First, let’s start off with the good news that depression may be preventable for many people especially when counseling is provided early. It is especially important to take proactive steps if you are aware that you have predisposing factors to depression & are feeling depressive symptoms for 2 weeks or more.

During counseling for depression, we can help you:

There are three basic ways to treat depression: psychotherapy, self-help, and medication. Many people respond best to a combination of two or more methods.

Depression is a serious illness, not a harmless part of life. It is a complex disorder with a variety of causes. It is never caused by just one thing. It may be the result of a mix of factors, including genetic, chemical, physical, and sociological. It is also influenced by behavior patterns learned in the family and by cognitive distortions.

If you are thinking about changing your life for the better, one way to start is by identifying your goals. You are probably hoping to find some version of happiness or emotional well-being. That might look like any combination of the following:

As therapists specializing in anxiety and depression, we often suggest to clients that they explore their feelings and thoughts by keeping a journal. Sometimes clients ask for a bit of direction with this process. Here are some journaling ideas if you’re not sure where to start:

Have you ever been invited to a party, and you were really looking forward to it?

Then the day comes of the party, and suddenly you don’t feel like going?

But, because you’re thoughtful and awesome (and you feel guilty), you don’t want to disappoint anyone, you end up going?

And end at the end, you found out you had a great time! Know what I mean?

It’s so hard to get moving sometimes isn’t it?