We treat depressive disorders at The Well Woman. Depression can be a symptom or disorder. People often casually describe their mood as “depressed” when it may be mild sadness that quickly goes away or just being in a “funk” that also quickly subsides. Many of us experience an occasional bad day when for no apparent reason we feel glum, irritable, or out of sorts. However, diagnosable or clinical depression lasts for more than a day or two and you do not just bounce back from a glum mood. There is often significant impairment in one’s life as a result of a depressed mood relating to sleep, appetite, thoughts, school or employment, and relationships.
Want to schedule or have questions?
We welcome your inquiries and invite you to contact us to discuss the possibilities of setting up a session.
To schedule:
call us at 404-618-1040 ext. 1
Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm.
You may also complete the contact form regarding general questions.
OFFICE:
2295 Parklake Drive
Suite 577
Atlanta, GA 30345
Common depressive disorders we see in our practice include Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia). We also see individuals with depression caused by a medical condition. It is sometimes difficult to describe a depressed mood as individuals may just report not feeling like themselves or just feeling “blah”. Some of the common symptoms or complaints of depression include:
We look at the overall health of a client when treating them. We focus on your physical health through collaboration with your physician to rule out any medical issues including vitamin deficiencies. We promote adopting a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. Commonly used treatment modalities for depression include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We incorporate mindfulness and yoga psychotherapy during treatment as well.
We work to process the underlying cause of the depressed mood and develop coping skills to alleviate the discomfort. Treatment is a process and is certainly not always comfortable. Many thoughts, wounds, and realities are exposed during treatment which can make you feel vulnerable and uneasy.
However, this part of the process will pass, and you are not alone on this journey of healing. We therapists often use the metaphor of a flesh wound to describe the therapeutic process. Imagine a gash on your arm that was not properly treated and did not fully heal. When you go to the doctor, they now need to reopen the wound, properly clean it, stitch the wound, and allow it time to heal. Once fully healed, there may be a slight scar, but no pain and you are able to fully use your arm without restriction. This is comparable to the therapy process. We will explore strong feelings or reopen wounds, and this may be painful.
We will process thoughts and behaviors around these feelings or wounds and begin to clean and stitch the wound by replacing unhealthy patterns of thinking and coping with healthy coping skills. You will begin to feel relief from the painful wound now that it is being properly treated and healing and can return to normal functioning.
Yes. Counseling can be highly effective in treating depression. Therapy provides a safe space to explore feelings, identify negative thought patterns, and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
In counseling, we work with you to identify triggers, change unhelpful thought patterns, and develop coping skills. We use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you manage depressive symptoms effectively.
For some individuals, therapy alone is enough to manage depression. Others may benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. We can help you assess your needs and, if necessary, coordinate with medical professionals for medication management.
Yes. We provide counseling for postpartum depression, helping new mothers navigate emotional changes, adjust to new responsibilities, and regain a sense of balance.
Feeling overwhelmed is a common symptom of depression. Starting with a small step, like scheduling an initial consultation, can be a powerful way to begin your healing journey. We are here to support you at your own pace.
You can call (404) 618-1040 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. You don’t have to go through this alone—help is available.