photo of a person holding a cup of tree with a christmas tree lit up in the background

Why Does My Depression Get Worse Around Holiday Seasons?

Right about the time the Halloween decorations make their first appearance, most folks are gearing up for the holiday season. Family, traditions, parties, and lots of gifts — what’s not to like? In reality, all of us know that the end-of-the-year holidays can be a mixed bag. This goes double for anyone already struggling with depression.

Schedules get disrupted, financial pressure increases and social demands skyrocket. All of this adds up to more stress and, depending on your circumstances, some serious challenges. However, with some advance planning, you can prepare for those challenges and find some joy. Let’s take a closer look.

A Few Common Reasons Why Depression Can Feel Worse During the Holidays

Drama

If we were to believe holiday movies and lyrics to seasonal music, we’d think harmony rules the day. Meanwhile, plenty of people have preexisting family issues that serve to get exacerbated by the holiday scene. You may be dealing with a divorce or the loss of a loved one. Then you have those relatives who love to provoke fights. Any or all of this is made trickier when dealing with depression.

Isolation

Not everyone has family nearby and/or a big social circle. The prospect of not getting or giving many gifts can be daunting. Not having anywhere to go on the big day can bring up feelings of shame. The holiday season can make it appear that everyone has their act together except you.

Expectations

Sure, there’s the gift-giving, the decorating, and the gatherings. But perhaps the biggest expectation this time of year is for you to be happy and merry. Someone with depression is already juggling some tough symptoms. The pressure to be smiling and joyous is unfair and often results in depression symptoms worsening.

photo of a person holding a cup of tree with a christmas tree lit  up in the backgroundGrief

On some level, the goings-on can help distract you from your loss. But since the season is sustained, it will likely make the grief more acute. Even when you have fun, you may wish your loved one could experience it, too. You may even feel guilty for having fun.

Guilt

Depression can temporarily take away the joy you once found in certain activities. During the holidays, you may feel guilty for not appreciating the traditions and together-time. Such guilt can deepen the depressive experience as you believe you’re letting others down.

Self-Help Suggestions

It will be necessary to work with a mental health professional but, at the same time, self-care is a powerful complementary option, e.g.

  • Modulate your expectations. No one — depression or not — can satisfy everyone’s needs this time of year. So, decide how much you’re willing and able to do, and then set boundaries. This is not rude, selfish, or anti-social. It’s self-love.
  • Create a plan in advance to escape the scene if family drama explodes. Work with your therapist to formulate an exit strategy that will spare you the pain without causing a scene for leaving.
  • Talk to loved ones. Don’t struggle alone. Let trusted friends and family members know what you’re feeling. Recruit them to help you maintain balance amidst the celebratory chaos. It could be a loved one who is instrumental in the exit strategies mentioned above.
  • Don’t overindulge. Too much food and alcohol will make things worse — as will disrupting your sleep and exercise schedules.

Adhering to tips like this will go a long way in navigating holiday season depression but again, connect with a therapist. Having the benefit of an experienced guide is a giant step toward keeping yourself centered in a time of high expectations.

If depression has you dreading the holidays, we should talk soon. Let’s connect for a free consultation for depression therapy.

man sitting on floor resting head in hand

How To Deal With Depression After A Divorce

Take a look at any list of life’s most stressful events and you’ll find divorce or separation up near the top. Sure, some divorces are for the better but that most definitely does not mean it isn’t stressful. It’s a form of loss and that means you will grieve. All of this adds up to a high risk of depression.

Post-divorce depression is a very common situational disorder. This is not to say it has to expand into full-blown clinical depression — but it can. Therefore, it demands your full attention and a willingness to do some changing, adjusting, and adapting.

The Stress-Depression Connection

Studies have found that high levels of stress can increase a person’s risk of depression by tenfold. Thus, it should come as no surprise that divorced people display depression at a much higher rate than those in a relationship. Then, of course, you must factor in the possibility that you may have been dealing with some level of depression even before the divorce happened. In other words, stress can lead to depression and/or make it worse.

What Does Depression After A Divorce Look And Feel Like?

It’s not always easy to identify. After all, when going through a divorce, you will undoubtedly show signs and symptoms that can appear normal under the circumstances. What you want to watch for is if the symptoms like this do not lessen even when things have calmed a little:

  • Fatigue and low energy — even if you’ve been sleeping more than usual
  • Irritability that can escalate into outbursts of anger
  • Withdrawal and social isolation
  • Lack of concentration that borders on dissociation
  • Frequent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide

What is crucial to remember is that you can snuggle with situational depression even though you’re relieved to be getting divorced.

man sitting on floor resting head in hand

How To Deal With Depression After A Divorce

Accept, Feel, & Connect

It’s not unusual, especially with men, for people to pretend all is well. Suppressed emotions, however, will surface in a negative way (like being depressed). So, let yourself feel what you need to feel, and don’t hesitate to talk about your emotions with people you trust. Keeping to yourself will typically increase the kind of rumination that fuels depression. So, even when you don’t want to talk about emotions, just being out and about with friends will have a positive impact.

Add Joy To Your Schedule

Make a list of activities that bring you happiness. It doesn’t have to be about extravagance. It could be riding your bike or getting a massage. What you put on your list is up to you. But, what’s not negotiable is the need to make these joyful moments happen on a regular basis. Also, since a divorce will bring about many changes to your routines, why not use this time to try something new?

Make Self-Care A Daily Reality

With so much change happening in your life, it can be quite calming to create your own rituals and patterns. A self-care regimen is an ideal step in that direction. It adds structure while enhancing your overall well-being. Self-care also serves as a reminder that you are absolutely worth the daily commitment to yourself.

For starters:

  • Commit to healthy choices in terms of what you eat and drink
  • Establish and maintain steady sleep habits
  • Get your body moving every day
  • Practice stress management tactics like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and more

Through it all, never lose sight of the reality that depression can be a serious mental health condition. In the time period after a divorce, it only makes sense that you’d connect with an experienced therapist to learn more. Reach out to learn more about depression treatment.

woman sitting in a car looking out the windshield

What Is Bipolar Depression?

When discussing or possibly addressing depression, understanding the distinctions is crucial. Everyone gets sad or feels down at times. This is normal and inevitable. Depression, on the other hand, is a diagnosable issue that requires treatment. So, that’s one huge distinction. Something else to keep in mind is that depression is often part of a separate condition called Bipolar Disorder (BP) — formerly known as Manic-Depressive Disorder.

Generally speaking, someone is diagnosed with BP if they experience a manic episode that lasts at least one week. In most cases, that same person will also struggle with depressive episodes. In this post, we’ll focus on Bipolar Depression.

About Those Manic Episodes

For the sake of context and contrast, I’ll start by sharing some of the many symptoms of a BP manic episode:

  • Thoughts are racing
  • Talking rapidly and non-stop
  • Displaying extreme excitement and happiness
  • Restlessness
  • Behaving impulsively in ways that can be self-harming, e.g. risky sex, quitting your job, and substance abuse
  • Feeling so energized that you do not sleep
  • Formulating unattainable plans with unrealistic goals
  • Seeing yourself as important or famous
  • In extreme instances, a BP manic episode can produce hallucinations and delusions

Contrast That With Signs of a BP Depressive Episode

In order to be considered a BP depressive episode, the person in question must experience a depressed mood virtually every day over (at least) a two-week time period. In particular, during these two weeks (or more), the person must display a marked loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. For example, someone may love riding their bicycle but suddenly now never leaves the house.

Other symptoms of a BP Depressive episode may include:

  • Overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness, or shame
  • Lacking energy and motivation
  • Irritability with occasional angry outbursts
  • Sleep disturbances ranging from too much to insomnia
  • Appetite swings from more to less and back — with subsequent weight gain or loss
  • Unable to concentrate or make decisions
  • Sorrow that causes unpredictable and uncontrollable crying spells
  • Self-harm
  • Thoughts of death, dying, or suicide

woman sitting in a car looking out the windshieldSigns like this, in conjunction with manic episodes, make it advisable to seek advice from a medical professional. One of the first things to find out is if there are factors that would rule out BP as a likely diagnosis. For example, substance abuse, a legal medication, or side effects of an existing medical condition could each be playing a role.

Can You Have a Mixed Episode?

Unfortunately, yes, you can. A mixed episode would see a person juggling depressive and manic symptoms simultaneously. Imagine, for example, feeling super high energy while experiencing a spiral of negative thoughts.

Other Things to Know About Bipolar Disorder

  • As many as 3 percent of Americans (close to 6 million) have BP
  • It impacts people of all ages but the average onset age is 25
  • Men and women are diagnosed at roughly equal rates
  • Women with BP tend to endure more depressive episodes than men
  • BP is diagnosed via physical exam, medical history, and blood tests aiming to rule out other conditions

The exact cause of BP is not yet known. Genetic factors are highly suspected to play a big role. In addition, stressful events have been seen to trigger either manic or depressive episodes.

Getting Treatment for Bipolar Depression

There is currently no cure for BP but treatment can ease symptoms dramatically. In some cases, medication is prescribed (mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants). But talk therapy combined with self-management steps has a solid track record of effective relief. If you or someone you know may be struggling with Bipolar Disorder, I invite you to reach out soon. Let’s get you set up with a free and confidential consultation for depression treatment.

road covered in snow

How To Help Seasonal Depression

When someone talks about enjoying a “nice day,” the safe assumption is that they are not referring to the dead of winter. The days are shorter and the weather practically dares you to go outside. Most people would not list winter as their favorite season. For some folks, however, it goes deeper than that. They suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a form of depression that is triggered by changes in season. It can impact people in the summer but it is primarily a disorder of the dark, cold winter. It could relate to our body’s circadian rhythm and/or hormones. Whatever the cause, SAD should be taken seriously.

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The symptoms will mimic Major Depressive Disorder except that they relate specifically to a time of year. SAD can make you feel sad — every day for most of the day. Other common signs may include but not be limited to:

  • A chronic sense of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt
  • No longer wanting to partake in activities you once really enjoyed
  • Loss of libido
  • Appetite changes and possible weight gain
  • Sleeping too much but still feeling fatigued and low energy
  • Restlessness
  • Inability to concentrate, focus, or make decisions
  • Thoughts of self-harm, death, dying, or suicide

It’s believed that about five percent of Americans struggle with SAD but that number could be as high as 20 percent. Again, with those numbers and those symptoms, SAD should be taken seriously.

road covered in snowHow to Help Seasonal Depression

For starters, you will want to consciously make positive choices. Find activities that make you feel hopeful; choose options that will lead to laughter and smiles. For example:

  • Keep a gratitude journal and refer to it often
  • Seek out funny videos
  • Take regular screen breaks (TV, phone, desktop, etc.)
  • Get yourself a pen pal
  • Make friends with your neighbors
  • Help others (humans and non-humans in need)

A Few More Steps You Can Take to Address SAD

  • Actively maintain social connections: Don’t postpone a phone call or visit. Go out of your way to connect with others beyond the realm of texts and social media.
  • Basic self-care: You will want to stay physically active, maintain regular sleep patterns, and make healthy eating choices. This daily commitment will sustain you more than you may realize. Ideally, even if it’s cold, spend some time outside — especially if the sun is out. Combine your physical activity with your outdoor time.
  • Be creative: Cultivate new hobbies and interests. As often as you can, find ways to express yourself creatively in the process. This could be music, art, writing, painting, or anything else that calls to you and lift your spirits.
  • Set up routines: Add some structure to your life. You’ll get more done and this will make you feel more satisfied and optimistic.
  • Develop relaxation techniques: What relaxes you? It could be a warm bath, a good book, a mellow song, etc. Make a list and be kind to yourself often! Perhaps most importantly, practice mindfulness. Stay as present as possible without dwelling on everything you hate about the winter.

Coping With Depression is Not a Solo Act

Depression of any kind is a diagnosable disorder. Therefore, it requires the support of a skilled professional. Meeting regularly with a therapist is a proven path toward managing Seasonal Affective Disorder. You will:

  • Learn all about the condition
  • Explore its underlying causes
  • Identify triggers
  • Develop new approaches for dealing with the winter

And this is just the start. If SAD has you feeling sad, we should talk soon. Let’s connect for a free consultation and get you on the path toward healing through depression treatment.

Coping With Depression as a Person of Color (POC)

Everyone feels sad at times. Life has its ups and downs and this can result in us getting the proverbial “blues.” As uncomfortable as this reality may be, it is normal and inevitable. However, for some folks, that depressed feeling just keeps returning. And it stays longer and longer each time.

For people of color (POC), this is a particularly common trend. For example, Black Americans make up less than 13 percent of the U.S. population. Meanwhile, they also comprise 20 percent of those struggling with depression. It’s time we take a closer look.

Depression and POC

People of any ethnic background or nationality can be at risk for depression if, for example:

  • There’s a history of mental illness in their family
  • They deal with chronic stress
  • They do not practice healthy habits when it comes to nutrition, sleep, and exercise

For POC, you can add to that list by including trauma — both current and generational. The POC community has a long history of unresolved grief, discrimination, and loss. This can be a daily reality. In addition, it is believed that the impact of long-term racism can be passed down via DNA.

Being judged solely on the color of your skin sets a person (and a community) up for the draining daily process of navigating a hostile environment. People of color have to protect themselves, advocate for themselves, and soothe themselves.

Needless to say, this day-to-day effort takes a heavy toll on POC of all ages. It can and has been shown to contribute to a higher incidence of major depressive disorder.

Common Depression Symptoms

Physical

  • Dramatic changes in appetite
  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Unexplained aches, pains, and muscle tension
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Digestive issues
  • Fatigue

Psychological

  • Feeling hopeless, empty, shameful, and guilty
  • Persistent sadness
  • Inability to focus, concentrate, or make decisions
  • Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed (including sex)
  • Thoughts of death, dying, and suicide

Coping With Depression as a Person of Color

Do Not Accept the Myths

Just because POC have historically overcome incredible hardship, it does not mean you can’t struggle today. One has literally nothing to do with the other. In your current situation — and with the likelihood of generational trauma — you do not have to explain or justify your pain to anyone. Depression is not a “weakness.” It’s a diagnosable disorder that requires professional help — just like any medical condition.

Do Not Accept the Guilt Trips

Also, there has long been a stigma within the church about mental health care. If you are a person who follows a certain religion, you may be hesitant to do so. Seeking treatment for something like depression is seen as a lack of faith. Remember:

  • Getting mental health treatment is not a rejection of your faith
  • No one can just “snap out of it”
  • Again, depression is not a sign of weakness
  • True strength lies in asking for help

That said, there is absolutely no reason that you can’t take parallel approaches. Reach out to a therapist and to someone in your church who understand mental health.

Connect Within Your Community

Increasingly, people of color are recognizing the realities of depression. It’s never been easier to connect — in person or online — with folks who get it. They get the mental struggle of depression and the daily struggle of systemic racism. In such a community, you can find solace, solidarity, and validation.

Let’s Connect and Talk Soon

There are so many moving parts in this conversation. Each of them — e.g. mental health, generational trauma, chronic discrimination, cultural norms, and more — can and must be addressed. I urge you to reach out. Let’s schedule you for a free consultation and get you on the road to recovery with depression therapy.

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4 Lesser-Known Indicators of Depression

“I feel depressed.”  For many of us, this is not a rare phrase to hear (or say). However, in a clinical sense, being “depressed” refers to a diagnosable mental health issue. Clinical depression is a common disorder and it means much more than feeling sad or blue. It presents some very obvious symptoms — and some lesser-known indicators, too.

Not many people associate depression with, say, reckless driving or risky sexual behavior. But these are just some of the possible signs. Therefore, one of the most important steps to take in dealing with depression is becoming familiar with its less obvious symptoms.

4 Lesser-Known Indicators of Depression

1. Substance Abuse

First and foremost, let’s be clear. Substance use disorders can be conditions and of themselves. However, abusing drugs or alcohol can be a dysfunctional way to self-medicate one’s depression. This is true even when a person doesn’t even realize they are depressed.

This is just one way that depression can go unrecognized. Also obscuring the connection is the reality that women are more prone to depression but men are more likely to self-medicate. In the end, while it temporarily numbs the emotions, eventually, substance abuse makes things feel worse.

2. Brain Fog

Across the board, studies show that depression has the potential to cause any or all of the following:

  • Memory issues, both working memory, and long-term
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Impaired decision-making skills
  • Forgetfulness
  • Slower than usual reaction times

There are many possible causes for such issues. Depression is one of them.

3. Weight Fluctuations

We typically assign weight changes to something physical. That’s partly why this sign flies under the radar in terms of depression. Another reason is that the symptoms can vary widely. Depression affects appetite. How it affects appetites is not easy to predict or identify. You could eat less and lose weight; eat more and lose weight; eat more and gain weight; or eat less and gain weight. What matters most is that two shifts are obvious: how much you eat and how much you weigh.

4. Anger

The general perception of someone with depression is of a lethargic, low-energy person. Meanwhile, different manifestations of anger are hallmarks of the disorder. It could range from impatience to irritability to aggression to rage. People may comment that the outburst was sudden or “out of nowhere” or “not like you.” This could be caused by depression feeling out of control. You grow ashamed of how you feel. Depression inspires guilt and fear. All these emotions need release somewhere.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I more easily irritated?
  • Do I get defensive when people ask me about myself?
  • Are people tiptoeing around me and avoiding me if possible?
  • Am I driving people away at the time I need help the most?

Caveats

All of the above can be symptoms of many other conditions. As mentioned, substance abuse is a disorder. So, step one is to avoid jumping to conclusions or hitting the panic button. Yes, it’s disturbing to experience angry outbursts, unexplained weight loss, or loss of memory. Such occurrences cannot be ignored but almost certainly can be explained. A good starting point for improved awareness and understanding? Contact a mental health professional to talk about depression.

Depression is Treatable

We have worked with many people who were dealing with depression but didn’t realize it. If you think this might be happening to you, we can help.

The best way to start feeling better — whatever the cause — is to ask for help. With that in mind, we invite you to reach out and connect. Let’s schedule you for a safe and confidential consultation. We can talk about what you’re feeling. We can also begin a conversation about depression treatment and possible underlying causes. We’re here to help you live the life you want and deserve.

 

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6 Typical and Uncommon Causes of Depression

It cannot be overstated. Clinical depression is much more than a brief interlude of feeling sad or down. Deeper than “the blues” depression is a diagnosable mental health disorder that is growing in prevalence. It is very serious but fortunately, also very treatable. Being aware of the causes of depression is a strong step in understanding and addressing this common disease.

6 Typical Causes of Depression

1. Biology and Genetics

While all the specific mechanisms remain under debate, there is no denying the role of these two factors. Research studies have found changes in the brains of people with depression. In addition, depression does seem to run in families.

2. Trauma, Abuse, and Grief

Certain events (like physical and emotional abuse) can result in both trauma and grief. These two factors, in turn, dramatically increase the likelihood of a person experiencing a major depressive disorder.

3. Age

The older we get, the higher our risk of depression. For the elderly, therefore, the risk is highest — perhaps due to isolation and failing health.

4. Gender

In a male-dominated culture, it may come as no surprise that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. As #3 explains, this incidence increases with age.

5. Chronic Medical Conditions

There are some chronic illnesses that cannot be controlled via lifestyle choices like exercise and diet. Dealing with such a frustrating condition has predictably been found to cause depression in some patients.

6. Major Life Events

Unlike like #2 above, these events may actually be positive (relocation, promotion, the birth of a child, etc.). The key is that they are major and thus, capable of overwhelming us.

6  Causes of Depression You Might Not Recognize

1. Weather

Perhaps you are already familiar with something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Most people associate this condition with a cold, dark winter. However, a small percentage of SAD sufferers are reacting to the unbearable heat of summer.

2. Location

Many variations exist in this category, but the most common is the daily stress of urban life. Dwelling in a city carries with it a 39 percent higher risk of mood disorders than living in rural regions.

3. Sleep Deprivation

This one is on the rise and will soon be moved to the “common causes of depression” list. Lack of sleep negatively impacts brain function. In turn, this puts you at risk for depression.

4. Thyroid Issues

If your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, you may be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. A side effect of this condition is depression.

5. Social Media

Especially for teens and pre-teens, this factor is on the rise. Social media overload can create self-esteem problems and hamper real-life interactions. Over time, this may result in depression.

6. Binge-Watching

When anything good comes to an end, we can feel bad. These days, the concept of binge-watching TV shows has taken this to a dangerous new level. When our favorite shows end after we watch all 10 episodes in a row, it leaves us empty and lost — and susceptible to depression.

Getting Help

The catch-22 of depression is that it puts us in an emotional state from which it is difficult to find hope. We might shrug off symptoms and sink deeper into them. We may not accept the many, many causes of depression. However, anyone who finds that a depressive episode is seriously impacting their life should seek help. This might mean a negative impact on:

  • Family life
  • Career/Finance
  • Health
  • Relationships
  • Social and Leisure Time
  • Basic Daily Functioning

Resist the urge to downplay this situation for yourself or others in your life. Reaching out to an experienced health professional is a necessary step for complete recovery. In some cases, it can be a life-saving step. Please read more about depression treatment and contact us soon for a consultation.

depression treatment

Toxic Positivity: What It Is & How It Can Fuel Depression

Encouraging someone to stay positive can often be what they need to hear. Sometimes, though, it can be the exact opposite. Everything in moderation applies to positivity, too. If we’re too focused on positivity, we can find ourselves smothering emotions we need to process.

Positivity can become especially toxic if it’s offered as a cover-up or if it’s used to make someone be quiet. This is rarely done with malice. Most of the time, it’s an attempt by that person to avoid the discomfort of being around someone who’s experiencing negative emotions. It’s important for us to acknowledge all of our emotions, though, even the negative ones.

Toxic Positivity: What Is It?

The definition of toxic positivity reads as “an overgeneralization of a happy, optimistic state that results in the denial, minimization, or invalidation of authentic human emotional experiences.” To put it simply, toxic positivity is denying the existence of negative emotions and their validity. A few signs of toxic positivity include:

  1. Masking how you really feel
  2. Telling yourself or others to “get on with it”
  3. Dismissing emotions as irrelevant
  4. Minimizing someone’s experience with “feel good” statements
  5. Shaming someone for their emotions, including yourself
  6. Chastising someone for expressing a negative emotion
  7. Refusing to acknowledge that something is bothering you or someone else
  8. Giving someone your unrequested perspective like, “At least it’s not as bad as…” or, “It could be so much worse!”

Why Toxic Positivity is Harmfuldepression treatment

Understanding why toxic positivity is harmful can help you better understand how to deal with it. This insight can also help you better acknowledge negative emotions. Some reasons that toxic positivity is detrimental include the following:

Shaming What’s Natural

Negative emotions aren’t bad emotions. They’re very normal and they’re necessary. Shame can be damaging to the spirit. It’s one of the most uncomfortable emotions we can feel. Judging someone for feeling negative emotions can shame them into silence. We force them into secrecy and invalidate their experience.

Emotional Suppression

Shaming can also cause emotional suppression. This means someone may hide or deny feelings to others and themselves. As a result, stress is stored in the body. It can actually increase how difficult it is to cope with distressing feelings.

Also, shame encourages sufferers to present themselves in inauthentic ways. We call this “masking.” It is much healthier to practice acceptance. Then feelings are actually processed, not stuffed or buried not lock them away. That’s how they can become a ticking emotional time bomb.

Isolation

Being told constantly to cheer up or look on the bright side causes us to feel unseen. Fewer things are more devastating to a human than isolation. We are naturally social creatures. Our minds need genuine connection and socialization to function at their best. Living with the sense that they need to be perpetually happy to be around others is exhausting. Eventually, this may cause some people to withdraw.

How Toxic Positivity Fuels Depression

Minimizing someone’s feelings when they’re battling depression is not supportive or encouraging. They’re already struggling with dark moods, low self-esteem, and the strain their depression puts on their relationships. Invalidating that experience just makes things that much more difficult. Even if we say things with the best intentions, it can still cause significant harm.

It’s important to help someone with depression feel like they aren’t alone. But platitudes like “Keep your head up,” make it sound like their experience is a passing phase. It very likely is not. Instead, be an active listener and an authentic shoulder to lean on. It’s more helpful to encourage them to find care.

 

We’re here to help. Please reach out and connect. Let’s schedule you for a safe and confidential consultation. We can talk about what you’re feeling. We can also begin a conversation about depression treatment and possible avenues for support.

Terria McGee, MSW, LICSW

Terria McGee, MSW, LICSW terria@affinitypsych.com

Terria is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She works with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. She is all about “meeting you where you’re at” to build a relationship and explore life’s difficulties. She is committed to be there with you on your journey towards healing, strength, and hope for the future.

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Why You Might Need More Than Self-Help to Deal with Depression

Everyone gets down at times. It’s a normal part of living. You may even use the word “depressed” to describe your state of mind. Depression — with a capital D — is a common diagnosable mental health disorder that requires professional intervention. It’s treatable and such treatment can be supplemented with self-help steps.

Someone who is feeling blue might be able to rely on self-help to alter their mood. A person diagnosed with a depressive disorder needs much more. With all this as a preface, let’s examine some effective self-help options before digging into a psychological approach called psychodynamic therapy.

Common Self-help Suggestions for Depression

  • Acceptance: Understanding where you are and how common this disorder is
  • Set Realistic Goals: Work with your depression instead of against it
  • Talk Back to Your Inner Voice: Depression loves to tell sad tales but you can create counter-narratives
  • Let Others Know How You Feel: Do not struggle alone
  • Create Routines: Structure is Your friend
  • Help Others: Studies show that acts of kindness are effective at balancing out the depression
  • Practice Self-Care: Safeguard your daily habits, e.g. eating, sleeping, and physical activity

All of the above (and more), can be useful in complementing a treatment like psychodynamic therapy.

What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

There are three main types of therapies for depression:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
  • Psychodynamic Therapy

The first two focus on certain behaviors and thought patterns. They are short-term approaches that aim to develop new patterns. Conversely, Ppsychodynamic therapy seeks to find out why your dysfunctional patterns exist in the first place. It’s open-ended and very much influenced by Freudian psychoanalysis. Psychodynamic therapy may involve more than one session per week.

How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Work For Depression?

The process centers on a freewheeling conversation with your therapist. Nothing is off-limits and the therapist learns about the client from their growing relationship. For example, with a depressed client, the psychodynamic therapist will then learn firsthand how the symptoms of depression create interpersonal dynamics and issues.

During the open-ended discussions, several areas of focus will be explored, e.g.

Recognizing Defense Mechanisms

To dig down the root causes of the problems, it is necessary to work past the client’s defense mechanisms. These are methods by which the client avoids dealing with subjects they deem to be difficult or uncomfortable.

Acknowledge the Range of Emotions

Depression involves a wide range of feelings — from sadness to anger to dissociation to grief and beyond. These emotions must be explored and understood. Almost certainly, the client will become aware of feelings they hadn’t previously been aware of. This process empowers the client to start doing the same on their own. They begin to better comprehend the connections between current feelings and past experiences.

Identifying and Addressing Patterns

All of us have habits and behaviors that seem invisible but very much impact our lives. Psychodynamic therapy helps drag these patterns out into the light. Talking with the therapist is about where and how the patterns are revealed to both participants. Naturally, this helps return the focus to past events that may have contributed to the behaviors currently holding the client back.

Another pattern to consider involves fantasy life. What does the client dream about? What does the client daydream about? How does a fantasy life play a role in daily life?

Self-Help + Psychodynamic Therapy

The parallel tracks of self-care and therapy combine to expedite the recovery process. This healing journey commences with you learning more about depression therapy and reaching out to learn more about how it all works. Let’s connect and work together to free you from the confines of depression.