Depression

"In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o’clock in the morning, day after day."

F. Scott Fitzgerald

What is it like to have depression?

Depression drains you of energy, motivation, vitality. It often comes with an angry inner critic, thrashing you for every shortcoming and telling you there is no hope for you. You might experience an oppressive dread, a weight in your chest and limbs that makes it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Or you might feel a constant "blah," a feeling that everything is gray and empty. You might feel that you are hopelessly broken, defective, doomed to loneliness and failure. Or you might feel that life itself is more struggle than satisfaction, that its transient joys are not worth the effort. These feelings can turn the simplest of tasks into monumental struggles. You might be falling behind at work, school, or with housework; you might be struggling to maintain important relationships. Others in your life might not understand how difficult it is just to get through each day. These challenges add to the vicious cycle of self-criticism and depression.

People with depression often have practical needs -- to find a way to function at home, work, or school -- as well as deeper needs: to feel understood and accepted, to understand and heal the causes of their depression, to connect more deeply with others, and to develop a sense of inherent self-worth. Together, we will work on the issues that are most important to you.

How do you treat depression?

Every client is different, but treatment for depression often includes:

  • Exploring the origin of harsh beliefs about yourself

  • Developing a more balanced, realistic, and compassionate self-image

  • Finding practical strategies for "keeping your head above water" in day-to-day life while you are depressed

  • Setting small, manageable goals for tasks that are more difficult than usual

  • Learning to catch negative thought spirals and stop getting swept away by these thoughts

  • Exploring existential issues (e.g., purpose, meaning, connection)

  • Developing and improving supportive relationships

  • Helping you communicate with others about your depression

  • Safely managing suicidal thoughts

  • Finding opportunities for fun and joy


If this sounds helpful to you, visit the Contact page to schedule an appointment. I would be honored to work with you.