When you are feeling low for an extended period of time and you just can't seem to shake the funk that you are in, you may feel as though there is nothing that could possibly help you with the problem. Many people just give in to their depression and ride the wave of their mood, letting it take over their entire life. However, there is another way. You can take steps to fight against your depression. One such step is seeking out individual counseling services. Familiarize yourself with some of the reasons you should see a counselor for your depression. Then, you can be sure to schedule your first appointment as soon as possible.
You Have a Safe Space to Express Your Feelings
One of the many reasons to go seek out individual counseling services for your depression is that you will have a safe space to express your feelings. Oftentimes, people with depression feel alone and isolated and don't feel as though they can safely express what it is they are feeling.
In counseling, you will have that space. Your counselor is there to listen to you and help you. They are not there to judge or condemn you or your feelings. They will not invalidate your feelings or tell you that you are wrong for feeling that way.
You Will Have an Unbiased Listener
Another benefit of going to see a counselor for your depression is that you will have an unbiased listener to help you out. If you have tried to talk to friends or family about your issues, they may have a bias. That bias could be about you, about depression in general, or anything else you may have said. This can make it difficult to talk to them as it can feel as if they just do not understand or get what you mean when you talk to them.
Your friends and family might, instead of listening and understanding, try to give you unsolicited advice that may not be right for you. They could also exhibit what is known as "toxic positivity" in which they tell you things like you should be grateful for the life you have or that some people have it worse than you. These kinds of statements, while meant to be positive can be quite hurtful.
A counselor will not do any of this. They will be an unbiased listener. The only thing they want from counseling sessions is to help you feel better in ways that will work for you and your needs.
You Can Learn and Work on Coping Skills to Help
When you go to counseling, it is not just to vent your feelings, though that is a part of it. You will also work with your counselor to develop coping skills that can help you better manage your emotions and your depression. Your counselor will help you build up your toolbox of coping skills so that you have many to choose from.
That way, if you ever feel depressed again in the future, you will have a set of coping skills to fall back on that will help you manage and overcome the depressive episode.
Knowing these reasons why you should see a counselor for your depression, it is time to make the call and schedule your first counseling appointment right away.
For further information, reach out to someone that offers individual counseling services near you.
