What is Depression?
Everyone experiences periods of sadness or low mood from time to time. Depression can feel different. It may last longer, feel heavier, and begin to affect your energy, motivation, relationships, work, sleep, or ability to enjoy things that usually matter to you.
Depression can make everyday tasks feel more difficult and may leave you feeling disconnected, discouraged, or stuck. For some people, it develops gradually. For others, it may appear during or after a difficult life event, major transition, loss, or period of ongoing stress.
Understanding how depression is showing up in your life can be an important first step toward feeling more supported and creating change.
Signs of depression may include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Hopelessness or discouragement
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Irritability
- Low energy or fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep
- Withdrawing from other people
- Feeling unmotivated or stuck
How can depression affect daily life?
Depression can influence the way you think, feel, and respond to the people and situations around you.
You may notice that it is harder to complete tasks, make decisions, connect with other people, or feel hopeful about the future. Thoughts can become more negative or self-critical, and things that once felt manageable may begin to feel overwhelming.
Sometimes depression also occurs alongside anxiety, grief, trauma-related concerns, or chronic stress.
When should you consider therapy for depression?
It may be helpful to talk with a therapist when low mood or other symptoms begin interfering with your daily life, relationships, work, sleep, or ability to enjoy things that normally matter to you.
Therapy can provide space to explore what may be contributing to the way you are feeling, recognize patterns in your thoughts and behavior, and develop healthier ways of coping and responding.
You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out for support.
How can therapy help with depression?
Therapy can help you better understand the thoughts, experiences, beliefs, and patterns that may be connected to your depression.
Together with your therapist, you can explore what is happening beneath the surface, identify patterns that may no longer be serving you, and develop practical strategies for moving forward.
The goal is not to force yourself to “think positively,” but to create a more balanced and compassionate understanding of yourself and your experiences.
Get support for depression
Erena DiGonis LCSW, PLLC provides virtual therapy for adults throughout New York State.
Contact us to learn more or request a free consultation.
Contact us today for your free consultation
The commitment is so simple. Let it happen. Begin the journey and amaze yourself with what you will learn, feel, discover, and become.
contact@erenadigonis.com
917-750-4811
917-750-4811