WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression goes by many names: sadness, irritability, worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness and anger. However it is known, it is an unwelcome, often unexpected part of one's life. While we all experience these feelings from time to time, it’s when they begin to bother us for weeks or months at a time that we sense it may be wise to seek help. Depression can interfere with our relationships, job performance, energy, creativity, and the ability to actively pursue and work towards our goals.
More than 5% of adults in the US experience depression at any given time, and rates of depression are increasing worldwide. If left untreated, symptoms of depression can increase and become prolonged. The earlier you seek treatment, the better the odds that you’ll recover fully.
Depression can also take different forms in different people: Some people experience chronic, low-level depression over the course of years, while other people experience acute bouts of depression at specific times, such as during certain seasons or after the birth of a child. For yet others, depression can be paired with very excitable or “manic” moods, as with the case of bipolar disorder. Depression can also often occur alongside other illnesses or health issues, such as addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder, to name just a few. However you may experience depressive symptoms, we’re here to help you find your unique path to recovery.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Depression is treatable, and you are not alone. There is hope. It’s not uncommon for our patients to experience improvement in their symptoms even just a few weeks after initiating a customized treatment plan with us. We’re your partners on the path to permanent healing, whatever that may look like for you. By applying evidence-based therapeutic methods and helping you to feel comfortable uncovering themes in your depressive thoughts, we create a safe and compassionate environment to explore how you’re feeling, how your past experiences have shaped you, and how we can support you going forward.
In friendly, thought-provoking conversation, we’ll help you explore how to recover your energy or discover new sources of vitality; improve your ability to get a good night’s rest; manage patterns of negative thinking; rekindle your interest in the things you once enjoyed; discuss and overcome feelings of pervasive sadness; improve relationships with your loved ones; and live a more fulfilled life.
We believe in the power of recognizing how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. Understanding this connection is a powerful antidote to depression, and can help you to envision how you might be approaching life’s challenges now, and how you might approach them as you move forward. You’ll also increasingly notice how you’re connected to, and function within, a larger system—and how, as you change, nearly every aspect of your life changes along with you.
Common signs
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
Loss of energy
Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
Persistent sadness
Unintended weight gain or weight loss
Suicidal thoughts
Therapy can set in motion significant growth and evolution in aspects of your career, your relationships, your home environment, your creative projects, or the many other elements of your inner and outer worlds.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can begin our work together, contact us for a free consultation.
Therapists