patterns and learn to change thinking patterns during those moments of depression. CBT often suggests coping tools such as journaling or mindfulness as well.  Our depression counselors in Louisville are trained in CBT and other science-based therapy methods.