DEPRESSION

When the emptiness hits you...

Have you been waking up to feelings of dread or emptiness in the mornings? Is your motivation so low lately that even the smallest responsibilities or tasks feel overwhelming?

Has it been difficult to reach out to friends and family members that you usually can turn to for support? Do you feel like you’re going through the motions of your everyday life without finding meaning in any of it?

It can be painful and scary to notice that you’re slipping into a downward spiral and losing yourself in the process. According to the World Health Organization, depression is an extremely common mental disorder and the leading cause of disability worldwide. While these statistics are unfortunate, it also means that you are not alone in your struggles with depression.

Where is my depression coming from?

Depression can come from many different sources, but it is pertinent to highlight that there is not always a clear source or cause. Sometimes, depression can be passed down genetically or can manifest from chemical imbalances in the brain that trigger mood instability. Whatever the cause, depression is never your fault and it is not something you need to feel ashamed of. 

Other possible stressors that can trigger depressive symptoms:

  • The end of a relationship

  • Childhood trauma

  • Feeling “trapped” whether emotionally or physically

  • Family conflict or issues 

  • Season and weather changes

  • Loss or grief of a loved one

  • Physical or emotional isolation

  • Major life changes

  • Physical or emotional disabilities

  • Substance use or dependency

How Treatment Works

One way therapy can be helpful for individuals suffering from depression is simply having someone there to listen to your experiences and take some of the weight off your chest. One of the scariest parts of depression is feeling isolated and alone, and mental health therapy can build a connection that can reduce those feelings of isolation. Your therapist will combine various evidence-based approaches to create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs.

Behavioral Activation

During sessions, we will help you process your emotions and find ways to reconnect with your core values and innermost authentic self. You can expect to gather tools and resources that will increase your motivation to engage in behaviors that activate joy and meaning for you. Your therapist will encourage you to shift your mindset towards gratitude, purpose, and hope. 

Understanding the cycle of depression

Depression has a tendency to ebb and flow, especially for those who have dealt with chronic or seasonal depression. Understanding how depression affects your everyday functioning and quality of life can help you reclaim the power you need to address it. Your therapist will hold space for any new experiences, emotions, or thoughts that may be coming up as a result of the depression in addition to providing psychoeducation around how depression works. Your therapist can help you to reconstruct negative thoughts, shift behavioral patterns, and ultimately regain purpose and self-worth.

Somatic Therapy

Another form of depression treatment includes somatic therapy, which refers to the connection between body and mind. Through somatic therapy, your therapist can help you understand the impact that your moods can have on your body in a physical sense. For example, if you are feeling extreme depression, you may notice feelings of chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, poor concentration, or loss of motivation. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation are just a few techniques that can help relieve depression symptoms. 

You are not your depression

It is important to remember that depression may be a part of you, but it is nowhere near the whole you. Depression does not define you but rather explains and provides insight on the deep feelings of persistent sadness you may be experiencing. Identifying a label for these feelings can empower you to connect with others who suffer from depression and find appropriate mental health care. 

Schedule with a therapist

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that impair your everyday functioning, know that you are not alone. You can schedule a complimentary phone consultation with one of our therapists by clicking on the button below. This phone consultation will give you a chance to learn more about our services and be matched with a provider who can support your therapeutic needs. 

Reach out to schedule with one of our providers

Work Cited

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Depression. World Health Organization. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression