Depression

You wake up with a sense of dread.

It’s tougher and tougher to face the day.

Sleep has become your best coping skill and a way to escape the world that now seems so overwhelming.

It’s hard to remember the last time you were genuinely happy.

It’s like you’re always on the verge of tears.

Negative thinking and feelings are constant companions.

Those thoughts and emotions keep telling you, “No one cares; they don’t understand; why should I bother; it will never change.”

Not being grateful for all the positive things in your life creates guilt because you know you “should” feel thankful.

It’s like your mind has a mind of its own, telling you things you know aren’t true, but you cannot access other thoughts.

Sadness, pessimism, helplessness, and other feelings make you emotionally and physically ill.

These feelings are symptomatic of depression.

Everyone feels sad or low sometimes and may experience a grieving period, but these feelings usually pass over time.

Depression (sometimes called a major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is different because it can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.

Depression is an illness that can affect anyone – regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education. Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression. Depression may co-occur with other mental disorders and other illnesses and is also a symptom of trauma or adverse experiences.

When depression persists, it’s time to seek help.

Is depression treatable?

The answer is YES! Depression treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, or both. In milder cases of depression, treatment might begin with psychotherapy alone and medication added if the individual continues to experience symptoms.

There are varying degrees of depression, starting with a low-grade, chronic sense of tiredness and loss of interest in everyday life, and moving into a strong sense of hopelessness and a desire to no longer be alive. Where you are on this spectrum will determine our treatment approach.

We will work together to identify the root causes of your depression. Then, we will begin to implement new thought patterns and skills to help you get the relief you deserve.