Depression and anxiety disorders can be challenging, but therapy offers a path to feeling more like yourself again. For many, symptoms can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to seek help or believe that improvement is possible. However, support is available, and effective treatment and symptom management can lead to positive change.
If you are facing depression and/or anxiety, remember that reaching out to a therapist or mental health professional is a positive step. Consulting with your doctor can help initiate a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation, experiences, goals, and symptoms. When you feel ready, support is here for you.
Living with anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, isolating, and disruptive to every part of your life. Contact me to begin therapy and find your path to recovery.
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THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
THE EXPERIENCE OF DEPRESSION
Depression goes by many names: sadness, irritability, worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness and anger. However it is known, it is an unwelcome, often unexpected part of one's life. While we all experience these feelings from time to time, it’s when they begin to bother us for weeks or months at a time that we sense it may be wise to seek help.
Depression can interfere with our relationships, job performance, energy, creativity, and the ability to actively pursue and work towards our goals. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that in 2021, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. If left untreated, symptoms of depression can increase and become prolonged. The earlier you seek treatment, the better the odds that you’ll recover fully.
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Depression can also take different forms in different people: Some people experience chronic, low-level depression over the course of years, while other people experience acute bouts of depression at specific times, such as during certain seasons or after the birth of a child. For yet others, depression can be paired with very excitable or “manic” moods, as with the case of bipolar disorder. Depression can also often occur alongside other illnesses or health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, or substance use, to name just a few.
Some common signs of depression include:
Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite and weight
Fatigue or lack of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details
Physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, and chronic pain
Thoughts of death or suicide
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Depression may stem from a variety of factors. It often develops when we spend a great deal of energy thinking about the past. This generally takes the form of wishing a past outcome could have been different and questioning why you acted or failed to act in a certain way. Depression may also stem from our difficulty accepting the current circumstances in our lives. Feelings such as guilt, shame, resentment, and regret often accompany these thinking patterns.
Another powerful component of depression is experiencing loss. All of us will experience loss and pain in our lives. No one is immune to this harsh reality. However, how we relate to our pain (being critical of yourself or being dismissive) will have a big impact on how we cope.
The causes of depression are as diverse as its symptoms. Research shows that a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors can contribute to depression.
Common contributing factors include:
Genetics: A family history of depression may increase the risk
Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can play a role
Trauma and Stress: Experiencing trauma, loss, or prolonged stress can lead to depression
Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic pain, are often linked with depressive episodes
Lifestyle Factors: Substance use, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition can exacerbate depression symptoms
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Deciding to seek treatment for depression is a courageous step. You might benefit from professional care if:
You experience severe symptoms that interfere with daily life
You find it difficult to get out of bed or complete daily tasks
Relationships or work are affected by your mood
You feel hopeless, empty, or numb
Self-care feels impossible, and you’re using substances to cope
You have thoughts of self-harm or suicide
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There are several types of depression, each with unique features. Understanding these differences helps us offer the most effective, targeted care.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by intense sadness or despair lasting for at least two weeks
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Symptoms of depression that last two years or more, often milder but chronic
Bipolar Depression: Depression that alternates with manic episodes; common in individuals with bipolar disorder
Postpartum Depression: Occurs after childbirth and affects both women and men
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depressive symptoms that occur seasonally, often in winter
Situational Depression: Triggered by specific life events or stressors but is typically temporary
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Depression can hinder individuals from enjoying a fulfilling life. However, even the most severe cases of major depression can be treated effectively. A typical treatment plan for someone with depression may involve developing effective symptom management strategies, encouraging self-activation, seeking additional support, and reflecting on perceived barriers. This approach can help identify negative thoughts and beliefs, challenge harmful coping mechanisms, focus on what can be changed, and safely navigate difficult episodes.
THE EXPERIENCE OF ANXIETY
While anxiety can be a normal and helpful response to worrisome situations, it’s when you begin to feel a sense of chronic, excessive worry about many different aspects of life that anxiety gets in the way of you being your best self. It is also common for anxiety to begin to take shape in physical forms such as headaches, stomach pains, GI issues, and fatigue. When this happens it may be time to seek support.
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Anxiety is the most common issue that brings people into treatment. We all have things in our lives that contribute to feeling fearful and anxious. This is a normal part of being human. In small doses, anxiety can be motivating and keep us on our toes. However, problems develop when your anxiety causes you to avoid experiences rather than engage in life’s challenges. Anxiety often develops from worrying about the future and wanting to avoid or control specific outcomes. When you become preoccupied with anxiety, your life feels smaller and less rewarding as a result.
Anxiety disorders are more than just feelings of occasional nervousness or worry; they are serious mental health conditions that significantly impact one’s ability to function day-to-day. Anxiety disorders are characterized by intense, persistent worry and fear that may disrupt personal, professional, and social life.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., affecting over 30% of adults at some point.
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Anxiety manifests in many ways, both mentally and physically. Common symptoms include constant worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, headaches, nausea, and increased heart rate, are also common. Those struggling with anxiety may feel a sense of dread or have an overwhelming fear of specific situations, making it challenging to complete everyday tasks or maintain relationships. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you’re not alone, and help is available.
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Recognizing when anxiety requires treatment can be difficult, especially if anxiety has become part of your daily experience. While occasional worry is normal, professional anxiety treatment is recommended if:
Your anxiety is persistent and lasts for weeks or months
It interferes with your relationships, career, or other aspects of daily life
You avoid activities or places due to fear
Physical symptoms frequently accompany your anxiety
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Anxiety disorders encompass a range of specific conditions, each with unique characteristics and treatment needs. At The Meadowglade, we provide targeted treatment for the following types:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by chronic, excessive worry about various life aspects, GAD often involves physical symptoms like fatigue, muscle tension, and restlessness
Social Anxiety Disorder: This disorder involves an intense fear of social situations, driven by worries about embarrassment or judgment. It can cause avoidance of social interactions, impacting relationships and daily activities
Panic Disorder: Panic disorder includes recurring panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. These attacks can occur without warning
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD involves unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) that are difficult to control. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may perform rituals to alleviate anxiety
Specific Phobias: Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights, flying, or certain animals. They can lead to avoidance behaviors that limit life experiences
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts that disrupt daily functioning
MY APPROACH
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a widely recognized treatment modality that has proven successful for addressing depression and anxiety. Many individuals find that discussing their struggles and experiences in interpersonal therapy can be quite cathartic. It is encouraging to hear that numerous people report feeling better after expressing themselves and receiving validation for their experiences. Additionally, therapy offers valuable psychoeducation on effective strategies for managing mental illness, depression, and anxiety.
Many treatment programs incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions and mood disorders. This approach aims to replace negative thinking patterns with more productive or less harmful thoughts. For those dealing with depression and/or anxiety, negative thoughts can often feel overwhelming. CBT can assist individuals in recognizing when these negative thoughts arise and provide strategies to shift from negativity to a more validating perspective, fostering self-love and acceptance.
CBT is also beneficial for confronting fears, whether they are immediate or unlikely to materialize. For individuals struggling with depression and anxiety, fear can often feel like a constant companion. Effective therapy can empower people to challenge cognitive distortions and move beyond their fears. Consequently, they may find themselves functioning more effectively in their jobs, friendships, relationships, and hobbies.
The foundation of my work comes from over 16 years practicing as a psychologist and learning the importance of working with our whole being. From this place my work is deeply grounded in compassion, empathy, and neuroscience.
