“I have been in therapy on and off for seven years trying to find help for my depression. I finally felt safe and understood with Dr. Hacker, and got to the root of the underlying issues of my depression.” (former female client, age 32)What is depression?
Depression is when you may experience feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. There may be no apparent reason you can put your finger on for why this is happening to you and need some help to cope with these feelings and physical symptoms. Even physical pain can be a part of depression. It literally hurts to have depression. Other people can’t see it, but you can feel it, and it can seriously impair your ability to live a happy and connected life. The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide. If you have feelings or thoughts of suicide, seek connection with a professional immediately.
Depression Symptoms
Some things you may experience if you are depressed are:
Anxiety
Apathy: (feeling nothing, numb, lack of motivation or drive), general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you used to like, moods that change quickly, or sadness
Sleep Difficulties: difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep, early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep
Whole body: changes in appetite such as excessive hunger, fatigue, loss of appetite, or restlessness
Behavioral: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, or social isolation
Cognitive: lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide
Weight: weight gain or weight loss
Also common: poor appetite or repeatedly going over thoughts
Depression recovery
There is good news for you if you suffer from depression. There are some very effective things we can do in therapy to facilitate recovery from depression such as looking a the root beliefs of what formed the depression and working to change the stories you make about yourself and your life.
A strong therapeutic relationship combined with tools and experience can help you heal from depression. Together, we can work with depression, sadness, grief, apathy, to help you gain a positive perception, a lighter feeling in your body, and renewed interest in your life and relationships. In some situations, medication may also be recommended and can be prescribed by a medical professional such as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatrist.
Treatment Options for Depression:
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
IFS (Internal Family Systems) is a way of working with the parts of you that are experiencing the depression, the stories about it, and the ways in which we protect our pain. Through Compassion, Curiosity, and Courage, this tool set works to help you heal. And, one of the best things about IFS, is that you can do some of it on your own at home, eventually reducing the need for therapy.
EMDR - facilitates reprocessing of negative beliefs and thoughts so that they no longer intrude in your everyday life.
Emotional Freedom Technique or tapping therapy - easily learned skills that can be used anytime anywhere to reduce anxiety, negative feelings (like sadness and loneliness), thoughts, and beliefs.
Energy work such as Reiki can reduce physical discomfort as well as promote relaxation and a sense of ease and emotional support.
Depression THERAPIST
It is very important you find the right therapist for you, and that you find one who actually does have the training and experience to help you heal. There are many people who have gone to school and have training as therapists. Finding the one who is the best match for you is important to the success of your healing journey. Look into the training and experience of anyone you choose to help you. Contact me for a free consultation
