What Are The Best Depression Treatments In Texas?

Mental illness still has a stigma attached to it, with people often willing to consider various possibilities for their symptoms while overlooking the likely cause, which might be mental illness.   Even with education on topics specific to mental illness and what to look for, it can be difficult to notice the symptoms in yourself or others. Mental illness in yourself is often overlooked or missed due to the symptoms developing slowly over time.  As the symptoms develop, you modify your behaviors to accommodate them and come up with reasons why you might feel off, such as you had a bad day at work, your kids have been more active, or relationship problems.  Mental illness in others is often overlooked because of the slow development of symptoms, which makes it less obvious to an outsider.  Additionally, the person may try to hide their symptoms and is unable/unwilling to talk about them.

The most common symptoms of depression are loss of interest in things you used to enjoy doing, lack of motivation, sleeping too little or too much, eating too little or too much, low patience, irritability, poor concentration, low self-esteem, and thoughts of self-harm. As you can see, this is a variety of symptoms that can be caused by various factors.  On their own they may not suggest a depression; however, as more of the symptoms occur, one should start to consider the possibility of a depressed mood.  The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 2 weeks to be considered a Major Depressive Disorder, but can last for several years.  There are various types of depression, which you can discuss further with your therapist, however, they all have the same possible symptoms to be aware of and address with your therapist or other provider.

Depression is common, but it is also treatable.  The best depression treatment in Texas consists of a treatment plan that is developed between you and your therapist, with your specific symptoms and expectations addressed. One common form of treatment for depression is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT.  CBT is based on research which demonstrates how we think (cognitions) impacts how we feel and then behave.  For example, if you think (cognition) that no one likes you and wants to spend time with you, you will become depressed (mood), and will isolate (behavior).  The more you isolate the more you confirm your belief that no one likes you because you are not around people to change that thought, and people stop asking you to hang out because you always decline.  As a result, your depression becomes stronger and you are stuck in a downward spiral of worsening mood.  CBT is an effective form of treatment because it helps you recognize the thoughts that have become unhelpful and assists you in becoming more active to tackle the unhelpful thoughts and moods.

Dr. Mayfield is the author of this article. At Mindset Therapy, licensed Psychologists are available to provide the best depression treatments in Texas via telepsychology. To learn more, please visit Mindset Therapy PLLC.