Depression Therapy.

• Are you feeling stuck, hopeless in a cloud of pessimism?

• Have you lost interest in things you once enjoyed?

• Do you lack meaning and purpose?

It is normal to have some sad days. We all have times we struggle. If you find that yourself battling the seasonal blues or irritable feelings are occurring frequently or daily you may need some help. When you feel that your sense of humor is stuck, that your emotions are somehow always dark, and pessimistic this is reason to be concerned. Are you having challenges completing daily tasks or frequently late to work because you can't get out of bed? You need your hope restored. There are life events that are challenging to encounter like the loss of a career or promotion. These events can feel overwhelming. There are times we need a bit more help to restore our joy.

Let's consider a few of the many symptoms of depression, or as I call them joy stealers. Have you lost pleasure in doing things you once daily relished? Maybe you have noticed changes in your mood, relationships, a diminished sexual drive. Has your appetite or sleeping patterns changed recently? Some of you may have new difficulty maintaining your concentration and feel like you are in a fog. Do you or your teen have sustained irritability? Have you begun using compensatory behaviors like over-eating, drug or alcohol use to cope with your emotions? Do you feel stuck, in a way that just does not seem to improve? Depression causes you to withdraw and self-isolate. Counseling can help you understand why you have these emotions and you make sense of them.

There are those times or events that trigger a greater depth of pain, sorrow and despair. If you have a significant life event like divorce, the death of someone you love, or a cancer diagnosis; it can feel unbearable. These situations can trigger our deepest emotions and derail our life purpose. Well meaning friends may say “there is nothing that can separate us form the love of God.” Although you may believe in God , You hurt. Yet no matter what your faith tradition, these life events may cause you to feel such a lack of hope. You can get trapped in the unanswerable “why” and be set adrift in your faith. The question of suffering is not easily resolved. You may feel that some life event has shaken you to your core. When these times come I walk alongside you to generate hope. People of all faith traditions are welcome. At Restore Grace Counseling I offer that much needed assurance that the steps we take together are meaningful and have forward momentum. Depression therapy treatment looks at these deepest pains to find wholeness.

It is crucial when a person is feeling overwhelmed they have the tools they need handy when they need them. I do out-patient depression therapy. If you are feeling at risk here are resources.

In a crisis now go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. The Greeley, Colorado crisis center is 970-347-2120 and the State of Colorado hot line is 844-493-8225.

You matter. You are precious. There is hope.

Depression Treatment is A Common Concern.

Depression causes people to feel desperate longing for solutions. There are many factors that contribute to the development of depressive episodes such as environment, genetics, biological, and psychological components. In 2017, the NIMH reported that “4.5% of all U.S. Adults and 13.3% of teens ages 12-17 suffer from a major depressive episode.” Depression causes you to feel isolated, misunderstood and therefore reluctant to seek the help you need. The truth is, 59% of those who reach out for depression counseling benefit from their depression treatment.

Depression is an internal process with complex parts. People may not know the pain you are feeling inside unless you tell them. If celebrities like Captain America I mean Chris Evans, Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Ellen Degeneres, Jim Carrey, Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie-Pitt, rapper Eminem, and Kristen Bell can admit that they struggle with depression, you can too. I hope you will ask for what you need. If you have been doing something and it is not working. Do something different and get help, healing. If the life bumps you are feeling mean you need some new tools. So when you hit these bumps inn life what is your choice? Do you change the way you drive or do you buy a new car? My encouragement is to choose hope.

Depression Therapy Can Help You.

My office is a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental place for you to unpack that problem. During your first few sessions you will have an opportunity to share your story, the ways that symptoms of depression are impacting your life, your work or education and your goals. As you define what brought you to therapy we will create a map of what to address first and what treatments might work best for you. I offer to assist you in your healing journey. I use the latest scientific evidenced based treatments customized to your needs. When we make a change in our lives it affects how we respond to others, our roles, and the boundaries we draw. These are examples of the importance of family systems work. Depression therapy includes things you may already be doing at home like exercise, prayer & meditation, or light therapy for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You need your own plan for any type of depression therapy.

My goal for you is to not just solve the problem but equip you with skills for unexpected future life events. I believe you need to learn the how, the when and to whom you can reach for support when it matters. This is why I teach you stress reduction exercises, self-soothing, and relaxation techniques. For me skill building happens in that first session. Each session is building on the last. As I work with you each week you will gain much needed courage, and hope to address the challenges of your past, present and future. If shame, fear, and worries come up; we will work through them so that your future is not frozen and distress is no longer welcome in your body. I feel the most important part of doing depression counseling techniques is not the modality chosen but your trust in me as your therapist. This is the reason I offer a free consultation. Together, as treatment begins, we will invite in hope.

I will be focusing on the integration of emotions and your presenting problem. My encouragement is to take a deep breath. Slowly blow out the frustrations of the past and breathe in all the potential you have yet to imagine. It is there. I believe you can do all that you need to do.

You May Have Some Questions.

You may have been told to seek only one type of therapy or a specific medication. Maybe you have started a medication. You may be wondering after 3 days why it is not working yet? Others of you may know that the multiplied benefits of medications in tandem with psychotherapy improve treatment success. Just as there is no “one pill” for every condition there is not one depression therapist or universal therapy to best treat you. Just so you know, psychotherapists do not prescribe medications or tell you how long you will need them. We do coordinate with your physicians so they understand how through our weekly sessions your mind and body are responding. Meanwhile, you gain coping skills which advance your personal goals. So let's explore the parts that you can effect.

Medications vs Natural Considerations.

Have I done everything I can do before I try medications? It is important to evaluate the root cause of your depression. Let's be scientific and look at all the facts. Sometimes people need medication for a chemical imbalance. Not every one needs long term or short term medication to get them through the symptoms they are experiencing now. I offer to begin the process of sorting though your specific symptoms, possible root causes and offering treatment suggestions that fit you. You get to choose the best options for you and your family. That is, a decision to begin medications is ultimately for you and your physician or psychiatrist. While you may be waiting to get an appointment, we can begin to discuss the natural depression treatment options that may offer relief. Just to clarify therapists are not licensed to prescribe medications but not everyone needs them.

Is Depression Therapy Treatment Expensive?

The simplest answer is you matter and are worth the investment. Depression affects your body, mind, spirit, and soul. Noted by changes in diet, weight, sleep, work productivity, concentration, ability to experience relaxation, and the ability engage in meaningful relationships. You are a worthwhile investment. You get to decide how to best improve your quality of life.

Depression Therapy: Take Your Life Back.

If this information has stirred up your readiness to begin depression therapy, I welcome your call. I offer a free face to face consultation for individual clients. Call Gena Hepworth LCSW.