Everyone experiences periods of sadness at some point in their lives, may it be the loss of a loved one, heartbreak, or financial worries. Often, we are able to work through the range of sadness with time and the proper support.

But for some, those feelings of hopelessness may not be triggered by any particular event, and may linger longer or more severely. Those with depression may feel there is no way out of this feeling, leading to isolation, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty functioning in day to day life.

If you find yourself struggling with symptoms of depression, a great first step in the healing process is garnering the support of a therapist who specializes in depression.

Here at Handel Behavioral Health, we have dozens of compassionate therapists with experience in depression that can help you start your healing journey.

Our therapists have available appointments for both in-person therapy in our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Natick, or through telehealth.

When is it time to seek therapy for depression?

When feelings of sadness or grief turn into persistent feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, isolation, and sadness and are starting to negatively affect your work or education, relationships, or everyday life, it may be time to find a therapist.

Some common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or extreme sadness
• Persistent negative thoughts, such as guilt or shame
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
• Isolation from friends and family
• Mood swings, irritability, anger, frustration
• Inability to focus or function at work or school
• Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
• Inability to sleep (insomnia)
• Fatigue or low energy
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts or ideation

No two people will experience the same symptoms, and may vary for children, teens, women, men, and seniors.

When you start working with one of our experienced therapists at Handel Behavioral Health, you will find a wide-range of treatment options and coping tools to support your unique needs and goals.

Types of Depression Disorders to Seek Treatment For:

There are several types of depression that can have differing symptoms and appear in varying stages of life. 

Major Depressive Disorder, also known as clinical depression, is when you’ve had at least one major depressive episode, which is defined by five or more symptoms for at-least a two week period. With major depressive disorder, you typically feel sad, hopeless, or irritable most of the time. You might also lose interest in activities you usually enjoy. 

Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) is a continuous, long-term, and chronic state of low-level depression. The depressed state of persistent depressive disorder is not as extreme as major depressive disorder, but it can be just as debilitating. 

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) presents in the week before one’s period, and can have similar symptoms to MDD. PMDD is more than “just PMS”; the symptoms are more severe and cause significant distress in one’s personal and work life.

Postpartum Depression is characterized by strong feelings of sadness, indifference, exhaustion, and anxiety after giving birth. It affects 1 in 8 new parents in the year following childbirth, and can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or economic background. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that follows the pattern of the seasons. Most experience SAD in the fall-winter seasons but for some it can occur in spring-summer. People with SAD may start feeling depressed most of the day, lose interest in socializing or activities they used to enjoy and experience changes in weight, energy levels, and sleep schedule.

Depression accompanied by manic episodes may be a sign of other mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, or Postpartum Psychosis.

When left untreated, depression can

• Worsen the outcome of other major medical conditions
• Increase the chance of developing substance abuse and/or addiction
• Increase the likelihood of developing other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorder
• Hurt relationships with loved ones
• Cause problems at work or school
• Increase the risk of self harm and suicide

If you or your loved one is struggling with depression, it’s imperative that you find the right treatment and care. 

Find a Therapist for Depression in Massachusetts Today:

At Handel Behavioral Health, our therapists and psychiatrists offer a comprehensive curriculum of care that is highly individualized to meet your mental health needs and goals in life. You will learn the deeper causes of your depression, as well as healthy coping mechanisms to help you gain awareness of your triggers and actively overcome your depression in a sustainable way.

Our dedicated client care team will assist you with scheduling an appointment with one of our therapists as quickly as possible. 

All you have to do is contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online!

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