Depression

Many people suffer from depression.  In The United States Alone, 16 million people suffer from a depressive episode each year (that’s almost 7% of the total population).  It does not discriminate by race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexuality, or religion.  When depression takes over you can lose your sense of purpose, identity, and self-worth.  Maybe your work isn’t fulfilling or you feel a lack of connection in your relationships.  If you are a student, you might be struggling to get to class and complete assignments.  The depressed voice in your head may shout things at you like: “You're not good enough!” “You're a failure!” “What is wrong with you that you can’t be happy?” You may feel different than the people around you, like no one can possibly understand your struggles. 

Depression, like any other condition, has a cause.  It’s not your fault!  Some people’s brains are genetically hardwired toward a more melancholic or existential thought process.  Some people have had very challenging lives since they were young and they have learned to expect the worst from life.  Perhaps you grew up in an invalidating or abusive family system, in an unsupportive social environment, or around unkind peers.  In other cases, depression is a reaction to current life stressors such as problems with work, relationships, illness or losing a loved one - all of which can erode your sense of optimism and hope for a brighter future.  

I’ve treated people of all ages suffering from depression: teenagers, young adults, career-aged people, and elders.  I find that deep within every person suffering from depression, there is a well of inner fortitude.  In our work together, we will dig deep to help you understand the reasons behind your depression, and will develop tools for combating feelings of shame and helplessness so that you can uncover the wisdom and resilience that you have within.