Depression

Are you struggling to find joy, energy, or hope?

• Do you feel a persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emotional emptiness?

• Do you experience a loss of interest or pleasure in almost everything you once enjoyed?

• Do you struggle with low energy or fatigue that isn't relieved by sleep?

• Do you find yourself irritable, angry, or restless more often than usual?

• Are you having thoughts that life isn't worth living, or thoughts of self-harm?

If the weight of sadness feels too heavy to bear, you're not alone. Depression is a common, treatable condition, not a personal failing. We offer a safe, supportive space to explore your feelings and find your path toward healing.

Understanding Depression

Unlike temporary sadness, clinical depression persists for at least two weeks and significantly interferes with daily life, including work, school, and relationships. It can be hard to understand where depression comes from, or what causes it. Often it can be a serious life changing event, or a series of disappointments that have accumulated and have resulted in forming negative core beliefs about self and life. Other times, depression can be a sign of untreated trauma. 

For some, depression can be masked through overworking, overachieving, or focusing on other people or goals. It can often be difficult for loved ones to notice depression in somebody else. And to top it all, depression can feel like a shameful thing to admit, especially if life appears to be “going well”.

It can be difficult to admit that depression is persistent for you, and that life is not as enjoyable as you wish it were. Perhaps life circumstances have caused these symptoms, and sometimes, life cannot easily be changed. If you are feeling hopeless about whether depression can be treated, you are not alone. One of the hardest things in the midst of depression is to ask for help. Any type of help or change can feel daunting, and because the world feels so grey, everything feels hopeless.

Finding a way forward - how to treat depression

The good news is that depression is highly treatable. Therapy provides the tools and support needed to challenge negative thought patterns and restore emotional balance.

It is important to find a therapist who understands you and is able to meet you where you are. Once you find a therapist who you feel truly "gets" you, and you see them as an ally helping you find your way out of the darkness, you are on your way to learning how to treat your depression.

Treatment can consist of a variety of therapeutic modalities that help you address the core of how depression started for you. Perhaps it started when you were a child and experienced trauma, whether through a series of small events or larger ones. Maybe depression began in adulthood as a result of a major failure, a loss, or other traumatic situations. Understanding when depression set in during your lifetime is helpful in building insight into why and how it surfaced.

At its core, depression involves underlying negative beliefs about yourself and the world that are fixed and rigid.

In therapy, you will learn to challenge these beliefs and use coping skills to manage the times when they are strong and threaten to take over your life. Treatment is tailored to your unique situation; it usually involves understanding how depression formed and learning how to dismantle the negative core beliefs that keep your depression active and prevent you from leading a life that you enjoy.

Evolve Counseling Group clinicians use a variety of proven methods for treating depression. We use evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as Relational Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Internal Family Systems and others. Our trained counselors will decide on the best treatment plan for your specific situation.

Working with a therapist at Evolve Counseling Group provides a structured, objective perspective, teaching you coping skills to manage symptoms and prevent future episodes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression

Is depression something I just have to live with?

Absolutely not. While managing depression can be a lifelong process for some, it is highly treatable. In therapy you can discover the reasons why you might be experiencing depression and you and your therapist can come up with a game plan to treat it. With the right therapeutic approaches, most people experience significant relief and can live fulfilling, joyful lives.

Depression often requires a holistic approach to treatment, meaning you may need to include other therapies in order to see the full benefits. Your therapist can often recommend several things you can do to begin to see relief from depression. Adhering to your treatment plan is important and will help you see results faster.

How long does therapy for depression last?

The duration varies based on the severity of your symptoms and the type of therapy used. your adherence to treatment. Sometimes depression can make it hard for you to stick to your treatment goals, and while this is understandable, the commitment required of you to trust in the professional you are working with and to push through the barriers caused by depression will significantly impact your success.

However, it is possible to see a reduction in symptoms right after your first session. Each individual responds differently to treatment, and the most important catalyst in improving your wellbeing is the relationship you have with your therapist. From there, multiple approaches can be used as well as additional therapies and support that can include medication and other holistic treatment. It is important to allow yourself the time to do important work in your counseling sessions and to collaborate effectively with your therapist.

How do I know if my sadness is clinical depression?

The biggest difference is persistence and impact. If your sadness lasts for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and makes it hard to function at work, school, or home, it is time to consult a professional. If you have tried remedies on your own such as self-care activities and relying on your social support, but you have not experienced much symptom relief, then reaching out to a therapist is the next best step.

If you feel like your life is significantly impacted by your low mood and lack of enthusiasm, and you find it harder and harder to get things done and show up to your responsibilities, then you are a good candidate for seeking treatment for depression. 

Will I have to take medication?

Not necessarily. Therapy is a highly effective standalone treatment for mild to moderate depression. For severe depression, combining medication with therapy (often recommended by a psychiatrist) is considered the gold standard, but the decision to use medication is always a personal one made in consultation with a medical professional.

There are many treatments for depression that include psychotherapy, trauma informed treatments such as EMDR and IFS, as well Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Your therapist will find the best treatment plan for you. 

You do not have to suffer alone.

If you expect you might be having depression, reach out to us and begin your journey of healing.

Book a session today!    

(646) 535-8260

info@EvolveCounselingGroup.com