If you are in crisis, please reach out by calling the National Mental Crisis Hotline. Dial 988 to talk to someone who cares and can help.
At The Willow Center, we understand how overwhelming and isolating it can be to live with depression. Feelings of sadness, anger, or hopelessness, along with sleep disturbances and a loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, can feel soul-crushing. You are not alone. The good news is that depression is highly treatable when you work with a great therapist. In addition to therapy, psychiatric treatment provided by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner can significantly reduce symptoms and enhance your overall well-being.
Depression affects how you feel, think, and engage in daily activities. It can manifest in various ways, impacting not only your emotional wellbeing but also your physical health. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Feeling of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of irritability, frustration or helplessness
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Lost of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, difficulty sleeping, waking too early in the morning or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
- Psychical aches, pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not go away with treatment.
Specialized therapy for anxiety, depression, and life transitions
Therapy offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where you can explore the underlying thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to your feelings of depression. This comfortable and confidential space allows you to express yourself freely, without judgment, enabling you to gain insight into your experiences and challenges. Therapy emphasizes fostering healthier behaviors that contribute to overall well-being.
Therapists may use evidence-based techniques tailored to individual needs, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns to develop a balanced perspective and reduce depressive symptoms.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Encourages present-moment awareness, helping individuals observe their thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed, promoting emotional regulation and reducing anxiety.
- Behavioral Activation: Involves engaging in enjoyable or meaningful activities to counteract lethargy and withdrawal associated with depression.
In therapy, you can explore the root causes of your depression. A skilled therapist will help you identify patterns in your thoughts and feelings that may be affecting your mood. By understanding these connections, you can begin to unravel complex emotions and develop a clearer picture of what you’re experiencing. When collaborating with a therapist to set achievable goals, which instills a sense of purpose and direction, you regain motivation and hope as you work toward positive change.
Schedule an appointment to work toward finding happiness and joy in your life. You deserve to feel joy again.