Depression is more than just feeling "down" or having a bad day. It is weeks, months or even years of not feeling like your usual self, and shows up in different ways for each person.
You might feel sad and often cry, or you might feel "flat," not interested in or enjoying things, and almost unable to feel.
You might withdraw socially or just soldier on, either have no appetite or eat too much, or either be unable to sleep or want to sleep all the time.
Are you thinking these kinds of thoughts?
- I'm worthless.
- I can't do anything right, or anything to change my life.
- I can't even do the basics, like brush my teeth or get dressed.
- No one wants to be around me, no one can help me.
- I'm going to feel this way forever.
- There's no way out.
You might even be thinking of ending your own life.
I want you to know that you are not alone and there is a path to feeling like yourself again. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of my specialties and a proven treatment for depression (with or without taking antidepressants). Many of my clients find relief in realizing that their struggle does not own them, and that there are many options available to regain hope for their lives.