Depression and Anxiety

Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are the most common reason individuals seek psychotherapy. They’re also among the most treatable of all mental health disorders due to the preponderance of research and subsequent treatments developed to effectively ameliorate the symptoms for individuals suffering from these afflictions. Our mental health counselors are equipped with various treatment methods to help clients learn to manage anxiety and depression and combat the negative symptoms often associated with these mood disorders. 

Symptoms of Major Depression

The most common of these is Major Depression. Individuals suffering from depression do not often recognize the symptoms they are experiencing as stemming from depression. Feelings of grief and sadness are, in many instances, a natural and appropriate response to the events in one’s life. However, if you are experiencing five or more of the following symptoms for most of the day for longer than a two week period, you could be suffering from Major Depression:

• Overwhelming sadness
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Fatigue or low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability
• Thoughts of suicide

Depression is a serious illness that can lead to life-threatening consequences. If left untreated, 60% of those who have suffered one episode of Major Depression will likely experience another more progressive episode. There are also several risk factors associated with depression: being a woman, women are twice as likely to experience depression as men; family history or previous depressive episodes; drug and alcohol abuse; and lack of social support.

Anxiety Disorder Counseling

There are many different types of treatment available to those suffering from depression. The most effective treatments for depression have been shown to be psychotherapy alone or psychotherapy combined with appropriate medication. Our depression counseling staff is highly trained in the most effective clinical treatments for depression. You do not need to needlessly suffer from depression. At Gateway Counseling Center, a anxiety therapist can guide you through a treatment method that is individualized and specific to you and your experiences with depression. We encourage you to seek the help of a mental health counselor for you or your loved one today.

Anxiety Disorder Counseling

Anxiety Disorders affect about 40 million American adults aged 18 years and older. Unlike the relatively mild, brief anxiety caused by a stressful event (such as speaking in public or a first date), anxiety disorders last at least 6 months and can get worse if they are not treated. Anxiety disorders commonly occur along with other mental or physical illnesses, including alcohol or substance abuse, which may mask anxiety symptoms or make them worse. (NIMH)

The major types of anxiety disorders are:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Social Anxiety
• Specific Phobias

Fortunately, there are probably more effective treatments available for anxiety disorders than for any other mental health-related issue including counseling for depression. You do not have to live a life of constant fear and worry. You don’t have to be confined to your home and left to deal with your anxiety alone. Individuals with anxiety disorders can lead productive and fulfilling lives. As an individual who lived with anxiety disorders for over three decades before seeking treatment, and as a therapist who knows how to treat these disorders, I can attest to the ability of any individual to be able to successfully overcome this needless suffering. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, contact Gateway Counseling Center today. We can schedule you an appointment with a anxiety therapist who has experience in the treatment of anxiety and anxiety disorder symptoms.

If you or a loved one are suffering from depression or anxiety contact our Boynton Beach counseling center 561-468-6464.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety and Depression

Dealing with symptoms of anxiety or depression can be difficult and confusing. If you have questions and concerns about anxiety, depression, treatment, medication, counseling, or symptoms, you’re not alone. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding anxiety and depression. If you have any further concerns or questions, contact our counseling center to speak with a mental health professional.

How do you know if you need counseling for depression? 

We understand that it can be difficult to decide when to get help and choose to go to counseling for depression. Many people may believe that symptoms of depression will simply go away on their own. In addition, our society and culture will sometimes diminish signs of depression as thoughts and feelings that can be easy to overcome. This is not the case with major depression. Major depression can prevent you from living your life, excelling in your career, maintaining relationships, or enjoying life’s celebrations or events. Major depression is much different than experiencing brief feelings of sadness, heartbreak, or grief due to a distressing event. You’ll know that it’s time to contact a mental health counselor and seek treatment for depression if you’ve experienced the symptoms of depression for more than two weeks. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the symptoms of depression and you’re ready to seek the help of a therapist, contact Gateway Counseling Center today to learn more. Our trained mental health counselors will choose the right treatment method, provide you with the tools you need to combat symptoms of depression, and discuss the option of medication if necessary. 

What are the depression symptoms?

For those contemplating the option of counseling, treatment, and therapy, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of depression. Remember that if you’ve been experiencing some of the symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, it’s highly recommended to seek the help of a therapist as soon as possible. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists the following as common symptoms of depression: 

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

The severity and frequency of symptoms of depression will be different for every individual. You don’t need to exhibit signs of every symptom on this list to be diagnosed with depression. Some will only be faced with a handful of these symptoms, while others will face many depressive symptoms. If you’re still unsure if you’re ready for counseling or if you’re suffering from depression or some other mood disorder, at Gateway Counseling Center, a therapist can discuss your symptoms of depression and help you decide if treatment is right for you. Contact our office today to learn more about common signs and symptoms of depression. 

How does counseling help with depression?

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients who choose treatment will gain some relief from their symptoms. These statistics are promising for anyone dealing with symptoms of depression. Counseling can help with depression in various ways. Talking with a therapist about your depression can help to reframe negative thoughts or feelings that can be crippling to your daily life. This is often referred to as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is to focus on the present and examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that need to be changed in order to fight depression and lead a more positive, fulfilling, and enjoyable life. This type of therapy is just one of the many methods of treatment that your therapist might use to help you manage depression. Your therapist might also suggest antidepressant medication if necessary. Seeing a mental health counselor for depression can give you the tools you need to combat symptoms, reframe your thoughts to see life in a more positive light, and help you adjust negative behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use, to fight off depression. If you’re ready to begin treatment, contact our counseling center today. Boynton Beach Gateway Counseling Center has mental health counselors that are highly trained in various major depression treatments. Call us today to schedule an appointment.  

What if you leave your depression untreated? 

If left untreated, 60% of those who have suffered one episode of major depression will likely experience another more progressive episode. Leaving major depression untreated can be detrimental to your daily life or life’s goals. Unfortunately, many people do leave depression untreated, despite the high rates of success with therapy and treatment. Leaving depression untreated can affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. People who don’t treat their depression are less likely to eat healthily, see a doctor when they’re feeling ill, or exercise regularly. Not maintaining our physical health can emphasize symptoms of depression, such as excessive fatigue or changes in weight. Consistent thoughts and feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or pessimism can be a heavy burden for those suffering from depression who do not seek treatment. When left untreated, depression can prevent us from taking pleasure in the things we used to enjoy, connecting with loved ones, or even completing simple daily tasks. Leaving depression untreated can also result in thoughts of suicide. It’s imperative to contact your local crisis center and get help as soon as possible if you’ve been experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm. At Gateway Counseling Center, we’ve dealt with many individuals who have delayed treatment of depression for various reasons, only to realize that psychotherapy and treatment can successfully impact their lives. Our mental health counselors can help you understand why treatment is the right path to combatting depression. Contact our counseling center today to learn more. 

How do you know if you need counseling for anxiety?

Everyone experiences stress and feelings of anxiety in one way or another. Stress is natural in our fast-paced, busy world. But there is a difference between natural short-term stress and anxiety, and an anxiety disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that people with anxiety disorders display excessive anxiety or worry, on most days for at least 6 months. There are a number of different things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances, that can trigger anxiety symptoms or panic attacks. This fear and anxiety can cause severe problems in many areas of life such as work, school, and relationships. 

Those with an anxiety disorder will often feel too overwhelmed to complete daily tasks, anxious when having to leave the house, disproportionately angry or upset when faced with simple challenges, and will choose to withdraw from social interactions. If you’ve experienced the signs and symptoms of anxiety for an extended period of time, it’s important to seek help from a licensed therapist. You don’t have to deal with your anxiety alone. Our mental health counselors can help develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Contact Boynton Beach Gateway Counseling Center today to learn more about our treatment for anxiety disorders. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

It’s important to remember that the symptoms of anxiety will vary depending on the specific type of anxiety disorder. Below you’ll find a list of the symptoms defined by the National Institute of Mental Health for the following anxiety disorders: 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms include: 

• Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
• Being easily fatigued
• Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank
• Being irritable
• Having muscle tension
• Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
• Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep

Panic Disorder symptoms include: 

• Heart palpitations, a pounding heartbeat, or an accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Sensations of shortness of breath, smothering or choking
• Feelings of impending doom
• Feelings of being out of control 

Phobia-related disorders, such as a fear of heights or leaving the home, include symptoms such as: 

• May have an irrational or excessive worry about encountering the feared object or situation
• Take active steps to avoid the feared object or situation
• Experience immediate intense anxiety upon encountering the feared object or situation
• Endure unavoidable objects and situations with intense anxiety

If you’ve been experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above for an extended period of time, it’s highly recommended to see a therapist. A therapist can help identify the specific case of anxiety that you’re experiencing and find the right treatment and/or medication that can help ease symptoms of anxiety. 

Is anxiety common? 

Yes, anxiety disorders are incredibly common. Anxiety disorders are actually one of the most common mental health disorders. Anxiety disorders affect about 30% of adults. The good news is, anxiety disorders are treatable and people who choose to seek treatment often go on to lead successful and fulfilling lives. If you’d like to learn more about anxiety disorder statistics or the symptoms of anxiety that you’ve been experiencing, contact our counseling center today to speak with a mental health professional.

How does counseling help with anxiety? 

In most cases, our anxiety stems from something. It could be a specific event, a persistent negative thought or emotion, or a fear of something that’s caused you pain in the past. Going to see a therapist for anxiety disorder treatment can help in many ways. First and foremost, it can help you learn more about yourself and the sources of your anxiety. Therapy can help you identify the reasons why you feel fearful or worrisome the majority of the time. Counseling can give you the tools to reframe anxious thoughts and approach challenges with less fear. Mental health treatment can help you develop problem-solving skills to manage your anxiety in more successful ways. Those who seek treatment for anxiety disorders can learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions to enjoy life, feel more secure, and achieve a sense of tranquility. If you’re ready to feel more calm, confident, and positive, contact Gateway Counseling Center in Boynton Beach. Our trained mental health counselors can help you identify the source of your anxiety and combat anxiety disorder symptoms. 

What if you leave anxiety untreated? 

The most important thing to remember is that anxiety will not go away when left untreated. In most cases, anxiety will worsen and become more severe. This can negatively impact a person’s life in many ways. Prolonged anxiety and stress can be terrible on the body. You may start to feel extreme fatigue, muscle aches and pains, migraines, and experience other physical issues such as high blood pressure. You may not feel secure leaving your home, attending work or school, or attending social events. When anxiety is left untreated, social isolation is a common side effect. Losing relationships, friendships, or other support systems can be detrimental to those who suffer from anxiety disorders. If you’re ready to treat your anxiety and speak with a therapist, contact our counseling center today. >

How do I find the right therapist for anxiety or depression? 

Thankfully, since anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders, there are many effective, scientifically-backed treatments that can help. This means that most therapists are well-versed in anxiety and depression therapy methods and treatment. It won’t be difficult to find a mental health professional that has a background in treating anxiety and depression. However, it’s important to speak with a therapist that makes you feel safe, comfortable, and open to discuss personal thoughts and feelings. The most important thing is that you’ve decided to seek help. To learn more about who our counselors are and how they can help treat depression and anxiety, contact the Gateway Counseling Center in Boynton Beach today.

If you or a loved one are suffering from clinical depression, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, severe depression, chronic depression or in a depressed mood or having feelings of depression or anxiety contact the depression counselor at our Boynton Beach counseling center at 561-468-6464 to start your depression treatment with the a top depression therapist.