Is Every Day A Struggle?
Do you feel engulfed by a gray fog and fear that there is no way forward? Are you overwhelmed with persistent fatigue, anxiety or feelings of emptiness? Have negative thoughts, painful emotions and physical discomforts become your norm? Perhaps you’re over-eating or can’t seem to eat anything at all. Or maybe you are suffering from insomnia or sleeping most of the day. Are you struggling to concentrate at work and/or be present with and accountable to friends and family? Have you lost interest in activities that once brought you pleasure? Do you wonder if it’s possible to feel energized, happy and connected to others again?
Living with depression and other mood disorders can be a lonely, heavy experience, which often creates feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Depression can be brought on by many factors and manifest in many ways. On one end of the spectrum, depression can present as low-level, persistent unhappiness. On the other end, the pessimistic thinking, distressing emotions and physical discomforts that come with severe depression can make it feel impossible to get out of bed and even lead to suicidal thoughts.
While some people are more sensitive and susceptible to depression because of genetics or a depressed parent or spouse, you might also experience depression symptoms during and after major life transitions, traumas and significant losses. Regardless of the cause or severity of your depression, if you have been experiencing ongoing symptoms that are affecting your ability to feel good and function well, seeking the help of a skilled, compassionate and experienced depression therapist may be critical to your wellbeing.
Depression Is Very Common In Our Culture
As individuals and a collective society, we are living busy, disconnected lives. Rather than spending time outdoors and with friends and family, we are increasingly plugged-in to technology. Humans are meant to be in relationships and community. But, as technology, catastrophic world events, traumas and an unstable economy increase fear and disconnection, more and more people are disengaging from others and neglecting the human need for connection and companionship.
One in 10 American adults suffer from depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the country, and its effects can be debilitating. The good news, however, is that while depression is prevalent in the U.S., it is also one of the most effectively managed and treated disorders. With the right depression therapist and approach, you can experience relief from the fog of negative emotions that are weighing you down.
Depression Treatment Can Help You Feel Good And Function Well Again
The first step toward treating depression is to determine what is driving your symptoms and to acknowledge and address the thoughts, feelings and issues that are causing your pain. In safe, non-judgmental depression therapy sessions, we can explore the causes of your depression, as well as the negative, irrational thinking patterns and self-limiting behaviors that are affecting your ability to feel good and function well. With increased self-awareness and mindfulness, you can begin creating a more realistic self-talk practice and learn how to recognize and accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment and self-blame.
It’s important to note that the treatment of depression varies and is individualized to meet your specific needs. Regardless of the causes and severity of your symptoms, you can learn effective techniques to help you stay calm, present and aware when heavy thoughts and feelings set in. You can learn to reframe defeatist thinking, develop self-compassion and find healthy, realistic ways to reconnect with loved ones and your community.
With help, it is possible to move out of depression and find energy, purpose and happiness again. By mindfully putting one foot in front of the other – even if it’s really hard at first – you can move forward and experience relief.
But, you may still have questions and concerns about depression counseling…
I’m worried that a depression diagnosis will mean medication for the rest of my life.
If your depression is not severe and you are uncomfortable with the idea of medication, there are many forms of treatment and natural remedies for depression we can try before we consider an antidepressant. I have been trained in many modalities that have proven tremendously successful in helping clients manage, mitigate and eventually overcome depression symptoms.
I also believe in a holistic approach to healing and will support you as you begin making important, healthy improvements in all areas of your life. However, if other approaches are not providing you relief, medication in combination with therapy can be extremely effective. Furthermore, if you chose medication, it can be a short-term solution to help mitigate symptoms as you engage in therapy and make positive changes in other important aspects of your life. It’s also important to note that while I’ll provide guidance, advice and support, the decision to try or not try medication as a depression treatment option is yours.
I’m so far down. I’m not sure that I could find the energy for therapy or that depression counseling could even work for me.
Like everything in life, the first step toward change and healing is the hardest. However, taking that first initial and seeking therapy can be life changing. Furthermore, you won’t be on your path toward healing alone. I provide a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental space for you to work through challenging issues and emotions. We can also discuss options, including medication and holistic approaches, that can help to mitigate symptoms so you can feel more grounded and energized to participate in therapy and other meaningful parts of your life.
I think I need help, but I’ve heard that depression therapy can be costly and take a lot of time.
I invite you to consider how much depression is negatively affecting your relationships, motivation, self-worth and overall quality of life. Do you constantly feel hopeless, consumed with worry, or unable to find pleasure in things that once brought you joy? If you are prone to depression and have suffered for some time, your symptoms are unlikely to go away on their own and can continue to negatively impact your mental, emotional and physical health. Alternatively, if your depression has been brought on by a recent trauma or a major life transition, getting support during this challenging time can be essential to your wellbeing.
The costs of untreated depression can be high. It can damage relationships, create issues at work and even lead to suicidal thoughts if left unaddressed. Depression counseling is a significant investment in your overall, long-term wellbeing. Leaving the gray fog of depression and moving back into life can be priceless.
If you’re in Louisville, CO or the surrounding area, I invite you to call me at 720-427-8222 to discuss your specific needs and answer any questions you may have about treatment for depression and my practice.