Depression

Everyone feels down sometimes, but depression lasts longer and can interfere with your relationships, work, and overall sense of self. It’s not a personal failure or something you can just “snap out of”—it’s a real condition that deserves support and care.

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a licensed mental health professional for advice specific to your situation.

What is depression?

Depression is a diagnosable mental health condition that affects many individuals across different stages of life. It can take various forms, each with its own causes and contributing factors. While experiences of depression vary, professional support can play an important role in understanding and managing it.

Early diagnosis is often critical, as timely intervention can improve outcomes and support recovery.

If you have ever found yourself asking:

• Why do I feel empty even when things in my life seem “fine”?
• Why does everything feel so heavy all the time?
• Why can’t I find joy in the things I used to love?
• What’s wrong with me that I feel tired no matter how much I rest?
• Will I ever feel like myself again?
• Why do I cry for no reason?

Then it may be a sign of depression that deserves care and support.

Types of depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness lasting at least two weeks. It can significantly impact daily functioning.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia):

A chronic form of depression lasting two years or more. Symptoms may be less severe than MDD but are more enduring and can include low energy, poor self-esteem, and difficulty making decisions.

Bipolar Depression:

Occurs during the depressive phase of Bipolar I or II Disorder. It involves symptoms similar to MDD, but is part of a cycle that includes manic or hypomanic episodes (periods of elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior).

Postpartum Depression:

A severe and longer-lasting form of depression that occurs after childbirth. It may include intense sadness, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty bonding with your baby (beyond the “baby blues).

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

A severe, often disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that includes mood swings, irritability, and depressive symptoms in the week or two before menstruation, improving shortly after it starts.

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood:

Triggered by a specific life event or stressor (e.g., a breakup, job loss, or major transition). Symptoms include sadness, crying, and feeling overwhelmed, but they typically resolve as the situation improves or with support.

What are the signs someone may be depressed?

Depression can feel like a weight you can’t shake off, even on the good days. It’s always there. You might feel like you’re walking through life in a fog, like things you used to enjoy no longer bring joy, or even struggle to get out of bed in the morning.

Living with depression can leave you feeling isolated or misunderstood. People might struggle to understand you or minimize your challenges because you “look just fine.” Depression is real and can quickly become a vicious cycle of stuck.

For some people with depression, thoughts of wanting to escape or even not be here can sometimes cross your mind. These thoughts can be scary, confusing, and isolating, and it’s important to know that you’re not alone in having them. Suicidal ideation doesn’t mean you want to act on these thoughts—it just means that the pain feels unbearable, and your brain is telling you it’s the only way out.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by thoughts of suicide or have a plan to harm yourself, it’s important to get help right away. Please reach out for immediate help by calling 911, dialing 988, or visiting your nearest emergency room.

What are effective ways to treat depression?

We’ll work together to untangle the roots of your depression, reconnect with your sense of meaning, and build habits that support emotional balance.You are worthy of support, healing, and hope. There are ways to find relief and feel better, even if it doesn’t seem possible right now. Reaching out for help is the first step toward feeling seen, heard, and supported as you work through these difficult feelings.

Medication management can also be an incredibly helpful tool for folks struggling with depression so I can work with you on a referral for this if we decide this would be helpful in your treatment plan.

Approaches I offer include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – can help you identify and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs that often fuel depression. It supports behavioral activation—taking small, intentional steps to re-engage with life.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – helps you accept painful emotions rather than avoid them. Encourages action that aligns with personal values, despite depressive symptoms.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – for people whose depression is rooted in unresolved trauma, EMDR can help reprocess those memories and reduce emotional upset.
• Mindfulness – you can learn to observe negative thoughts without judgment and stay grounded in the present.