Our Services / Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that affects your mood. When left untreated, it’s associated with ongoing or extreme sadness and sometimes thoughts of suicide. Depression is a serious condition that may require intervention to reduce worrisome complications. 

See Alvis at the first sign of depression to restore your quality of life, work or school performance, and relationships. 

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression include:

• Extreme or long-lasting sadness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Anxiety
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Social isolation 
• Substance misuse
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Mood swings

Untreated depression can negatively affect your productivity, motivation, family relationships, and friendships.

What are the risk factors for depression?

While the exact cause of depression isn’t always known, risk factors include:

• Loss of a loved one
• Divorce or breakup
• Job loss
• Relationship challenges
• Abuse
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of a strong social support system
• Chronic illnesses
• Carrying excess body weight
• Family history of depression
• Substance misuse
• Codependency 
• Difficult life transitions

While everyone experiences sadness occasionally, see Alvis if continuous, ongoing, or extreme sad feelings negatively affect your life.

How is depression diagnosed?

Alvis completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine if you have depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, or other mental health challenges linked to depression. He asks questions about your thoughts, emotions, mood, behavior patterns, and lifestyle habits before tailoring your counseling sessions.

How is depression treated?

You might meet with Alvis once a week or as needed to help you overcome depression. He uses the interpersonal process approach, wellness components, attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family and systems theory, and other strategies to improve your mood and well-being. 

He teaches you effective ways to overcome negative thoughts, eliminate stressors, and find the peace and happiness you deserve. 

In addition to individualized counseling sessions, Alvis offers couples therapy, family counseling, and group counseling sessions based on your personalized needs. He follows up with you in person or virtually via video counseling to make sure you’re doing well. Medications may also help you overcome bothersome emotions caused by depression.

To participate in counseling for depression, call Alvis Duncan, LMHC, or schedule an appointment online today.