Therapy for Depression
Depression Hurts. Therapy Can Help.
Depression hurts, mentally and physically. But how can we tell depression from the typical ups and downs we all experience in life? What’s depression and what’s just a normal reaction to *gestures around* all this?
If you’re like many of our clients, this question might be holding you back from seeking out therapy. Life is hard. We’ve got climate change and pandemics and violence and inequality to deal with. Our workplaces are toxic, and no one seems to get enough sleep. If I’m sad and unmotivated, doesn’t that just make sense?
These are good questions! Psychology has historically seen depression as an individual problem, giving too little attention to the external factors that contribute. But depression is a multifaceted problem, with roots in our biology, life experiences, and environment. The world around us has a profound impact on our mental health.
Signs of Depression
Other common signs of depression include:
- Difficulty feeling pleasure in the things you normally enjoy
- A desire to withdraw or isolate from others
Changes in sleep patterns, like sleeping too much or too little - Increase or decrease in appetite, or digestive problems
- Thoughts of death, suicide, or not wanting to wake up
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Physical pain or heaviness
- Feelings of hopelessness or apathy
- Excessive guilt and feelings of worthlessness
- Problems with concentration or attention
- Difficulty getting through day-to-day tasks
Depression is a common mental health problem that many of us struggle with throughout our lifetimes. A variety of treatments, including therapy and medication, help millions of people feel better and improve their quality of life.
But it’s also true that you don’t need to be clinically depressed for your struggle to be valid. If life is feeling heavy or it’s hard to get through the day, you deserve support. Caring for your mental health proactively can help to prevent depression as well!
Depression Therapists with Current Openings
There’s no good reason to struggle through depression without support. Our stellar team is ready to help, with therapy online throughout California and New York.
Working with a Stella Nova Depression Therapist Can Help
No, therapy can’t change the world that we live in, and it can’t change painful past experiences.
But it can help us figure out our place in it, and support us in building lives that are more meaningful and engaged. It can also help us find relief from symptoms that are making our daily lives harder. We’re here to help you start feeling like yourself again. (Or maybe even for the first time!)
If you’re curious about learning more, the first step is to sign up for a free, 20-minute phone consultation with our Intake Specialist. She’ll help match you with the best therapist for your needs, goals, and preferences. We’re currently offering therapy online throughout California and New York.
Set Up A Free 20-Minute Phone Consultation and Get Matched with a Stella Nova Therapist Today
It’s free, friendly, and 100% no obligation to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does depression feel like?
Depression doesn’t always feel like overwhelming sadness. It can also show up as hopelessness or a loss of interest in things and activities you once enjoyed. For some people, depression can feel like emptiness or irritability. Many people experience physical symptoms like heavy fatigue, problems with sleeping or eating, or aches and pains in the body.
If you think you might be depressed but aren’t sure, a therapist or doctor can diagnose you. You can also take a screening online. This will not diagnose you with depression, but can help you decide whether to seek professional support.
Can depression be cured with therapy?
Depression becomes harder to treat the longer it goes untreated. So, if you’re on the fence about starting treatment, know that getting started today improves treatment success rates, and reduces the risk of depression becoming chronic.
How does therapy help with depression?
Therapy can help depression in a number of ways, including:
- Challenging and reframing negative or unhelpful thought patterns
- Providing emotional support and connection
- Identify and address issues in relationships that are connected to depression
- Developing coping skills and self-care
- Address past experiences or traumas that are contributing to depression
- Support to build things that make your life meaningful and worthwhile
What does therapy for depression cost?
What other services do you offer?
Depression doesn’t always exist in alone, it can be connected with other issues and problems as well. Stella Nova’s team of therapists and psychologists can support you with a variety of concerns, including trauma, burnout, chronic health conditions, anxiety, and more. We also offer couples counseling for people of all genders.