Depression is a serious medical condition that affects the person experiencing it and their loved ones. If you are struggling with depression, it is important to know that you are not alone. Nearly 20 million adults in the US are going through or have experienced a period of depression. At Suffolk Counseling Services, many of our licensed therapists specialize in helping individuals with depression, taking a compassionate, non-judgmental approach when working with each of their clients.

What Is Depression?

Depression can be a very difficult to comprehend, and this is especially true for those who have not experienced it themselves. Depression goes beyond sadness and worrying, both of which can be healthy emotions in many scenarios. Depression does not always correlate with a specific life occurrence, and its affects can be somewhat moderate to severely debilitating.

Some Common Symptoms of Depression:

  • Feeling down most days for a prolonged period of time
  • Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Significant change in weight and/or appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of guilt and self-remorse
  • Hopelessness
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Persistent feeling of sadness

**Symptoms may be accompanied by thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation – if this is the case, please go to your nearest emergency room or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255

Why Am I Depressed?

If you are experiencing depression, it is important to understand that it is not your fault and you do not deserve to feel this way. And fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and our therapists are here to help navigate you through to achieving emotional wellness.

There are many factors that can contribute to depression including:

  • Chronic stress
  • History of trauma
  • Underlying physical health issues
  • Genetics
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What Is a Therapist/Counselor?

A qualified therapist is someone who has earned a masters degree in a mental health field and is licensed to practice as a therapist by the state they are practicing in. NYS licensed therapists can effectively diagnosis and treat most types of mental health disorders, however they do not write prescriptions; if necessary, your therapist can recommend a trusted psychiatrist.

How Can a Therapist Help Me? What Am I Supposed to Talk About?

Our team of licensed therapists all believe in and help promote the individual’s ability to heal. Your therapist will never judge you, and will always provide a safe, accepting environment, approaching your individual situation with empathy, compassion, and professionalism. You do not need to worry about what to discuss as your therapist will begin by thoughtfully guiding your sessions with questions that build genuine trust while attaining a better grasp on what it is you are experiencing. During each successive session you will find it easier to bring up topics, concerns, victories, and struggles that help you and your therapist work together to achieve the positive results being sought after.

Your therapist will work with you directly and help you with the following:

  • Education about what you are going through in order to understand what is happening with your emotional health, and how your physical health may be actually be impacting it
  • Techniques, skills, and coping mechanisms that help you effectively manage your stresses and anxieties
  • Assistance with processing and understanding difficult life experiences which may impact how you are feeling
  • Comprehending the role your environment plays in your emotional wellness
  • Evaluating the need to collaborate with other trusted care providers (nutritionists, MDs etc.)
  • And much more…

Your therapist will use a variety of researched and proven therapeutic methods in their work with you including but not limited to:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Practicing mindfulness
  • Positive psychology
  • Person-in-environment and family systems models