DEPRESSION
Hopelessness and loss of pleasure in things that you used to enjoy are the two of the most common symptoms of depression. In addition, those with major depressive disorder report feeling lasting fatigue, difficulty concentrating, weight changes (gain or loss), and restlessness accompanied by guilt or shame.
"You can't simply "will" your way out of it."
Depression is Common & Treatable
Depression is one of the most common health concerns in the United States and it is also treatable with the proper diagnosis, treatment plan, and your participation in your care. It is not typically a condition that you can simply “will” your way out of, but it is a step-by-step process that can be taken with a caring professional and support team around you. And it can begin by simply taking the next step.
Isolation is the enemy of depression, and the next step is often letting just one person in. The vicious cycle of depression is that when you are feeling drained and disheartened you isolate because you feel there is no hope, the isolation reinforces those feelings and makes the depression worse. This negative spiral can have a strong pull and it can take more than just you to draw you out of it.
Depression Treatment Plan
Depression is best treated by looking at the whole person. The impact on body, mind, and spirit. Then creating a plan to best support your physical health, mental health, and heart connection to God and others. Making an appointment with your physician is often a necessary step. Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid conditions, and other medical factors can contribute to depression. Mild to moderate depression can often be helped quickly by increasing exercise, taking medications that are prescribed by your doctor, sunlight, and being outdoors.
Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and making sure that you are not stuck in negative thought patterns that are fueling your depression are important in the plan to push back against depression and get life back on track again. Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness tools can become a valuable ally.
If you have taken self-help steps and made positive lifestyle changes and you are still not feeling better, it may be time to reach out to a Orange County based professional therapist to help guide you through your depression. Sometimes the negative thought patterns that come along with depression make you feel like you don’t have the energy or aren’t worth the effort, but taking one next step can be a beginning that brings momentum on the path to healing.
In-Office
or
Teletherapy
