DEPRESSION

Depression can be a passing thing: a response to a tragedy or to a personal loss. But a pervasive feeling of loss and sadness could be a sign of something deeper. Depression does not just mean “being sad.” It can manifest itself in many different forms, from changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, or difficulty concentrating, to feelings of worthlessness or thoughts of suicide. Depression is a common and serious mental health disorder that can cause a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms. These can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy, as well as changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.

If you are struggling with depression, therapy can be an effective way to address the underlying causes of your symptoms and develop coping skills to manage your mood. There are some of the different types of therapy that we utilize that can be helpful for depression, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all interconnected. This approach focuses on identifying and changing negative or distorted thoughts and beliefs that contribute to negative emotions and behaviors. CBT is a goal-oriented and problem-focused therapy, which means that it typically focuses on specific issues or problems that an individual is experiencing. This can include anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental health concerns.

  During CBT, a therapist will work with an individual to identify the thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to their symptoms, and help them to develop more realistic and helpful ways of thinking. This can involve a variety of techniques, such as journaling, challenging negative thoughts, and developing coping skills.

  CBT is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for a wide range of mental health concerns, and is supported by a large body of research. It is also a relatively short-term therapy, with many individuals experiencing significant improvement in symptoms after just a few sessions.

  Overall, cognitive behavioral therapy is a powerful tool for individuals looking to overcome mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in CBT to explore your treatment options.Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy aims to help individuals better understand their unconscious thoughts and feelings, and how they may be contributing to their depression.

• Mindfulness-based therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies are a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and respond to them in a more helpful way. This approach is based on the principles of mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

  There are several different mindfulness-based therapies, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies typically involve a combination of mindfulness practices, such as meditation and body awareness, and cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as identifying and challenging negative thoughts.

  Mindfulness-based therapies have been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and addiction. They can also help individuals to improve their emotional regulation, relationships, and overall well-being.

  In addition to their effectiveness in treating mental health concerns, mindfulness-based therapies are also generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. They can also be easily integrated into an individual's daily life, making them a sustainable and accessible treatment option.

• Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is a type of brief therapy that is focused on helping individuals identify and achieve their goals. This approach is based on the idea that individuals have the ability to solve their own problems and make positive changes in their lives, and that therapy can help to support this process.

  In SFT, a therapist works with an individual to identify their goals and develop a plan to achieve them. This can involve setting small, achievable goals and developing strategies to overcome obstacles and challenges. The therapist may also use techniques such as scaling (rating the current situation on a scale from 0 to 10) and exception-finding (identifying times when the problem was not present) to help the individual focus on their strengths and resources.

  SFT is considered to be a flexible and adaptable therapy, as it can be tailored to the individual's specific goals and needs. It is also a relatively short-term therapy, with many individuals experiencing significant improvement in symptoms after just a few sessions.

• Strengths-based therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and build on their strengths and resources. This approach is based on the idea that individuals have inherent strengths and abilities that can be used to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

  In strengths-based therapy, a therapist works with an individual to identify their unique strengths and abilities, and develop a plan to build on these strengths. This can involve setting small, achievable goals and developing strategies to overcome obstacles and challenges. The therapist may also use techniques such as solution-focused therapy and positive psychology to help the individual focus on their positive qualities and experiences.

  Strengths-based therapy is considered to be a flexible and adaptable therapy, as it can be tailored to the individual's specific goals and needs. It is also a relatively short-term therapy, with many individuals experiencing significant improvement in symptoms after just a few sessions.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that can help alleviate symptoms of depression. EMDR works by using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (e.g., sound, hand taps) to aid in the processing and elimination of negative thoughts and feelings from the brain. Studies have shown that this treatment can be helpful for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, anxiety disorders and major depressive episodes.Depression is a serious mental illness that can have a profound effect on every aspect of a person's life. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, therapy can be an effective way to manage depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, know that there is help available.

Living with depression can look like many different things. Some people feel sad, empty and hopeless; others may feel agitated or restless. Some people experience both feelings at once. Depression can also show up as negative thoughts about oneself, along with lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyable. The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person depending on the individual's personality, mental health history and life situation.

It is important to note that although everyone feels blue now and then, if you are experiencing moods that interfere with your day-to-day life for two weeks or more, therapy may be a good fit for you.

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK THERAPY?

If you are struggling with depression and have tried various self-help measures, including medication and lifestyle changes, therapy can be a good next step. Some people find that they need professional help to reach their goals for dealing with depression. Others may feel stuck in patterns of negative thinking or behavior and want someone else to help them move forward. Regardless of why you're considering therapy, it's important to choose wisely.

To get the most out of treatment, you'll want to find a therapist who is well trained in working with depression. I will help you build a strong support system within yourself to manage your depression in the long term and provide tools for day-to-day life skills.

I enjoy blending both Western and Eastern philosophies to provide a more holistic approach to treating depression. Holistic treatment focuses on the individual as a whole, rather than just the symptoms. This approach considers the person's physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as their social and spiritual wellbeing. Therapy can help you build a strong support system within yourself to manage your depression in the long term and provide tools for day-to-day life skills. Therapy will also allow you to gain insight into yourself, which is key to developing healthy thinking patterns and behaviors. In addition, therapy may give you the opportunity to practice techniques that will help you feel better in times of need.

Contact me today for questions or to schedule an appointment. You may call me at (562) 888-1856, or email me at any time at info@helencaldwell.org. I look forward to hearing from you.