Therapy for Depression

Everyone feels down now and then—it’s a natural part of life. But when sadness lingers for more than two weeks and starts to affect your ability to function at work, school, or home, it may be more than just “the blues.” It could be depression.

Depression is not a personal weakness, and it’s not something you can just “snap out of.” Despite what outdated beliefs may suggest, depression is a real medical condition—one that affects the body, mood, and mind. Ironically, one of its most frustrating symptoms is a lack of motivation or energy, which makes it difficult to engage in the very activities that could help improve mood. Many of our clients come to us caught in this difficult and joyless cycle.

Common signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Changes in appetite—either overeating or loss of appetite
• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Withdrawal from social activities or relationships
• Fatigue or low energy
• Sleep disturbances—insomnia or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Increased irritability or restlessness
• Physical complaints such as headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain
• In more severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide

There are different forms of depression, including major depressive disorder, dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder), and bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness). Each presents its own challenges, but all are treatable.

Without treatment, depression can persist for weeks, months, or even years. But there is hope. The most effective approach is often a combination of psychotherapy and, when appropriate, medication.