Depression is very common. Many people suffer from depression. Typically, someone who has depression will report sadness, pessimism, feelings of worthlessness, low energy and a lack of pleasure in daily life.
There are several different types of depression: major depression, dysthymia (chronic low-grade depression), seasonal affective disorder, and adjustment disorders. Depression may develop in response to significant life events, such as the death of a family member or friend, financial or work difficulties. Chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or kidney disease may also lead to depression.
Symptoms of Depression
No two people experience depression in the same exact way. Symptoms of depression include fatigue, low self esteem, appetite changes, poor concentration, insomnia or excessive sleeping, irritability and sadness. Depression can be a challenging illness to live with, but there are some excellent treatment options available. You don’t have to go through depression alone. Depression can be treated. I am available to support you as you work to leave depression behind.
Treatments for Depression
There are many types of therapies for treating depression including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal therapy, and Mindfulness Intervention. I will tailor the therapy that is the most appropriate for your needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy. Research is clear that this form of behavioral therapy is extremely effective in helping with depression. During each visit, you and I will work together to develop and understand your thought patterns and behavioral habits that are associated with depression. The next phase of CBT focuses on helping you to implement the desired changes in both your cognitive and behavioral habits in order to form a new and healthy mindset. CBT is a technique that targets the way we think and / or the way we act. It is one of the best treatments for depression and is known for being one of the fastest ways to get results. CBT is a habit changing therapy that helps you to challenge negative thoughts. Problem feelings and trends are identified so that you can learn to deal with life in more effective ways.
Interpersonal Therapy
Another form of therapy I might use is interpersonal therapy. This therapy deals with relationships in your life and how they can contribute to depression. Ultimately, it helps people improve the relationships in their lives in order to relieve potential causes for depression. Areas where social problems are occurring are explored in depth. Examples include problems taking on new life roles or areas of disagreement with others about how those roles should be fulfilled.
Mindfulness Intervention
With some people, I use mindfulness intervention to facilitate the healing process. It provides a way of working with emotions at a very deep level. There are three phases of using mindfulness intervention in my treatment:
Recognition-The first phase, in which you learn to become aware of your negative thoughts and destructive patterns of thinking at a very deep level. In this phase, you will use Mindfulness Intervention to gain awareness of your thought processes and feelings. This enables you to track what is going on, and sets the stage for the second phase.
Change-The second phase involves letting go of old habits and incorporating new ideas where you deliberately attempt to try new ways of thinking about things in a way that is designed to reduce depression. I will guide you to develop new ways of thinking that are geared towards the problematic patterns identified in the Recognition Phase. You will continue to build awareness and reflect as you begin a process of change, and I will be there to support you as you adopt new ways of thinking.
Resolution-In the third phase, the Resolution phase, we’ll explore how the new ways of thinking are fitting in with your lifestyle. In practice, this is a very in-depth look at the way your thoughts evolved so that you can continue to pay attention to them and maintain therapeutic gains.