Are You Wondering If You Might Have Depression? 

“I’m so lethargic and tearful, and I don’t know why.” 

“I have no interest in going out or being with friends. “ 

“What is wrong with me? Shouldn’t I be able to make myself feel better?”

Depression is not a state of mind that you can just shake off. 

If for the past several weeks you have been experiencing several of the following depression symptoms, it could be beneficial to seek depression counseling in order to get back to enjoying your life and feeling like yourself again.

·     Appetite changes – weight gain or no appetite and weight loss 

·     Sleep disturbance – trouble falling asleep, sleeping too much

·     Lethargy and fatigue

·     Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness

·     Guilt and self-blame

·     Loss of interest in activities that typically bring you pleasure

·     Tearfulness

·     Difficulty concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

·     Lack of energy and motivation

So many of the folks I work with believe that they are weak because the strategies they have tried have not helped them to feel better. 

Others remark that because they have felt this poorly for so long, they thought it was normal and could not feel any differently.

The common thread among those who seek therapy for depression is that they want to understand what the causes might be, so desperately want to feel better and have been considering seeking therapy for some time.

Depression Is Far More Common Than Most People Realize

Depression is not a sign of weakness and it is very treatable. 

You are not alone .According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 9 percent of adults have symptoms of despair, hopelessness or guilt that indicate some form of depression. 

The Reasons For Depression Or Low Mood Are Varied

Genetics and biology could make some people more prone to depression symptoms.

Grief and loss, past or recent trauma, stressful life events, medical conditions, and medications can also play a role in the onset of depression.

Depression symptoms can have a direct impact on your work, relationships, and the ability to take pleasure in daily activities. Consider that depression is an illness that can affect you physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. I often tell clients that treating clinical depression is similar to treating diabetes: they are both medical illnesses that require different approaches to monitoring and managing symptoms. 

 Depression can also be situational. Once you are able to identify the source of your low mood, and take time to work through your feelings, solutions will emerge.

The good news is, with an experienced professional evaluation and thoughtful individualized plan, your symptoms can be alleviated and managed and you can get back to enjoying your life day to day.

Depression Therapy Yields Many Benefits

Is it any wonder that it’s hard to ask for help when you are feeling lethargic, hopeless, and sad? You might have the expectation that you should be able to handle your feelings on your own.

It has been my experience that clients feel reassured and hopeful after having a name for what they are going through. 

In our initial sessions, we will begin by discussing the effects of your current symptoms and life stressors, as well as what you may have already tried to help improve your mood and energy level. Additionally, I will complete a thorough individual and family history of past depression and anxiety, mood disorders, traumas, and other factors that may be contributing to how you have been currently feeling. 

The initial evaluation is also a time for us to get to know each other: for you to feel comfortable in our conversations and ask any questions that arise.

After conducting the evaluation, I will be better able to determine if you are experiencing clinical depression, or if your symptoms are situational (related to a current stressor).

We will discuss your hopes for how therapy for depression can be helpful to you and paint a picture of how you will be feeling and what you will be doing differently when your depression symptoms have lifted. This will provide you with snapshots of what you are working towards. We will determine together how best to help you achieve your goals. 

My intention is to put you at ease, knowing that by thoroughly evaluating your depression symptoms and current circumstances, we will make sense of what you are going through. Once you have a clear plan in place, you will begin to see that there really is light at the end of the tunnel

You may still have questions or concerns if you are considering therapy for depression…

“I’m embarrassed that I can’t seem to deal with my depression on my own.”

I often tell clients that if they could feel better on their own, they would. Like most people, I’m sure you have tried different strategies to manage your symptoms. Having symptoms of depression is not a weakness. There is nothing to be ashamed about.  Depression does not discriminate. Taking the first step in seeking help is a sign of strength.

“Will I have to take medication?”

No two situations are the same. After we assess your symptoms and obtain a personal history, we can decide together if a medication evaluation would be helpful to consider. Often, just having a place to explore your emotions pertaining to current life stressors and the ability to see solutions can provide the relief you were seeking.

“I just need someone other than family and friends to talk to. Is that a reason to seek depression therapy?”

Having a good support system in place is always important. Yet, speaking with an objective, trained clinician can help you to view your situation from perspectives that people close to you are unable to do.  

For over 30 years, working with men and women with depression has been an integral part of my psychotherapy practice. Clients often report feeling encouraged, hopeful, and safe in the course of our work together.

What Are The Next Steps?

Please feel free to call me at 303.759.9171 to set up a free telephone consultation. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

We can decide in that conversation if you would like to get started by making an appointment. I look forward to hearing from you.