Do you feel so down that you believe you will never be happy?

Chronic stress, significant hurt in your relationships, and persistent anxious thoughts can lead to depression.

Stress by itself isn't

bad.

State of Mind

And when stress takes over, it can lead to damaging behaviors like intense anger, lack of self regard, and extreme mood swings. These chronic stressors on the body and mind lead to depression. When you don’t have the power over your own state of mind, it’s time to take action.

DEPRESSION MAKES UP stories

Too many responsibilities

You feel stressed, anxious and overwhelmed. You start to create these ideas that “it is never going to happen for me.” You just can’t keep up.

I will never be happy

You can’t get it together, everyone expects too much from you. You feel helpless, hopeless and trapped. You don’t matter. You don’t deserve anything.

Why Bother?

Your mood gets low and you believe you will never get out of the hole. You have no motivation to do anything, you totally check out, you can’t get out of bed, and you start to think why even go on.

It's so painful it hurts

You shut everyone out. It’s not getting better. And you feel empty and worthless. You have no strength to even ask for help. They just don’t get it.

Depression

primary reasons

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. While we don’t know exactly what causes depression, there are several things linked to its development such as long-term events like a job loss, break up or loss of a relationship, toxic relationships, stress at work, medical conditions, not having the ability to communicate and not being valued, not having a purpose, or other traumatic life events.

People experience depression in many different ways. No two people are alike in how they experience depression. Some people will show more outward symptoms of sadness while others may not even seem sad on the outside.

Feeling down is a normal part of all of our lives.

We all face sad or upsetting circumstances. But sadness is short term. If your mood or sadness lasts more than two weeks, is negatively interfering with work, family or your day-to-day productivity, or you are feeling hopeless on a regular basis, you are most likely facing depression.

Left untreated, depression can cause more serious medical conditions. Some symptoms can be more mood-based or emotional while others impact your physical body.

Emotional Symptoms of Depression

Persistent sad or irritable mood
Loss of interest in all or most activities
Guilt despite having done nothing wrong
Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Recurring thoughts of suicide or wanting to harm others
Crying a lot
Feeling angry or pessimistic
Decrease in enjoying activities you once enjoyed

Physical Symptoms of Depression

Low energy levels or extreme tiredness
Insomnia or trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much)
Headaches, cramps, digestive issues,
Change in appetite (increase or decrease)
Difficulties concentrating
Trouble making decisions or delayed responses
Chronic pain

Who is at risk for depression?

Though anyone can develop depression there are other factors that contribute to being depressed. It has been shown that genetics or a family history of depression can be a contributing factor.

Women are 2 to 3 times as likely to be depressed in their lives than men who will develop depression. Social factors, upbringing, and environment can a play a part in the risk factors as well.

The good news is, depression can be treated. Most depression can be treated with mental health counseling, psychotherapy or tools with using talk therapy.

Types of Depression

When these symptoms are out of control and they are impacting your personal, professional and social interactions, its time to seek help.

Major Depressive Disorder (Single and recurrent episodes)

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Substance/Medication-induced Depressive Disorder

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Unspecified Depressive Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

The Basics

Therapy can help you relate with your depression. Some people are open to therapy and for some, therapy can come across as scary. One of the ways I help my clients get through any fears is starting with a gentle approach to therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Much of what happens when someone is depressed is really how they are thinking and feeling, and what beliefs are in their head.

Science-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is designed to empower a person by educating them to create new positive beliefs and to replace negative emotions through a systematic, goal-oriented approach.

CBT helps you with your thinking, by taking you through the process like the Cognitive Triangle. You become more aware of the how thoughts become feelings and feelings become behaviors.

CBT uses the cognitive triangle to represent how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected–how each effects the others–and how we can use that information to develop healthier habits.

The idea is to be able to redirect or influence your thought patterns, but it starts with being aware of what those thoughts are and understand what distortions might be present in our thinking.

Mild depression Tips

These tips are not meant to be a treatment for depression, but can be used to help you cope with mild symptoms.

Set out some attainable goals. Don’t make a big list– just some things you can take care of and achieve.
Reward your efforts. Recognize what you have accomplished and celebrate.
Do something you enjoy. Maybe you like to read, go hiking, paint, or do a puzzle. Short, relaxing and enjoyable activities can help lift your mood.
Listen to your favorite music. Music can relax, invigorate or energize and boost your mood.
Get out in nature. It has been said that exposure to sunlight offers improved mental health benefits.
Meditate. Calming your mind and body can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

You don't have to Do this alone

If your symptoms aren’t letting up or you feel your mood is worsening, call me. I’m here to help and support you. I’ve got your back. We can do this together.