Understanding Depression: You Are Not Alone

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a real, medical condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life. At our practice, we often meet individuals who feel isolated in their experience—unsure of why they’re feeling this way or how to ask for help. If this sounds familiar, please know: you are not alone, and there is support available.

What Does Depression Look Like?

Depression can show up differently for each person. For some, it may look like persistent sadness or hopelessness. For others, it may show up as irritability, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. Some people may lose interest in things they once enjoyed, struggle with sleep, or notice changes in appetite. It can also manifest physically, with headaches or other unexplained pain¹.

Common symptoms include:

• Feeling down or empty most of the day

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Fatigue or low energy

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide¹²

If you're experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it may be time to reach out for support.

Why Does Depression Happen?

There is no single cause of depression. It can be triggered by life events like trauma, grief, or chronic stress, but it also has biological components such as brain chemistry, hormones, and genetics²³. Depression is also common in people dealing with chronic illness or substance use. What’s important to understand is that depression is not a personal failing—it’s a treatable health condition.

Healing Is Possible

The good news is that depression is highly treatable. Many people find relief through therapy, medication, support groups, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches³. A licensed mental health professional can work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

At our practice, we offer compassionate counseling for depression and co-occurring concerns such as anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Whether you’ve been struggling for a long time or are just starting to recognize the signs, we’re here to help you find your way forward.

You Deserve to Feel Better

If you or someone you care about is dealing with depression, please don’t wait to seek help. Depression can improve—and so can your quality of life—with the right support.

Let’s talk. Contact us today to learn how we can support you on your journey to healing.

Sources

1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression ↩ ↩²

2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., DSM-5). ↩ ↩²

3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Depression (major depressive disorder). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007 ↩ ↩²