Depression Therapy in Fayetteville, NC and Online in NC and CO

Depression can leave you feeling empty, drained, and hopeless. 

A person living with depression may find some of the simplest activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, and getting dressed, practically impossible. Have you been experiencing a lack of interest in the things you use to love? Maybe you find yourself experiencing fatigue, and no matter how much you sleep- it is still not enough. You may find yourself over-eating or perhaps even not having an appetite. It seems that no matter what you do, you do not feel fulfilled. 

Depression is common. Depression can occur at any point in your life. Typically, depression first appears in the late teens to mid-20s. Women are more likely to report experiencing depressive symptoms.  However, depression is just as common in men, but men are least likely to report having depression, which leads to higher completed suicide rates. 

Common signs and symptoms:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

• Feeling angry or irritable 

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Aches, pains, cramps, and headaches

• Changes in appetite, weight loss, or gain without dieting

• Not enough sleep or sleeping too much

• Increase fatigue or loss of energy

• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, hand-wringing)

• Slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilty

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Some chronic health conditions can mimic symptoms (i.e., vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems) of depression, so when working with a therapist, you collaborate with a medical provider to rule out any medical causes. 

Myths Around Depression:

Myth 1: Depression is all in your head.

Depression is a psychological, biological, and social disorder. It can be chronic and challenging to manage. Telling someone to stop being depressed is like telling a person with diabetes to stop being diabetic. 

Myth 2: Depression is being “sad.”

At one point, we all experience sadness. It may last a couple of hours, days, or maybe a week. Many of us experience sadness when we experience hurt. This could be due to a breakup, getting fired, or getting into an argument with a loved one. However, over time those “sad” feelings go away. Depression is not the same. 

Myth 3: Depression is a sign of weakness.

You are not lazy. Depression does not discriminate. You do not wake up and decide that you are depressed. There are biological and psychological processes that have impacted your functioning.  

Depression and medication. It’s your choice. We can explore it if you are interested in it.

 It is not uncommon for individuals who live with chronic depression to consider medication at some point. From previous studies, we know a medication combined with therapy can significantly help an individual alleviate their symptoms of depression. As a therapist, I am not licensed to prescribe medication. However, I am willing to support your decision if you chose to consider medication. My role as a Fayetteville, NC therapist is to support you and provide psychoeducation but, only you know yourself best. 

The Virtual Couch’s approach to Therapy for Depression in Fayetteville, NC and Colorado:

At the Virtual Couch, I help teens, young adults, and adults explore how your thoughts impact your feelings, how your emotions affect your behavior, and it influences may contribute to your depressive concerns. I do not take a one size fits all approach to counseling, so our sessions may look different with everyone. During our time, I may implement mindfulness techniques, somatic-based therapeutic strategies, and inner child work to explore the root of your depression. I take a highly collaborative approach, using Feedback Informed Treatment to align with your values and hit all of your therapy goals. But, if you are curious when working with individuals dealing with depression, I may implement Brainspotting, acceptance and commitment approaches, mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, expressive arts, and parts work. You will be able to begin to recognize and learn the signs of depression while developing valuable skills to alleviate some of your concerns! It’s a gentle and supportive approach to depression therapy from a Fayetteville, NC Therapist.

Let’s Begin Therapy and Counseling for Depression in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Colorado

Depression can leave you feeling like you are alone. If you’re struggling to feel connected, and you feel that you cannot break out of your pattern, therapy may be able to help you. Teens, young adults, and adults who receive counseling can learn different ways to help manage their depression and regain pleasure in their day-to-day life. My Fayetteville, NC counseling practice, offers collaborative, evidence-based approaches (available from anywhere in North Carolina) for relief and sustainable change. To begin depression treatment in Fayetteville, NC, follow these easy steps:

1. Contact The Virtual Couch

2. Schedule a free consultation with Patricia Duggan, a therapist in Fayetteville, NC.

3. Depression doesn’t have to hold you back in life. You can have the pleasure you deserve. 

   Other Mental Health Service’s The Virtual Couch provides:

Treatment for depression isn’t the only service I provide in my Fayetteville, NC counseling practice. Other focus areas and mental health services at The Virtual Couch include trauma therapy, therapy for anxiety, grief and loss therapy, chronic illness and pain counseling, disability affirming care, and Brainspotting. These services are available via online counseling in North Carolina from Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Cary, Greenville, Wilmington, Charlotte, or Asheville. You can also check out The Virtual Couch’s Blog to learn more information related to chronic illness, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, grief & loss, and other therapy related topics.

Are you still curious?

You can learn more about me and my Fayetteville, NC counseling practice here! This is where you can find out more information about my approach to therapy and my values and beliefs when working together. If you are still curious to learn about online counseling, I encourage you to visit my page about what to expect during a session.