Struggling with Depression? Find Support In-Person or Online

Life has its fair share of trouble and hardship and toil. Sometimes grit and resiliency and determination get people through. Other times, individuals struggle. They may even suffer to the extent that they receive a diagnosis of clinical depression. What then? What resources exist to help? Many! Resources may even include in-person and online delivery options to increase accessibility.

Depression is a clinical diagnosis. This means that a trained healthcare professional must diagnose it. Professionals can include, but are not limited to primary care providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed counselors, and licensed social workers (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021; Schimelpfening, 2023). To receive a diagnosis of depression, individuals must experience an array of symptoms for a set duration of time. Symptoms include depressed mood, decreased interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, weight loss or gain, sleeplessness, or oversleeping, slowed movements, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, trouble concentrating, and thoughts of death (O’Connor et al, 2009). While these symptoms are distressing, it takes a professional to determine if they are clinically significant to warrant a diagnosis of depression. With a diagnosis of depression can come descriptive categories such as major or minor. The diagnosis is not necessary to seek out services, however. Symptoms of depression, diagnoses or not, are worthy of support.

What types of support exist for depression? Individuals with a clinical diagnosis of depression may seek medication. Only doctors and nurse practitioners (or other providers licensed to prescribe) can prescribe medication (Schimelpfening, 2023). These doctors may see patients in person, or via telehealth to determine appropriateness of medications and dosage. Counselors and social workers can also provide support for depression though therapy. Therapy can help individuals process thoughts and feelings associated with depression and strengthen coping skills (Farnsworth, 2022). Types of therapy for depression include cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and supportive therapy (American Psychological Association, 2019). The type of therapy individuals pursue depends on the provider’s ability and individual preference.

Therapy may be available to individuals struggling with depression in-person or online. Both formats can help (McGee, 2022). In-person therapy offers a safe place to meet with a therapist and share. Online therapy offers the ease of meeting from a location of the individual’s choice. In-person therapy may allow for some hands-on processing (eg sand tray or somatic work), as well as non-verbal communication, while online therapy may focus more on talking and use of online resources (Reach Behavioral Health (2022). Client preference and provider availability will again determine type of services pursued.

Diagnoses of depression can be troublesome, but they do not have to be. Rather, these diagnoses can encourage and enable individuals to get needed help and support. That support may include in-person and/or online counseling and services. Both can help! The important thing is that individuals reach out for the help they offer and receive that help in whatever format fits best.