That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end. The fog is like a cage without a key
- Elizabeth Wurtzel
If anxiety is like “feeling everything all at once”, depression is the inverse. It’s feeling nothing, all the time, with (what feels like) no end in sight. With depression, life might feel empty, hopeless, unchanging, and alone. And the afflicted blame themselves for their suffering, courtesy of the shame and guilt that accompany depression. Physically, the symptoms make it hard to function. Low motivation, fatigue, appetite shifts, and body aches all make relationships challenging. Basic tasks such as getting out of bed feel like running a marathon, making it hard to manage your life.
It doesn’t have to be this way forever. You CAN overcome the darkness of depression and begin experiencing life again. Days can be filled with energy and motivation rather than tearfulness and shame. You can be the friend, partner, employee, parent, etc. that you want to be. Depression, though complex, is highly treatable.
Psychotherapy can be an effective way to get out of the grips of depression. Whether you are dealing with lifelong depression, postpartum depression, depression following a major change, loss, or experience, or even depression that feels inexplicable to you, talking to someone can be a powerful first step. Often with depression, without realizing it, we have internalized negative messages and narratives about ourselves. The relational component of therapy can be a powerful way to re-write some of these negative narratives using self-compassion, while also exploring our patterns under the guidance of polyvagal and attachment theory.
If depression is taking away from your quality of life, it is time to reach out for support.
Contact me with any initial questions or to setup a free,
15 minute phone consultation to see if therapy is the right fit for you.