Depression Is Taking Over My Life: Should I Start with Talk Therapy? 

Depression affects people of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, and genders. Whether you’re wealthy or poverty-stricken, highly educated or not, whatever job you have, or if you’re unemployed, you can be affected by depression. 

The Hudson River Care and Counseling providers offer depression treatment to patients of all stripes without judgment and help you live a mentally and physically healthy life. We offer a variety of treatments and work with you to find the right therapy at the right frequency for you. In this post, we discuss talk therapy and how it can be used to treat depression effectively. 

Treatment options for depression

Numerous treatments are available to help you overcome depression, including medications and psychotherapies of different types and formats. Talk therapy is a type of psychotherapy, and it’s often a good starting point for those who are in the earliest stages of seeking treatment. 

Types of talk therapy

The type of talk therapy that’s best suited to your situation depends on your preferences, your goals, and the symptoms of your depression. Here are three common types: 

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

The goal of CBT is to help you recognize particular thought patterns so that you can begin to change them. In studies, CBT works as well as antidepressants in treating depression. Some people find both is the best approach. 

2. Interpersonal or systemic therapy 

This type of talk therapy focuses on your relationships and can help you find new ways to communicate. Your spouse, partner, children, or others may attend sessions with you. 

3. Analytical therapy

With a focus on your past experiences, analytical therapy is designed to help you find the source of your psychological problems and work through them. 

What to expect

If you’ve already been diagnosed with depression, you may be ready to schedule an appointment with a therapist. This can cause anxiety for some people, but knowing a little about what to expect can help. 

At Hudson River Care and Counseling, you can meet with a therapist in person at our Hoboken or Teaneck offices or via virtual appointment. You can expect to talk with your therapist for about an hour once a week, but we can arrange additional meetings if you need them. 

During your first appointment, you can expect questions about your life and situation and to spend some time getting to know your therapist and what they expect. In the following appointments, your therapist will work to help you recognize and overcome depressive thoughts. 

If it appears that you’d benefit from adding medication to your treatment plan, your therapist may refer you to another specialist. You can also expect your therapist to discuss your lifestyle and habits because things like a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep habits, and similar lifestyle factors can contribute to your overall mental health. 

Don’t let depression take over

Sometimes, it can feel as if you’re watching depression take over your whole life. Talk therapy is a great first step in pushing back, developing better mental health, and enjoying your life. Schedule an appointment with one of our counselors today to learn more about talk therapy and how it may work for you.