What is Depression ?

“Depression is the most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced. . . . It is that absence of being able to envisage that you will ever be cheerful again. The absence of hope. That very deadened feeling, which is so very different from feeling sad. Sad hurts but it's a healthy feeling. It is a necessary thing to feel. Depression is very different.” J.K. Rowling
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I describe depression as a dark cloud that hangs over you. At times this cloud becomes so dark and  large it is difficult to see anything other than darkness. You feel alone and unsupported. That cynical, overly critical voice in your head becomes louder and more persistent. Low moods and energy lead to lack of motivation, isolation and little interest or pleasure in things. Thoughts of hopelessness/worthlessness creep in a and become painfully overwhelming. Sometimes people experience thoughts of hurting themselves or even of death. 
There are several factors that can lead to depression, such as family history, relationship problems, life problems, unresolved grief, trauma or shame.

How Therapy Helps With Depression​
Therapy helps with depression by putting you in contact with a caring and supportive therapist.  Your therapist understands that depression isn't something you can "just get over". They understand depression runs deeper. You don’t have to feel alone with these overwhelming thoughts and feelings. As clients open up in therapy and receive empathy and validation, they begin to experience relief and connection. As we explore your depressive symptoms, we work to identify the root of your depression. Discussing your depression is often the first step to examining your Backstory in a safe and caring environment that allows you to heal the parts that need healing. This process helps to reduce your current symptoms and create long lasting and meaningful change.

SYMPTOMS OF ADULT DEPRESSION:

• Little interest or pleasure in doing things
• Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
• Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
• Feeling tired or having little energy
• Poor appetite, overeating, or considerable weight changes
• Feeling bad about yourself – that you are a failure or having a lot of guilt
• Difficulty concentrating on things or making decisions
• Moving or speaking slowly, so that other people have noticed, or being so restless that you’ve been moving around a lot
• Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way

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