Depression
Understanding Depression
The term "depressed" is often used in everyday conversation, and many people are familiar with it. However, it’s important to understand the difference between feeling down temporarily and experiencing clinical depression. While everyone has days when they feel sad or out of sorts, clinical depression is more than just a passing mood. It involves persistent feelings of sadness, a lack of interest in activities, and other emotional and physical symptoms that can make it difficult to function fully in everyday life. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and is not a sign of weakness or something that can be simply "snapped out of." It’s a complex condition that often requires professional support to manage and overcome. Reaching out for help is an act of self-care and strength.
Signs You Might Be Struggling with Depression
Depression can show up in different ways, and it’s not always easy to spot. Here are some common signs that you might be dealing with more than just a rough patch:
Difficulty Getting Out of Bed: Even after a full night's sleep, you might find it hard to summon the energy or motivation to start the day.
Avoiding Social Interaction: You might start being more isolative or declining invitations to spend time with loved ones.
Losing Interest in Hobbies and Activities you once enjoyed: Activities that once brought you joy, like reading, cooking, or exercising, might now feel like chores or seem pointless or impossible.
Difficulty Concentrating: Simple tasks might be challenging because your mind feels foggy or you’re distracted.
Changes in Appetite: You might be eating much more or much less than usual.
Physical Discomfort: You could experience unexplained physical discomfort.
Impacts on Sleep: You might be having difficulty sleeping or sleeping a lot.
Persistent Negative Thoughts: Your mind might get stuck in a loop of self-criticism, guilt, or hopelessness, making it hard to see a way forward.
Our Approach to Helping You Overcome Depression
Therapy can help reduce symptoms of depression by helping you to understand the underlying issues, behaviors and beliefs contributing to depression and helping you develop effective coping strategies and tools. At Upper East Side Psychology, our therapists are experienced in evidence informed therapy for depression. We tailor our approach to meet each individual's unique needs, using a variety of methods including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on modification of maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors, development of coping tools and skills to aid in shifting problematic patterns, promoting engagement in meaningful activities, and developing practical skills for managing stress and emotions.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Techniques that help you gain contact with the present moment and to be present within your body.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores deep-rooted patterns and dynamics that may be contributing to your depression.
Our goal is to help you gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, manage stress effectively, and build resilience on your path to recovery. Schedule a free consultation today to explore how we can support you.