Take back your life from depression
Depression can be tough because it feels like dragging a weight around all day, making even simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain, and sometimes it’s hard to even remember what it’s like to feel okay.
Although very common, depression can be a serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It goes beyond the normal fluctuations in mood that everyone experiences and can significantly impact an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Depression is often associated with a range of cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms that can affect various aspects of a person’s life. It is important to note that because depression has such an extensive list of symptoms, each individuals’ experience with depression may be unique. Because of how individualized each persons’ depression may be, it is essential to have a treatment plan tailored accordingly to accommodate even the most stubborn depression.
At Epios Therapy we heal depression by providing individuals with coping strategies, support, and insight into their thoughts and behaviors, ultimately helping them to identify and address underlying issues to create a happier and more rewarding life.
Symptoms of Depression
Persistent Low Mood
Individuals with depression experience a pervasive and sustained low mood that persists for most of the day, nearly every day. This low mood can also sometimes present itself in slowed movements and speech, or often extreme fatigue no matter how much you sleep.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure
A notable decrease in interest or enjoyment in activities that were once pleasurable is a common symptom of depression. This can also cause hopelessness which exacerbates the already challenging symptoms of depression.
Physical Changes
Depression can lead to disruptions in sleep, manifesting as insomnia or, in some cases, excessive sleep. These changes in sleep can also be accompanied by changes in weight gain/loss or fluctuations in our appetite.
Fatigue and Lack of Energy
Individuals may feel consistently fatigued, even after adequate rest, and may struggle with a general lack of energy. This can make digging out of the depressive hole all the more challenging when we have limited energy to combat it.
Challenging Thoughts
Depressed individuals often experience negative and distorted thoughts about themselves, feeling a sense of worthlessness or excessive guilt. Depression can also impair cognitive function, leading to difficulties in concentration, decision-making, and memory.
Suicidal Thoughts
In severe cases, individuals with depression may have thoughts of death or suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to seek immediate professional help.
am i just sad?
What Actually Is Depression?
The exact causes of depression are multifaceted and may involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It can occur at any age and may be triggered by life events, trauma, chronic stress, or a combination of factors. It’s important for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression to seek help, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Depression is a treatable condition, and with appropriate support, many individuals can regain a sense of well-being and function in their daily lives.
Therapy is a crucial component in the comprehensive treatment of depression, offering individuals a supportive and structured environment to explore and address the underlying issues contributing to their depressive symptoms. Several therapeutic approaches have proven effective in treating depression and at Epios Therapy you may be exposed to a wide array of them depending on intersectionality, personal preference, and severity.
Ways We Treat Depression
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is widely used to treat depression. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depressive feelings. Individuals learn to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts, develop healthier coping strategies, and set realistic goals.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy to address depressive symptoms and improve emotional regulation.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
MBCT integrates traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. It helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without judgment, reducing the likelihood of depressive relapse.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach explores unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts that may contribute to depression. By gaining insight into these deeper issues, individuals can work toward resolving underlying emotional conflicts.
Behavioral Activation
This behavioral therapy focuses on increasing engagement in positive and rewarding activities to counteract the withdrawal and isolation often associated with depression. By encouraging individuals to resume enjoyable activities, it aims to improve mood and increase a sense of accomplishment.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT is based on the premise that interpersonal relationships play a significant role in depression. It helps individuals address and improve communication and relationship patterns, thereby alleviating depressive symptoms.
You Don't Have To deal With Depression Alone
Seeking therapy for depression is crucial as it provides a structured and supportive space to explore and address the underlying factors contributing to depressive symptoms. Therapy offers individuals coping mechanisms, tools, and strategies to challenge negative thought patterns, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience. It fosters a deeper understanding of the root causes of depression, promoting personal growth and self-awareness. Additionally, the therapeutic relationship itself can offer a source of validation, empathy, and non-judgmental support. Professional guidance in therapy helps individuals navigate the complexities of their emotions, set realistic goals, and work toward sustainable improvements in mood and overall well-being. Early intervention through therapy can be instrumental in preventing the exacerbation of depressive symptoms, enhancing the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes, and ultimately empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.