Individual Counseling is Recognizing the Signs: How You Can Help During National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month

Depression is something that affects many people, and individual counseling is a great tool to help. During October, National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month – this is the time to raise awareness of depression and allow people to seek help through individual therapy at Take Charge Inc. If you struggle with depression, reach out for help utilizing individual therapy. 

This month of observance works to bring recognition to the need for depression awareness and the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings. Not everyone experiences depression in the same way. However, it can still affect anyone at any time. This is why it is important to take the next step and seek out professional help and get screened if you or someone you care about feels depressed. Recognizing the signs of depression is crucial for early intervention and treatment. Depression affects people differently, but there are several common emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms to be aware of. Some of these symptoms include: 

• Emotional Symptoms:
  • Persistent Sadness
  • Loss of Interest
  • Irritability or Frustration
  • Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
• Cognitive Symptoms:
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Negative Thought Patterns
  • Thoughts of Death or Suicide
• Physical Symptoms:
  • Fatigue or Low Energy
  • Sleep Problems
  • Changes in Appetite or Weight
  • Physical Aches and Pains
• Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Withdrawal from Social Activities
  • Reduced Productivity
  • Neglecting Self-Care
  • Substance Abuse
• Changes in Mood:
  • Mood Swings
  • Emotional Numbness

If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these symptoms most days for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek professional help. Depression is a treatable condition, and early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Immediate help should be sought if there are thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Individual counseling is a great resource for anyone who is experiencing depression or any other mental health issues. 

There are many ways you can help during National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month for not only yourself but your loved ones, too. Start by educating yourself about depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Understand the symptoms, causes, treatments, and how they affect people’s lives. From there, have open and honest conversations about mental health. Normalize discussing mental health issues to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. Regularly checking in with friends and family members to see how they are feeling is also a huge step. Let them know you are there to listen and support them. By engaging in these actions and more, you can help make a significant impact on mental health awareness, provide support to those in need, and contribute to a more understanding and supportive society. 

If you or a loved one is suffering, please don’t wait. Even though America is the most prosperous society, we face an epidemic of depression and anxiety based on suppressing our emotional needs. If someone you know needs help, direct them to call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact Take Charge Inc. for individual therapy. For more information about depression treatment or individual therapy with Terri, contact us today at (913) 239-8255. We service the areas of Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, and Johnson County, Kansas.