Depression is not a lack of desire or character: it is a health problem that affects mood, energy, sleep and the way you think. If the sadness, emptiness or tiredness lasts most of the day, almost every day, for two weeks or more, it is worth consulting with a professional. At Therapy Works we offer depression therapy in spanish with a 100% bilingual team, online or in Dallas–Fort Worth.
Here's what depression looks like in daily life, why it's confused with laziness, and when it's time to ask for help.
Why is depression confused with laziness?
From the outside, depression may seem like you “don't feel like it.” You have a hard time getting up, you leave pending, you cancel plans. But it's not that you don't want to: it's that the body and mind don't respond as before.
Laziness is removed when something interests or motivates you. Depression does not: even if it is something you used to enjoy, you do not find meaning in it. And it almost always comes with guilt for "not being able".
What are the symptoms of depression?
The National Institute of Mental Health describes these common signs:
- Sadness, anxiety or feeling of "emptiness" A cough that won’t go away
- Hopelessness or pessimism: You feel like nothing is going to get better.
- Irritability or frustration, sometimes more than sadness.
- Guilt or feel worthless.
- Loss of interest in activities, hobbies, or people you once enjoyed.
- Tiredness and low energy, even if you've slept.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
- Sleep changes: insomnia, waking up very early or oversleeping.
- Changes in appetite or weight without looking for it.
- Pains without clear cause: head, stomach or body.
According to the NIMH, to talk about depression symptoms must be present most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks. This list doesn't diagnose you; only a professional can.
What does depression look like in real life?
It's not always crying all day. Many people continue to work and comply, but inside they go "automatically". You may recognize yourself in phrases like these:
- "Nothing excites me anymore, not my children or my things."
- “I'm coming home from work and I just want to go to bed.”
- "I'm mean to everyone and I don't know why."
- “I feel like a burden to my family.”
In men, depression is sometimes more noticeable as anger, isolation, or more alcohol than as sadness. We talked about that in Mental Health Challenges in Hispanic Men.
Depression also often comes along with anxiety. If you also worry all the time, read signs that anxiety is no longer just stress.
When to Get Help?
Seek out a professional if:
- Symptoms lead to A. Two weeks or more.
- Are you having a hard time work, study, or care for your family.
- You have away from people and they did nothing about that.
- You're using alcohol or other substances to feel better.
- People close to you tell you that they look different to you.
You don't have to wait to “hit rock bottom.” The sooner you ask for help, the easier it is to regain your energy and routine.
How does therapy for depression help?
In therapy, you work with a therapist to understand what's going on, identify the thoughts that bring you down, and gradually recover the activities that make sense to you. You also learn to ask for support and set boundaries without guilt.
Therapy Works
- The whole team is bilingual: You speak in Spanish, English, or both.
- Sessions are for 50 minutes., in person or by video.
- It's confidential.: What you're talking about is protected by law (HIPAA).
- We accept most insurances., such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Curative.
If leaving home is difficult for you, the online therapy in spanish allows you to start from your living room. You can also come to our dallas, Bedford, Garland and Frisco offices.
In some cases, your therapist may recommend that you also see a doctor. That decision is made together.
What do I do if I feel like I can't take it anymore?
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or that life is not worth living, don't wait for an appointment. Call or text 988the suicide and crisis prevention line, with attention in Spanish, free and confidential 24 hours a day. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it's depression or I'm just tired? Fatigue improves with rest. If the lack of energy, sadness, or loss of interest lasts two weeks or more and affects your daily life, consult a professional.
Does the depression go away on its own? Sometimes it improves, but many times it returns or lengthens if it is not attended to. Therapy gives you tools to get out and to prevent relapses.
Do I need medication for depression? Not always. Many people get better with therapy. If your therapist thinks a doctor should value you, they will tell you and decide together.
Does insurance cover therapy for depression? We accept most insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Curative. Write to us with the name of your insurance and we will guide you.
Can I do online depression therapy? Yes. The video session has the same confidentiality as a face-to-face session and is a good option when leaving home costs work.
Make the first move.
Asking for help when you feel powerless is not easy, and that's why it counts twice. Write to us on WhatsApp or call us at (972) 695-3421 and we'll help you schedule with a bilingual therapist. Learn more about our individual therapy in Dallas.
