Depression Treatment
You may even find it more challenging to get out of bed, navigate your day-to-day life, or find joy in even the smallest things. In our modern culture, depression is a widespread societal concern and many people experience symptoms of depression at some point in their lives. Life choices, family histories, personality styles, and genetics can also contribute to symptoms of depression.
For the past six months, Covid-19’s stay at home orders, mandatory masks and social distancing, minimal contact with family and friends outside of our homes, and what was once normal has drastically changed. Keeping positive mental health has been challenged for many
Researchers have found several factors that contribute to depression
Life events
For some, depression is found to follow major life change events like losing a loved one, moving, major challenges with children, or the loss of a job.
Imbalance in brain chemicals
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that impact our mood and an imbalance may explain the emotional and some physical symptoms of depression.
Trauma or prolonged stress
Extended periods of high levels of stress and overwhelm, traumatic events, or major life changes can bring about feelings of depression.
Personality traits
Being pessimistic, overly anxious, or having chronic negative emotionality, for example, may increase the risk of having depression.
Other illnesses
Having another diagnosed mental or physical health condition or taking certain medications can increase the risk of depression.
Symptoms Related to Depression
Depression impacts you on many levels; some are obvious while others are more subtle. Your symptoms of depression can include:
- Having an inner knowing that something is just not right
- Experiencing overwhelming fatigue
- Life through gray-colored glasses
- Trouble concentrating and remembering important things
- Feeling guilt, worthlessness, or hopeless
- Increased pessimism
- Easily irritated or angered
- Persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness
- Difficulty in some aspect of sleeping like insomnia, early morning awakening, or consistent oversleeping
- Feeling restlessness
- Having difficulty making decisions
- Physical symptoms include headaches, appetite or weight changes, digestive disturbances, and chronic pain conditions
Healing Depressive Symptoms
While feeling sad or down can occur during difficult times in your life, depression is different because of the timing and severity of symptoms. During treatment, I utilize various evidence-based interventions to help you regain your sense of self as you come to better understand your symptoms, emotions and thinking patterns. Often people with depression believe they need to feel better before they do something, and depression is just the opposite…your best approach is to do something to feel better.
What do you crave to have in your life? What do you want to be different? During depression counseling sessions, we will spend time identifying the source of painful symptoms while also looking for ways to boost your mood, resolve challenges, and develop greater self-compassion.
In addition to helping you determine the life you most want to live, I will help you focus on the present. Symptoms of depression can impact your ability to experience life “in the now” instead of remaining over-focused on your past.
As we work together, better communication is essential and I will help you develop effective communication skills so that you can feel better equipped to express yourself and feel understood, heard, and validated.
I provide a non-judgmental therapeutic space, where you can open up about all of your emotions, challenges, fears, and hopes. Rather than be a passive participant in your therapy process, I prefer to have a therapeutic conversation with you, helping you understand different ways to look at symptoms of depression and if life transitions are contributing to your distress. I will offer compassionate guidance, support, and the tools you need to navigate challenges with greater self-awareness.
Regardless of the source of the emotional pain, you are living with right now; you can experience lasting healing and symptom relief. I can help you create the life you desire.
