Are You Ready To Lift The Fog Of Depression And Live With More Lightness, Levity And Love?
Do you feel isolated, sad, easily frustrated and almost always fatigued? Are you struggling to enjoy the people, tasks and activities that you once loved, faking happiness as you go through the motions? Perhaps you worry that you’re wearing your friends and family out with your problems, and you feel guilty, ashamed and increasingly alone. Or maybe you are isolating yourself, using drugs, alcohol, food or sex in an attempt to numb out, feel something different or to feel anything at all. It might be that you’re struggling to concentrate, focus and get anything of substance done. Maybe you feel helpless and hopeless, upset with yourself for not fully living your life, but unable to see a way up or out. Do you wish you felt worthy, connected to others and attuned to your life’s purpose?
Living with depression can be lonely, dark and a wearisome experience. You might find yourself crying unexpectedly or suddenly feeling irritable, disconnected or numb. It might be that you constantly berate yourself and feel that you’re failing as a partner, parent, friend or employee—or simply as a person. You might also be experiencing physical symptoms of depression, such as lethargy, fatigue and/or eating and sleeping too much or too little. Relationships might also be hard right now, especially if those around you don’t understand what you’re going through. Although you might hate yourself for not being able to show up for your family, friends or work the way you want to, it may be difficult to believe that life could be different—especially right now.
Depression Is Very Common In Our Culture
If you’re struggling with depression, you are not alone. The World Health Organization identified depression as the number one cause of lifetime disability worldwide. In the US, more than 15 million adults struggle with depression in any given year—and that’s just what’s being reported.
Depression can be caused by many factors, including genetics, family history and upbringing, environmental factors, trauma, loss and life transitions, to name a few. Depression symptoms can also vary and present on a wide spectrum of severity. Some people experience low-grade depression, going through the motions of their days, while others experience severe depression, often entertaining suicidal thoughts. Colorado has one of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S., and two-thirds of Coloradans who committed suicide were suffering from depression at the time of their death. If you or a loved one is actively contemplating suicide, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.
We also live in an extremely busy and competitive world in which we’ve become increasingly disconnected while expected to be increasingly productive. We’re always on the go, missing a lot of the beautiful moments that make life meaningful. So many of us experience feelings of inadequacy and create a negative inner dialogue about ourselves that we take as truth. This faulty thinking takes a toll on our confidence, self-esteem and sense of self-worth. We start feeling like human-doings instead of human beings. We neglect our personal needs, and depression ensues.
The good news is that there is hope, help and another way of living. I truly believe that what we pay attention to is what grows. By turning your attention inward, you can shift your perception of yourself and make empowered, thoughtful changes in your life. With the help and compassionate support of an experienced depression therapist, it is possible to experience relief from shame, shift your internal dialogue and live a fulfilling life.
Therapy For Depression Can Provide You With Support, Skills And Strategies To Move Forward
Depression counseling can be highly effective if you’re ready to show up and actively participate. I don’t have a wand that magically fixes people, but I know—both personally and through more than 20 years of professional experience treating depression—that overcoming depression and leading a joyful life is possible. If you want to do the work, gain insight and practice new behaviors, there’s almost nothing that we can’t do.
Depression therapy provides you with a safe space to identify and challenge negative self-talk and the harmful stories you’ve created about yourself. In sessions, we can question the validity of self-critical thoughts and foster a more compassionate, positive and realistic inner dialogue. We can also explore behaviors that can help you better understand yourself and feel good in the present moment. You can realize that your past does not define you and come to understand that your life is your story. The great news is that you get to write your own narrative moving forward.
I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is the key to successful therapy. In a trusting relationship, you can express anything and everything without fear of judgment. Together, we can connect back to the roots of your depression, explore the feelings and beliefs that are getting in your way and develop actionable steps that can help you reach meaningful goals. We can draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Brené Brown’s Daring Way™, Positive Psychology, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy and a wealth of cognitive and mindfulness techniques to create a therapy plan that is designed specifically for you. I will offer you compassionate support, warmth and understanding, as well as direct feedback, practical strategies and occasionally some humor to bring light into the dark, as we engage in this journey together. I’ll really be there with you, hearing you, celebrating your successes and constructively challenging you as you keep moving toward your goals.
Regardless of how hopeless or helpless you feel now, you can stop feeling like you’re just going through the motions and truly start living your life again. You can learn to speak your truth in a way that feels authentic to you and foster healthy, meaningful connections with the important people in your life. You can let go of what others think of you and be okay with where you are. As you become empowered to make thoughtful choices, you can truly engage in the process of life.
You still may have questions and concerns about therapy for depression…
How long does treatment for depression usually take?
The length of time spent in depression therapy varies and is based on reaching individualized goals. As we get started, I’ll ask you how we’ll know when our work together is complete—essentially, what needs to happen for you to feel good in your life. From there, we’ll set three goals, which, once met, will indicate that you may no longer need therapy. However, if you discover other goals or feel there’s more work to be done, we can continue to meet, and I’ll remain available for periodic check-ins and any setbacks should they arise.
I’ve tried many different therapists over the years, and nothing has helped. What’s the point in continuing to try?
It sounds to me that you haven’t found the right therapist yet. There are many therapists in our area, and finding who and what works for you is often a matter of trial and error. You need to find a therapist who understands you and with whom you feel safe and connected; someone you trust enough to share your shame, triggers and fears. What’s most important is that you don’t give up hope. There are many paths to healing, and it is possible for you to discover yours.
Shouldn’t I be able to work through this on my own?
I’m sure that you’ve tried many things to feel better. And, when you run out of ideas and you’re really ready to ask for help, you will. I see asking for help when we need it as a sign of courage, not weakness. A trusted guide can help point out obstacles, as well as opportunities, that might be hidden from you. In a strong therapeutic relationship, you can learn more about what you really what and need, figure out what’s getting in your way and explore possibilities and personal opportunities that can accelerate your healing. You can stop feeling stuck and sad and truly get back to living with joy and fulfillment.
You Can Live An Authentic, Connected Life
If you’re struggling with depression in Boulder, CO or the surrounding area, feel really ready to do the work and are looking for an active, collaborative, compassionate therapist, I can help. I invite you to call me to schedule a free 30-minute in-person sessions to see if we’d be a good fit and decide how we can best work together. I’m happy to discuss your experience with depression and answer any questions you have about depression counseling and my practice.