Does this sound like you?
- You feel down almost all the time
- Sometimes, life feels bleak and hopeless
- You're not interested in the people, things, or activities that used to bring you joy
- Are feelings of sadness, loneliness, and isolation pervading your everyday experience?
- Have you developed a sense of self-loathing as a result of not being able to pull yourself out of a rut?
Does this sound like you?
- You're constantly worrying
- You feel down almost all the time
- Sometimes, life feels bleak and hopeless
- You're not interested in the people, things, or activities that used to bring you joy
- Are feelings of sadness, loneliness, and isolation pervading your everyday experience?
- Have you developed a sense of self-loathing as a result of not being able to pull yourself out of a rut?
Oftentimes when depression hits, a small step can feel like an insurmountable leap. Others may have told you that if you just do "x", you'll be happy. Yet, no matter what you do, you often feel forced to put on a happy face that doesn't reflect what's happening inside. It's not just about feeling sad. Perhaps your mindset these days is largely characterized by negative thoughts and sensations. You may be feeling worthless, hopeless, and constantly pessimistic. It could be that anger appears more readily than feelings of joy or happiness, and that may have caused you to become restless or agitated. Because you're constantly on edge, you may find it difficult to connect with others and maintain your relationships. Perhaps you find yourself feeling lonely in a crowded room, or maybe you're discouraged from trying new things or engaging with others out of a fear that you'll be judged. You may have even lost the motivation to take advantage of the opportunities and relationships that once instilled your life with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
If these emotional burdens weren't heavy enough already, depression also often manifests in physical symptoms. You may struggle with pain that has no identifiable cause, or perhaps you've gained or lost weight but don't know why. It could be that ongoing sleep issues have wreaked havoc on your cognitive functioning, and you find it increasingly difficult to concentrate, remember things, and manage your time effectively.
Whatever form your depression takes, it is treatable. Many people struggle with symptoms of depression longer than necessary. Sometimes, it can be hard to admit that you're depressed. It may feel like you're a failure or weak. People around you may be completely unaware of your struggle because you put on a happy face. You don't have to go through it alone.
Symptoms of Depression
While everyone experiences depression a little bit differently, there are common symptoms, such as:
- feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for much of the day
- no longer finding any pleasure in things that used to be fun
- gaining or losing weight
- poor sleep or sleeping too much
- feeling tired or loss of energy
- feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
- indecisiveness or difficulty concentrating
- thoughts about death or suicide
From this list, you can see that depression can affect many aspects of your life. Sometimes, the signs of depression can be very subtle and slowly emerge over time, making it hard to 'connect the dots.' Some people may experience a low grade, chronic depression that persists for years. For others, depression may be cyclical, occurring at certain times, such as during the winter or around an anniversary.
My Approach to Depression Treatment
Depression is very common. There are several well researched treatments that can help to alleviate symptoms and get you back to living the life you want. The first step in depression treatment is to hold onto hope. Because depression creates feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, it can feel almost impossible to pick up the phone or open a browser to get help. All your motivation has gone. Yet, if you are reading this, you've already taken the first step.
I am trained in several types of therapy that are well supported by research for the treatment of depression. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing EMDR. However, my primary goal of depression treatment is to ensure that you feel supported and understood. Then, you'll be able to identify what is most important to you. This allows us to base your depression treatment on the values and things that matter most in your life. Ultimately, restoring your sense of hope for a brighter future.
What type of therapy helps?
There are several research based methods that you can benefit from and begin feeling relief from your depression. Here is a list of some of the therapies often used in combination to treat depression:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- focuses on exploring the way you view yourself, others and the world that leads to depression and lifestyle choices that reinforce the negative internal script. Powerful thought patterns, that we are unaware of, provide a continuous feedback loop that greatly impacts our mood. Many of these are primarily learned in our childhood and become the lens through which we view our lives. These thought patterns can be brought to light through the counseling process, deconstructed, grieved and new healthy outlooks formulated.
Trauma Informed Counseling- some depressions are rooted in traumatic experiences earlier in life. The weight of these experiences has a cumulative impact creating a depressed state. Along with telling their story in a non-judgmental atmosphere and grieving losses, clients are guided in restoring or discovering their internal and external strengths and resources as well as how to use their own body as a means to begin to bring about inner calm and peace. This process also involves identifying and replacing negative cognitions and if appropriate, using EMDR therapy to dissipate the strength of the negative patterns.
Eclectic Multi-System Approach- Basically, this means using a combination of therapeutic approaches depending on the uniqueness of each individual client. This may include the use of art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, narrative therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, or dialectical behavioral therapy. The goal is to find a therapy that makes sense to the client and feels suitable to their needs. Very rarely is one type of therapy used exclusively.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)- EMDR therapy for depression stimulates both the logical and emotional sides of the brain. This is to help you process the trauma that's causing you to feel stuck. Additionally, this allows the brain to heal itself so you can find a clear path forward.
Medication- for many people a referral for an evaluation for medication results in significant improvement in mood. It is normal to feel apprehensive about taking medications and you have the right to become informed regrading what benefits medications can provide and what are possible side effects. Unfortunately, so many people suffer needlessly as they fear the stigma attached to taking medication. Depression is a serious condition with serious consequences. It is not a moral failing, a lack of faith, or a sign of weak character. If you choose to take medication you are treating a chemical imbalance not a character flaw or weakness.