Depression

A sad mood?

We all feel low, sad, or moody from time to time – but depression is more than just that.

It affects one’s entire being – emotionally, mentally, behaviorally, and physically – by affecting how one feels, thinks, and acts.

Many factors can cause depression.

While the exact cause of depression is unknown, multiple factors appear to make someone more susceptible to depression.

These factors can include family history, personality, serious medical conditions, diagnosis of a new medical condition/disease, long-term fight with addiction, abusive relationship or bullying, break up or divorce, unemployment, death of a loved one, academic struggles, moving or empty nest or retiring, mental illness, and medications.

Depression comes in many forms.

Depression can make one feel sad, irritable, guilty, indecisive, and unable to concentrate while some common thoughts include: “I’m a failure.” “Nothing good ever happens to me.” “Or things will never change.”

This leads to feelings of being utterly exhausted, always tired, with frequent headaches or stomach aches, as well as sleep, appetite, and weight changes.

Feeling constantly beaten down – one’s behavior begins to change. Withdrawing from family and friends, self-medicating, low motivation to do daily living activities, no longer doing things that once brought joy, and being stuck in a perpetual state of procrastination are some of the ways depression may present itself in your life.

Depression is one endless, negative feedback loop.

It’s easy to see how depression is one big endless loop! Beating one down emotionally, mentally, and physically, it seems impossible to know how to stop the loop, where to jump off, or what to do.

On top of that, it can be embarrassing to reach out for help or admit one can’t solve their own problems.

This loop can go on and on, escalating for months or even years.

But we aren’t meant to live life alone; sometimes all you need is a helping hand.

You can and will overcome depression!

The good news is that depression is indeed treatable, and effective treatments are available. The sooner you reach out for support, the sooner you can start to see the color of life once again.

No two people are affected by depression in the same way, nor is there a cookie-cutter depression cure. Recovery takes time, and sometimes it might feel too overwhelming or frustratingly slow. That is normal.

How can I help you?

My therapy style is fluid and adapts with one’s current needs.

Sometimes more of a coaching style is warranted, while at other times detailed action plans are designed.

At times we will discuss and plan for wellness modifications, such as sleep patterns, maintaining a healthy diet, and incorporating exercise into daily routines.

We may move into a more relationship focused therapy – focusing on changing characteristics of social and intimate relationships.

Stress and anxiety reduction could be the next avenue we take – learning new coping skills and how to manage daily stressors, all the while creating meaningful change, mastering new coping skills, shifting one’s mindset, and creating new, positive thought and action patterns.

Let’s discuss your concerns.

Simply call me at (203) 208-8434 to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and if my therapy style is a good fit for you.