Therapy for Depression in Massachusetts
HBH Treatment & Therapies

Therapy for Depression in Massachusetts

Start working with a therapist for depression in Massachusetts today

Experiencing sadness is a natural part of life. Perhaps your relationship came to an end, or you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Or maybe you’re feeling stuck after a long-term career came to an end. 

We all go through ups and downs in life, and we all feel sad from time to time. 

For the approximately 21 million (or 1 in 7) adults in the United States who suffer from some form of depression each year, our feelings of worthlessness, isolation, and sadness might not be linked to an external situation and they may affect our ability to function in everyday life. 

Depression is extremely common, though often under-diagnosed or under-treated. 

If you’re struggling with a depressive disorder, finding the right trained therapist or counselor to work with is the first step to your healing. 

At Handel Behavioral Health, our team of skilled, compassionate, and experienced mental health professionals will support you with a plan and multiple strategies to help you overcome depression both during and after treatment. 

We understand that talking to someone about your mental health struggles can feel scary, and our team of compassionate therapists are here to safely support you every step of the way. 

Our therapists are available for appointments both in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, or Natick, or online throughout the state of Massachusetts.  

If you’re searching for therapy for depression in western Massachusetts, therapy for depression in Greater Boston, or therapy for depression anywhere in the state, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or schedule an appointment online!

Do I Need Therapy to Treat Depression?

When is it time to seek therapy and treatment for depression? 

When feelings of sadness or grief, that might not be a direct result of a circumstance, turn into persistent feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, isolation, and sadness.  

Those of us who have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder might feel unable to function in everyday life, to the degree that we’re used to, or that we’d like to. 

Some common symptoms of depression include:

  • Persistent feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or extreme sadness
  • Persistent negative thoughts
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Mood swings, irritability, anger, frustration
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • Inability to focus or function at work or school
  • Oversleeping
  • Insomnia
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Suicidal thoughts

There are many other symptoms of depression, and no two people experience depression in the same exact way. 

When you start working with one of our experienced depression 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 Depressive Disorder to Seek Treatment For:

Many of us are familiar with major depressive disorder, the most commonly diagnosed type of depression, but there are several other types of depression that have particular symptoms. They may also appear at different stages in life. For example, a seasonal depressive disorder typically appears in the winter, while a postnatal depression appears around childbirth. 

Major Depressive Disorder, also known as clinical depression, is when you’ve had at least one major depressive episode (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, formally known as 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. 

Postpartum Depression is characterized by strong feelings of sadness, indifference, exhaustion, and anxiety that women may experience after giving birth. It affects 1 in 8 new mothers in the year after childbirth, and can affect any woman, regardless of age, race, or economic background. 

Bipolar Disorder is when you experience periods of depression and periods of mania, with periods of regular moods in between. Feeling manic is the opposite of feeling depressed, as you might feel great, find it hard to focus on tasks, have lots of energy and not sleep much, and have racing thoughts. Some people with bipolar disorder may also experience psychosis during a time of mania, where they lose touch with reality and may experience hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, typically starts in the late fall and persists throughout the winter and into the early spring. People with SAD may start feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day, and experience changes in weight, energy levels, social withdrawal, sleeping more than usual, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. 

When left untreated, depression can,

  • Worsens the outcome of other major medical conditions
  • Increases the chance of developing drug or alcohol addiction
  • Increases the likelihood of developing other mental health conditions, such as a mood disorder, like anxiety disorder
  • Hurts relationships with loved ones
  • Causes problems at work or school
  • May cause people to take their own life

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

Start Working With a Therapist for Depression in Massachusetts Today:

At Handel Behavioral Health, finding treatment plans for your depression has never been easier. 

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!

About The Author

Nettie Hoagland Headshot

Nettie Hoagland is a writer with experience in local news reporting, nonprofit communications, and community development. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in Media Studies, Journalism, and Digital Arts from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Nettie believes in the healing power of the arts to create connection and community. She is passionate about using writing as an instrument for personal and social growth in the field of mental health. She is currently based in Brooklyn, NY.