Depression
Have you been feeling sad, empty or hopeless?
Have you lost interest in activities that used to bring you joy?
Are you having feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or recurrent thoughts of death?
If these questions resonate with you or someone you care about, depression could be the reason.
Why does someone get depressed? Is depression common?
Life brings many unexpected joys. Yet it brings unexpected struggles as well. Adjusting to a major life experience, such as having a new baby, losing a loved one, or coping with a medical illness can lead some of us to experience depression. A family history of depression, experiencing a traumatic event, and certain psychological factors can place you at risk for the onset of adult depression.
You are not alone. Depression is a common mood disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 17.3 million adults in the United States have experienced depression (7.1% of all adults in the country).
What are the signs of depression?
The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate clinical depression. These symptoms would be present every day, for most of the day, and for at least two weeks:
- Sad, empty, or hopeless mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities
- Irritability
- Significant weight loss or loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Tiredness, fatigue, low energy
- A sense of worthlessness
- Impaired ability to think, concentrate or make decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death
- *Suicidal ideation
- *Suicidal attempts
What type of therapy is used for depression?
Psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in helping clients struggling with depression. Different types of psychotherapy can be helpful, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), to name a few of the main approaches. In some cases, clients utilize medication and psychotherapy together to feel better.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression, there is hope.
Our caring therapists at CFCE are here to offer you a safe, supportive therapeutic environment. Our goal is to help you discover the cause of your depression, develop a personalized course of treatment, and provide evidence-based psychotherapy to help you decrease, manage, and reduce depression. We’ll help you focus on your strengths and find positive coping strategies that work for you.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via phone or our Contact Us page. We are here for you.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
If you’ve ever had that feeling of being down or more sluggish as the days get shorter and colder, well, you’re not alone. It could be more than just “winter blues.” It might be Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD—a type of depression that commonly happens during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often starting in the late fall and lasting through the winter. It’s more than just feeling a bit sad or tired—SAD can impact your mood, sleep, energy levels, and even your ability to enjoy life. Common symptoms include:
• Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Low energy and fatigue
• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
How Therapy Can Help SAD
If you feel that you may be suffering from SAD, it can be very helpful to talk to a therapist. It provides a supportive environment to understand and explain feelings, trace the ups and downs of moods, and find techniques to get through the hard times. Our therapists can work with you to:
1. Understand Your Symptoms: We’ll help you recognize the signs of SAD and how it’s affecting your life.
2. Develop Coping Strategies: We’ll work with you on a plan that, where appropriate, involves light therapy, lifestyle changes, and other methods that will help to get your mood and energy boosted again.
3. Address Underlying Issues: Sometimes, SAD can bring up or intensify feelings related to other areas of your life. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these emotions and work through them.
4. Prevent Future Episodes: By understanding your triggers and developing solid coping skills, we can help you reduce the severity of SAD in future seasons.
At CFCE, we understand that everyone’s experience with SAD is unique. Our team of compassionate therapists is here to support you through the challenges of seasonal depression with personalized care. If it’s your first time or you have been struggling with SAD for years, we want to help you find relief and take back control over your life.
Don’t let the seasons dictate your mood. Contact us today for an appointment and you’ll be one step closer to feeling better.
*Suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts should never be ignored. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe depression and is in immediate danger of self-harm or harm to others, and/or suicidal attempt or ideation, do not hesitate to call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
Additional support is also available:
- National Suicide Preventions Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741)
- Lifeline for the deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889
- Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800- 273-8255, press “1”