Depression
When almost every effort seems like too much…
When you’re sad and sometimes even hopeless, that stuff you used to love doing just seems like a bother. In fact, it’s hard to enjoy anything.
Friends miss you. They call wondering where you went, trying to reengage a relationship of fun that once was. Your family does, too… wondering what happened to that bubbly, fun person that used to live there. They’re not thrilled with the “IrritaBILL” who has moved in.
Prepping food, even for the family, feels like nothing more than a chore. So, you just eat chips or cookies… or whatever else is there… because it’s just easier and helps you feel at least a little better for a while.
Sleep often feels like rescue, so you do it waaaaay too much. Or, conversely, you can’t seem to find it even though you feel absolutely exhausted.
Does it seem as though the laser-sharp focus you used to admire in yourself is now gone?
Is your concentration now a board game collecting dust in the closet?
Do you sometimes feel so down you wish it would just end?
If this sounds all too familiar…
… and it’s making it difficult for you to function on a daily basis – to work, take care of things at home, or get along with people – then you may have some form of a mood disorder commonly known as depression.
These feelings may last for weeks, months, or even years. They may be subtle and mild, making it only somewhat difficult to function… or they may be severe, making it extremely difficult to function.
The great news is… relief is available. You don’t have to live with depression!
Medication? Sure. It can help… sometimes, for some people.
The fact is that some will benefit from an anti-depression medication, but others won’t.
Sometimes these medications can even bring about rather undesirable side-effects, or even make things worse.
Some patients taking SSRIs develop insomnia, skin rashes, headaches, joint and muscle pain, stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. Weight gain can be quite significant, as can sexual performance issues, including loss of sexual interest, erectile dysfunction or delayed (even outright unachievable) orgasm.
Suicidal thoughts, hostility, and agitation, especially in children, teens, and young adults, can also emerge, which is often a worsening of initial symptoms.
Studies have shown that depression can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Fortunately, therapy alone can significantly reduce or altogether eliminate the bothersome symptoms of depression.
You CAN get better, and I can help.
My prescription is therapy – specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
CBT involves changing thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. You’ll learn healthier ways of coping with your symptoms, ideally eliminating them altogether. You’ll also learn how not to have them in the first place. The belief behind CBT is that healthy thoughts often promote positive feelings and productive actions.
ACT is the grandchild of CBT. It’s about ending the struggle with your thoughts and emotions by becoming non-judgmental and accepting of life. You’ll learn to accept the things that happen in life, the ups and downs and unexpected, the good and the bad – unfortunately that is just a part of life. It will help you overcome negative thinking and feeling, and take action to do what is right for you, what fits with your personal values and beliefs. Living life this way will help you not only feel better, it will help you access your strengths.
Both of these approaches are very effective in the treatment of depression, and I utilize them successfully in four different formats, all of which help you understand your depression, teach you ways to cope with your symptoms, and feel much more in control:
Individual Therapy
We’ll talk. We’ll explore. You’ll increase your self-awareness, identify boundaries, enhance communication skills, and improve the use of healthy coping skills.
Most importantly, you’ll uncover and learn to obliterate ineffective, negative thinking and incorporate healthier thinking, which will lead to feeling better, making better choices, and increasing motivation for life.
Couples Therapy
Depression can affect relationships. Couples or relationship therapy helps address the impact that depression has on a person’s relationships.
Family Therapy
Family therapy helps examine family dynamics that contribute to depression and assists family members with identifying ways to provide support to their loved one with depression.
Group Therapy
Group therapy can help you gain insight into your depression from other people suffering from the same issue.
Ready for renewed energy and motivation?
Wouldn’t it be nice to get a good night’s rest and get back to a healthy eating pattern?
Don’t you want that dark fog of depression to finally lift?
Therapy works. I know because I’ve been helping people just like you alleviate their depression for 25 years! Now, it’s time for you to reclaim your happiness… because you deserve it.
The only thing standing between your depression and starting to feel relief is a phone call!
Please, reach out for help today and start on the road to recovery: (941) 544-4822.