Depression

You know something is not right.

You feel sad and unhappy but can’t put your finger on why you feel this way.

There’s nothing in your life you can point to, no concrete reason to explain the fog you’re in.

This funk is impacting your mental, physical, and social well-being.

Do you find that nothing sounds fun anymore?

Are your friends trying to cheer you up and don’t seem to understand that all you really want is to be left alone, to crawl under your covers, and sleep?

Although you’re sleeping way more than you usually do, you wake up tired anyway. Or maybe sleep eludes you even though you feel tired most of the day.

You know you love to take walks, but recently you can’t get yourself out the door.

You’re pretty sure the idea of taking a walk is a good one. So, why do you choose to stay home, curled up on the couch, dozing in and out of restless dreams?

All the things that made you happy don’t anymore.

You have interests. Remember when you played music all day long?

There was a time when you loved meeting a friend for lunch, and walking your dog was the highlight of your day.

It was easy to shower, get dressed, and cook meals that you enjoyed.

But now gentle music just makes you sad, and happy laughter sounds too loud and vibrant. Quiet is better; it’s easier to zone out and not think of anything.

Blue does not describe how you are feeling.

Depression tends to creep slowly, zapping your energy and enthusiasm.

Depression is more than just feeling blue.

Depression has a Catch-22.

The very things that help depression are the same things that can be difficult to accomplish when you’re depressed.

Studies have found that exercise can stimulate endorphins and other chemicals in the brain known as the “happy” hormones. It’s what causes a runner’s high and that feel good flow after a good workout that gets your blood pumping. But it is not easy to get yourself to move when you’re depressed, and your brain chemistry is imbalanced.

Surrounding yourself with things you love can normally lift you up and fill you with pleasure and appreciation. But no matter what you do, you just don’t feel good – and it may be hard to feel much of anything.

When you’re depressed you don’t have the energy to do the things you used to enjoy, and you find you don’t care. Inertia sets in, and you become covered in a blanket of numbness.

People who are depressed can experience a variety of symptoms.

Most of the time, your mood is affected for much of the day. You feel sad, empty, or hopeless. You may find yourself crying for what feels like no reason.

You want to sleep all the time, or you lie awake at night sleepless. Either way leaves you tired and fatigued.

You can’t find anything that gives you a sense of pleasure.

You overeat and start gaining weight. Or you lose your appetite, find food unappealing, and your weight significantly drops.

You may feel worthless and struggle with self-esteem.

You have trouble thinking clearly and can’t make any decisions about anything.

You might find yourself thinking vaguely of death, even of suicide, when you have no plans and no intention of killing yourself.

Through therapy, depression can be a road to self-discovery.

With therapy, you can regain your excitement about life and reignite those positive feelings that come from the things you enjoy doing.

While working together, we will address your mood by gently helping you face what is happening for you in the present moment. How does your body feel when you notice the depressive symptoms that may be plaguing you? What is it like to begin to verbalize your feelings and concerns while being witnessed with love and compassion?

Your depressed mood may be connected to feelings of grief, loss, or despair. Staying present to hearing the story that is underneath your dark mood can uncover what you’ve been holding deep inside.

This can be a meaningful process that leads you to more fully knowing yourself. It can help you create the path out of depression and into an authentic life lived with happiness and joy.

Call (847) 287-9267 today for a free consultation.

Let’s work together to discover why you feel the way you do.

It begins with a conversation and can end with you being happier and more positive about yourself.