Depression can make you feel like you're in a deep, dark hole. Even if you consciously know that you should do something to treat it, depression can make you feel negative about even seeking that care. You may, in the depths of your depression, assume that therapy is hopeless, useless, or overhyped. But this is just the depression speaking; it's not the truth. The truth is that therapy can be incredibly helpful as you work through your depression. Here are some key ways in which it can help.

You'll get to voice what's bothering you.

Often, depression is made worse by the fact that you don't feel like you can share what's bothering you. You may not want to burden your partner or friends with your complaints, or you may feel like the things you have to complain about are silly. But there really is something to be said about getting things off your chest. Your therapist is a safe person for you to share your darkest, most worrisome thoughts with. They should foster an open atmosphere where you feel comfortable sharing whatever is ailing you. The fact that they're affirmative and supportive of your thoughts and worries will make this feel even better.

You'll get tips and tricks for handling your depression.

There are no magic words you can say to make depression go away. There is nothing you can do to simply stop feeling depressed. However, there are tools and strategies you can use to keep moving forward in life in spite of your depression. There are also strategies you can use to reduce the duration or severity of your depressive episodes. Your therapist can teach you these strategies. It will be a relief to know what to do the next time you're feeling really down.

You'll identify what's underlying your depression.

Depression often begins and is perpetuated for a reason. Maybe you never felt heard or supported as a child. Or perhaps you have taken on too much at work, and you never have any time to yourself. You can't always put your finger on the cause of depression, but a therapist can help deduce the reason as they talk with you. Then, you can take steps to address the depression at its source.

Depression is no fun at all, but therapy can be really helpful. Find a therapist that offers depression therapy services near you, and schedule a session. The results won't come overnight, but they will come.