What is Depression?

 Depression is a prolonged feeling of sadness, apathy, or the blues that lasts for more than two weeks at a time.  It tends to impact a person’s social life, their relationships and their career.  They may experience negative thinking and beliefs about themselves, the world or others.

Signs and symptoms of Depression

• Feeling sad, down, hopeless, lost, or overwhelmed

• Crying more often

• Feeling exhausted, having no energy or no motivation

• Feeling irritable or restless

• Eating too little or too much

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Trouble focusing, remembering, and making decisions

• Feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness (“I can’ do anything right”)

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

• Withdrawal from friends and family - isolation

• Loss of interest in hygiene like taking a shower, brushing hair, getting dressed

• Physical symptoms of depression such as increased chronic pain, or more headaches

Causes of Depression

 There is no single cause of depression and each person experiences depression differently.  However, the most common reason depression arises is the combination of genes and environment.  Many people have a genetic predisposition to depression but do not express this gene until a stressor occurs.  Stressors that can trigger depression include work stress, new parenthood, divorce, isolation, new or worsening health conditions, grief and more.

Therapy for Depression

Psychotherapy is a way to treat depression without medication.  I use careful assessment and evidence-based therapy skills to create a tailored treatment plan for you.  I use counseling treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy.  I also help to process the events in your life that brought you to therapy and take an active role in problem solving these issues with you.  While many people struggle with depression, with therapy you no longer need to struggle alone. Contact me for online services in the Omaha and greater Nebraska area.

Typical outcomes of Therapy for Depression

Therapy is a highly effective treatment for depression.  In fact, this is one of the most treatable mental health conditions I see.  Almost all evidence-based therapy skills are catered to depression.  You should start feeling some initial relief within several weeks if you engage with the coping skills provided in session.

FAQ

How long will it take to for therapy to treat my depression?

Each person differs, but a standard episode of care can be anywhere from 4 weeks to about 6 months. 

Who is affected most by depression?

Depression is more common in women than men but this is likely due to atypical presentation of depression in men (it can present with irritability, pain, fatigue, loss of interest in intimacy and numbness).  Depression affects people of all ages, ethnicities and cultural groups.

What is the most effective treatment for depression?

Many studies show that evidence-based psychotherapy and medication management in combination are the most effective treatments for depression.