depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. 

Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. 

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

  • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

  • Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting

  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue

  • Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)

  • Feeling worthless or guilty

  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Why Am I Depressed?

Determining the specific reasons for an individual's depression can be complex and multifaceted. Depression can stem from a combination of various factors, including:

  1. Biological Factors: Imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine can contribute to the development of depression. Additionally, a family history of depression or a genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of experiencing depression.

  2. Psychological Factors: Certain psychological factors may contribute to depression, such as low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, a history of trauma or abuse, unresolved grief, or chronic stress. Personal life circumstances, such as relationship difficulties, work-related stress, or significant life changes, can also contribute to depressive feelings.

  3. Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as a lack of social support, isolation, financial struggles, or exposure to chronic stressors, can impact mental health and increase the risk of developing depression.

  4. Co-occurring Conditions: Depression can be associated with other mental health conditions like anxiety, substance abuse, or certain medical conditions such as chronic pain or thyroid disorders. These conditions can interact and contribute to depressive symptoms.

  5. Life Events: Experiencing significant life events such as the loss of a loved one, a breakup or divorce, job loss, or other major life transitions can trigger feelings of sadness and lead to depression.

Therapy can be highly beneficial in helping individuals with depression in various ways:

  1. Emotional Support: At Healthy Minds Counseling I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can express and explore their emotions. I offer validation, empathy, and support, helping my clients  feel heard and less alone in their struggles.

  2. Identifying and Challenging Negative Thoughts: I help my clients identify negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their depressive feelings. Through techniques such as cognitive restructuring, I assist clients in challenging and reframing these negative thoughts into more balanced and realistic ones. This process can help alleviate depressive symptoms and promote a more positive outlook.

  3. Developing Coping Strategies: I teach my clients effective coping strategies and techniques to manage their depressive symptoms. These may include stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, self-care practices, and problem-solving skills. Learning and practicing these strategies empower clients  to better cope with and reduce the impact of depressive episodes.

  4. Behavior Activation: Depression often leads to withdrawal and a decrease in engagement with activities that once brought joy or fulfillment. I help my clients to set small, achievable goals and gradually increase their participation in pleasurable and meaningful activities. This behavior activation helps combat the inertia and lack of motivation associated with depression, leading to an increased sense of accomplishment and positive emotions.

  5. Support in Identifying and Addressing Underlying Issues: I help my clients to explore and understand potential underlying issues contributing to their depression, such as unresolved trauma, unresolved grief, relationship difficulties, or self-esteem issues. By addressing these underlying concerns, it helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and facilitates healing.

  6. Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy aims to induce a relaxed state of focused attention, allowing to access the individual's subconscious mind. Within this state, we can explore underlying thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that contribute to depression. By addressing and reframing negative subconscious patterns, hypnotherapy can help clients develop more positive and adaptive ways of thinking.  through positive suggestion, emotional release, relaxation.

  7. Medication Evaluation and Collaboration: In some cases, therapy may involve collaboration with a psychiatrist or other medical professionals to evaluate the potential benefits of medication for managing depression. Often I  work together with the individual and the prescribing physician to monitor the effects of medication and provide ongoing support.