Depression

When your mood is low, you have negative thoughts. When you have negative thoughts on a regular basis, it can make your mood low. It’s sometimes hard to break the cycle without outside help. In addition to a low mood and continuous negative outlook, you may also experience:

• Low motivation
• Difficulty getting out of bed
• Numbness
• You aren’t interested in activities you used to be
• You are withdrawing socially
• You may cry more easily than you used to
• You may have thoughts of killing yourself, or “it would be easier if I just wasn’t here any more”
• You’re more irritable
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling empty
• Sleeping too much or not being able to get to sleep or stay asleep

If you resonate with any of these symptoms, you may be struggling with depression. Our therapists have multiple strategies to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your therapist may help you examine your thoughts, beliefs and behaviors, working alongside you to help challenge thoughts that aren’t true. Your therapist may also encourage you to gradually incorporate daily and weekly habits and coping skills that can improve your mood and your quality of life. If needed, your therapist can help you process through the pros and cons of starting medication and, if you choose, can help to connect you and work closely with a medical professional who can prescribe medication.