The one thing that any professional in depression counseling isn’t surprised by is the number of adults who suffer from depression. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 20 people over the age of 12 have experienced symptoms of moderate or severe depression. Fortunately, many of these people have access to depression counseling that allows them to understand the reasons for their depression and that helps them to live with or overcome their symptoms and their disease. Unfortunately, depression can rear its head without warning, even for those who have been through treatment. If you have experienced depression and you’re afraid that you may have to face it again in the future, here are some triggers that you can avoid or find tools to deal with:
▪ Feeling Stressed Or Overwhelmed
Working overtime, a hectic home schedule, a sick relative or other stressors can quickly trigger a bout of depression. With counseling, you can learn to say no to those who apply stress to you or you can learn how to break tasks down into smaller, more manageable jobs that don’t feel quite so stressful.
▪ Developing Other Health Problems
Secondary, usually physical, health problems can bring a return of depression. Serious illnesses, like cancer, diabetes or heart disease, are especially hard to deal with for someone who has had problems with depression in the past. Counseling can help you to come to terms with the treatment for your new illness and to deal with any new symptoms of depression.
▪ Losing Your Job
Losing your job can create serious financial issues that will almost certainly trigger new depression. With help, you’ll learn that the best way to cope with a job loss is to allow yourself time to recover and then to take control by taking positive steps to finding a new job.
▪ Having Financial Problems
Finding yourself in a precarious financial situation, for whatever reason, can bring on feelings of depression and helplessness. Again, the most important thing you can do is to try to regain some control over your own situation so that you don’t feel helpless. Create a budget, open a savings account, find activities to participate in that don’t add to your money woes.
▪ Experiencing Serious Life Changes
Depression can be brought on by instability, especially the kind that can occur after a serious life change. Transitions like a child leaving for college or a loved one dying can be difficult to cope with, which is why it’s important that you find support among friends and family. You should also reach out to a professional counselor to help you through difficult times.
▪ Developing An Alcohol Or Drug Problem
Substance abuse and depression often go hand-in-hand. If you find yourself developing an alcohol or drug problem, seek help quickly to avoid the onset of symptoms of depression.
To learn more about avoid or dealing with these and other depression triggers, consider depression counseling. Call Insight Child & Family Counseling at (972) 426-9500 or visit www.j9n.83e.myftpupload.com to schedule an appointment.