Do You Feel Hopeless, Exhausted and Drained?
Has daily life become such a struggle that you are too tired to even get out of bed? You just want to sleep all the time, and no matter how many hours you slept, you’re still exhausted. You certainly don’t feel refreshed or ready to face the day. Do you feel like you're just going through the motions of everyday life- wash, rinse, repeat- day after day? Perhaps you can’t control your emotions, and start crying, despite trying desperately to hold back your tears. Other times you may feel so empty, unmotivated and lifeless that you have lost all hope that things will ever get better. Do you wish you could find a way to make this pain stop?
Struggling with the symptoms of depression can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. People in your life may not understand what’s going on with you, and their attempts to help feels more like judgment and criticism. You might find yourself withdrawing from family and friends and feel frustrated by their lack of understanding and support. When you try to explain how sad and hopeless you feel, they may respond with statements like “just snap out it,” or “stop feeling sorry for yourself,” or “everyone has problems.” This likely makes you feel even more alone, frustrated and angry that no one understands how awful you feel. You may try to explain that you don’t want to feel this way, but you just can’t seem to get past it no matter what you do. You’re sick and tired of everyone and everything, especially the pain that the depression is causing. Life itself is such a struggle. Why would anyone choose to feel this way?
If You Are Struggling with Symptoms of Depression, You Are Not Alone!
According to research, approximately one in four Americans will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives. That accounts for over 70 million people in the US alone. Regarding postpartum depression, it is estimated that between 10% to 20% of women may be affected, while paternal postpartum depression may affect approximately 10% of men. Yes, new dads can suffer from depression before or after the birth of the baby. Adam Busby, from the show Outdaughtered, has revealed that he suffers from postpartum depression and has helped increase awareness about this little known condition.
Additionally, about 8 out of 100 teens may be suffering from severe depression. Depression in teens can be a very serious problem, and professional help is strongly recommended.
It is estimated that about 25% of American women in their 40’s and 50’s are currently taking anti-depressants. Many of these women take medication without dealing with the underlying issues that are causing the depression. Their primary care physicians simply write a prescription without recommending that they seek depression therapy to find alternative solutions to relieve their symptoms. With the help of an experienced therapist, there are clinically proven depression treatment strategies you can use to find lasting relief.
What Is Depression? Can Depression Therapy Really Work?
Depression is a profoundly debilitating mood disorder that can develop at any age. It affects the way you think, feel and function in your daily life. Depression can be paralyzing, making it difficult to reach out for help.
Depression can be triggered by reactions to situations or life events such as grief, loss, divorce, abuse, career changes, moving, the death of a loved one, an empty nest, postpartum depression, trauma or side effects from certain medications.
Depression may also be triggered by medical conditions including chronic pain, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid disorder, heart disease, or hormonal imbalances. Maternal postpartum depression and paternal postpartum depression may also be debilitating, and professional help is often necessary.
If there is depression in your family, you may have a genetic predisposition to it.
It’s normal to experience sadness, stress or low energy sometimes. However, when sadness escalates and you are experiencing the symptoms described below, or your sadness lasts longer than 2 weeks, it’s time to seek professional help. Regardless of your experience or what caused your depression, your symptoms of depression can be successfully treated with depression therapy. There are many proven strategies and coping skills to help you cope and overcome the symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of Depression:
You feel hopeless about the future
You’ve lost interest in friends, activities, and things you used to enjoy
You’re tired all the time
Your sleep habits and appetite have changed
You have difficulty concentrating or making decisions
You are irritable or short tempered
You have frequent or constant negative thoughts that you can’t control
You may have thoughts of hurting yourself
Depression Treatment That Really Works
No matter how hopeless you are feeling, know that depression is highly treatable and you can overcome it. Depression treatment involves learning about depression, and what you can do about it. We will discuss coping skills, lifestyle modifications, getting more support and making an action plan. I have successfully worked with hundreds (and hundreds) of people suffering from depression over the last 25 years, and I know that depression treatment can help you overcome the pain and suffering you are feeling right now.
If you’ve tried to resolve the problem on your own, or your family and friends are pressuring you to get help, please seek support from a trained mental health professional.
While it may seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, I can guide you with a step by step plan to regain hope, relieve the depressive symptoms that are causing you distress, and improve your overall mood.
Will I Need Medication to Treat My Depression Symptoms?
If you are suicidal or suffering from severe depression, it may be necessary to take medication, at least in the beginning. Medication is sometimes a short- term solution and may not be a cure for what is going on in your life. I often share this analogy with my clients- if your life is a garden and is overflowing with weeds, you need to pull the weeds out from the root. Simply mowing down the weeds (taking medication) will only be a temporary solution to a more serious problem. It won’t fix the problem. The garden may look fine for a few days, but the problem(s) is still there. We will use strategies, lifestyle choices, coping skills and resources to relieve your symptoms and address the roots of the problem(s).
How Will Depression Therapy Help Me?
As we begin our work together, I will gather information and history from you in order to assess the cause of your depression. Determining the cause of your depression will help determine the treatment. You may need to visit your doctor to rule out medical causes or triggers for your depression, and to assess whether medication is needed. Typically, depression is caused by a combination of factors, including psychological, biological, hormonal and social factors. We will also consider how your lifestyle, including your relationships, nutrition, exercise, and other choices are impacting your overall mood. We will use this information to create a personalized plan to address your specific needs.
Once we have determined the underlying cause of your depression, we will work together to formulate a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. We can also modify the plan as needed in order to effectively respond to life’s challenges as they arise. In our sessions, we work together to create a toolbox filled with the most effective coping skills, strategies, solutions and resources to lift your mood and improve the quality of your life.
What If I Tried Depression Counseling Before? What Will Be Different If I Decide to Work with You?
Every therapist is different, with different philosophies and styles, including the way we interact with the people we see. In fact, my emphasis is on mental health and wellness. The people I see are my clients, not my patients, because the focus is on health, not disease.
My clients tell me that my style is very different from other therapists they have seen in the past, and they are most appreciative of the passion and dedication I bring to the table. My approach is honest and direct, and if you choose to see me for depression counseling, I will do everything in my power to help you recover from your struggle with depression. I love to learn and keep up with the latest research and information, and I will share my latest knowledge and resources with my you. I often recommend books, audio tapes, PBS specials and other resources for you to access out of the office.
You May Believe That Treatment for Depression Can Be Helpful, But You Still Have Questions…
Perhaps you think you can handle your symptoms of depression on your own. Or you worry how long depression therapy will take, and how much it will cost. If you are concerned about your teen’s depression, you may worry that they will not participate in the process. These are all valid concerns, which is why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer your questions.
I know it can be difficult to take the first step when you are feeling so exhausted and hopeless. Depression is paralyzing, and can keep you stuck while it steals your life and joy from the inside out.
I’m ready to help you regain control over your life and climb out of this black hole. Even though it feels like you are lost, I will help you find the light at the end of the tunnel.
The goal is to recover from your symptoms of depression and learn life- long strategies to prevent it in the future. I want to help you overcome your depression, not just cope with it.
After almost 30 years in practice, and another 5 years as a middle school teacher, I can assure you that I have experience working with teens and adults who are suffering from anxiety and depression. I provide a very safe and supportive environment for you to share your feelings and ask me questions. We work as a team to create your very own action plan, and I will motivate and encourage you along the way. We will modify and tweak the plan as needed.
You don’t have to suffer anymore, because I will offer you the tools, resources, support and solutions to overcome the paralyzing pain of depression.
How to Contact Me for Depression Treatment:
Please email me if you would like to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you have about depression treatment and my practice.
If we decide to work together, all sessions are conducted virtually and you may choose a phone, FaceTime or zoom session.
Email: shellee@thesolutiontherapist.com
Phone: (949) 261-8299
Shellee Moore, LMFT
“Hope is the feeling we have that the feeling we have is not permanent.”