Has Life Lost the Luster it Once Had? There is Hope in Depression Treatment!
Have you been feeling down and tired of it? Have you lost interest in things you used to enjoy? Are you finding yourself avoiding social gatherings? Low on energy?
Depression is Sometimes Known as the “Common “Cold” of Mental Health.
You may be experiencing symptoms of depression. It can be a confusing, isolating and lonely experience. Depression is different than occasional sadness. It’s much more severe and persistent in it’s symptoms. Major depression can cause a person to feel paralyzed - unable to accomplish even the most basic life tasks can feel heavy and burdensome. Making simple decisions can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself feeling like an outsider even with close family members - with the chasm caused by depression separating you. You may long for energy and zeal for life that you once had.
Depression is more common than Diabetes, AIDS, and Cancer combined. In a given year about 6.7% of the population between the ages of 15-44 years old suffer from depression. (This is based on the 2015 National Survey for Drug Use and Health). It is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Times of grief and sorrow are part of everyone’s life experience. For those who suffer from major depression it is especially acute and tenacious in it’s impact on your life.
While both men and women can experience depression, there is a higher prevalence of it in women. 15-20% of people will experience depression in their lifetime. Many people have a genetic tendency towards depression. Often, one or both of their parents suffered from it as well. A major life change or loss can ‘pull the trigger’ on the tendency and full blown depression may emerge.
The good news is that by seeking depression treatment you can your life back on track to feeling meaning and joy. Up to 80% of people who seek depression treatment show signs of improvement within 4-6 weeks of treatment. (NIH) Because depression is so prevalent, there are many resources available to help!
Going thru depression, or even a ‘bout with the blues’, can be debilitating and discouraging. When you work with me for depression treatment, I will begin by getting your history, and together, we will gain an understanding of the roots of your depression. From there, we can determine a depression treatment plan customized to your needs.
We may identify behavioral changes for you to take that will impact the way you feel. For example, a behavioral change would be incorporating a daily walk, or practicing deep breathing. There are countless ways to increase self care and to support healing.
We will also address negative thinking patterns that keep depression alive. While we would like to be able to simply ‘change the feeling’ of sadness/depression, reality is we have only two avenues to access feelings. Those two options are to change our behaviors and to change our thoughts.
Depending on your specific circumstances and history, we also have the option of using EMDR therapy. (This would be useful for working through loss, trauma, anxiety, low self esteem - all factors that could be contributing to your depression.) This is a powerful type of therapy that can create change ‘from the inside out’.
I also believe strongly in the healing power of relationship and community. Therapy is one relationship that can be restorative. In therapy with me you can expect to find compassion, empathy, and hope. The depression you are currently enduring will not last forever. You are a valuable person and you can learn skills to help you get to the other side of this hurdle.
For some, participating in a support group can also speed up recovery. The women’s coaching groups I offer are a place where confidentiality, support and encouragement are a focus. Connections that are made foster trust. You don’t need to do this alone! I’ve been working with therapy clients for 16 years and have had the opportunity to work with many people who have found hope and healing! I’ve watched women support one another and learn to trust and smile even when they didn’t think they could!
You may have other concerns about seeking depression treatment.
I’ve had depression for years - what will change it now? I would encourage you to try treatment. What if it helps? What will change if you don’t try it? My experience has been that people DO generally see improvements within 4-6 weeks.
I don’t want to take medications. That is a personal decision that I will respect. While medications can be extremely helpful for many people, it is not the case for everyone. My goal in therapy is to provide a safe space for you to share your concerns - including concerns about use of medication.
I don’t have time for depression treatment. Prioritizing YOU is a first step towards recovery. Making the time for your recovery is an effort worth making.
Why the Sunrise Center for Wellness? I specialize in working with women because this is where I do my best work. Being a woman, I ‘get’ women! Supporting women, spurring them onto growth and new beginnings is my passion! You will be genuinely cared about when you receive depression treatment with me. I value pursuing joy in my own life and also in helping you pursue and find it as well!
Call today for your free 20 minute phone or in person consultation! 253-334-7715
