Depression therapy with BetterHelp—
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Different types of depression therapy can help with mental health improvement for different people, depending on the exact condition they're experiencing, the severity of their symptoms, and other factors. Common types of therapy for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, they typically won't resolve without professional treatment like therapy. In addition to reaching out for help, it can be beneficial to practice healthy lifestyle habits to improve mood, like exercising and spending time with loved ones.

Not ready to start your therapy journey? Discover self-care strategies for holistic support, such as:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation techniques
• Grounding techniques
• Journaling for mood tracking
• Lifestyle factors like regular exercise, enough sleep, and nutrient-dense eating habits

It depends on the type of therapy they're using. For example, a CBT therapist can help their clients learn techniques to recognize and shift distorted thoughts that may be contributing to symptoms.

Depressive symptoms can look different depending on the type of depression. Some types of depressive disorders include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Postpartum depression
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder

Also, depression-like symptoms can sometimes occur due to a medical condition or other mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Some common symptoms of depression tend to include:

• Emotional symptoms, like sadness, hopelessness, intense irritability, tearfulness
• Cognitive symptoms, like trouble concentrating or making decisions, lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, suicidal thoughts
• Physical symptoms, like slowed body movements, unexplained chronic pain, lack of energy, and significant changes in sleep or appetite

A depressive episode usually involves multiple symptoms that affect you most of the time for two weeks or more. Some common symptoms include:

• Low energy levels
• Feelings of emptiness or sadness
• Irritability
• Weight gain or loss from eating more or less than usual
• Sleep disturbances

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes depression, but they’ve identified some potential contributing factors:

1. Biological factors, like differences in brain structure
2. Genetic factors
3. Brain chemistry, like differing levels of certain neurotransmitters
4. Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy or thyroid problems

You can work with a BetterHelp therapist remotely for support with depression and other mental disorders, either via phone call, video call, or live chat. You can also message your therapist any time outside of sessions and they’ll respond when they’re able to.

For mental health conditions like depression, meeting with a mental health professional online is often as effective as meeting with a provider in person. However, the treatment plan to treat severe depression cases may sometimes require in-person care.

BetterHelp therapists must have valid mental health credentials in their state, a relevant academic degree, and at least three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. While BetterHelp therapists can’t diagnose or give advice related to prescription medications, they can provide care through evidence-based psychological therapy.

When major depression is diagnosed*, therapy is usually the first-line treatment. Other common depression treatment options include taking antidepressants prescribed by a doctor and cultivating healthier behaviors, like getting more exercise or taking dietary supplements.

*BetterHelp is designed to provide ongoing mental health support and talk therapy. It isn’t a substitute for in-person psychiatric evaluation, medication management, or formal assessments when a diagnosis or official documentation is required for work, school, disability, or legal purposes.