Do You Feel Hopeless?
- Do you often feel sad, unmotivated, and irritable?
- Are you convinced that nothing good can happen in your life?
- Have you noticed changes in your sleeping or eating patterns?
- Do you feel lost and unsure of your path in life?
- Are you relying on addictive behaviors to provide you with relief?
- Do you wish, more than anything, that you could feel happy and hopeful again?
If you relate to the questions above, you may be struggling with depression. Perhaps you feel as though nothing ever works out for you, and each day seems bleak. You might feel worthless and wonder if anything that you do matters. Maybe you go through the motions of your day as though you are moving through a heavy fog. Or, you might struggle to get out of bed. You may know that something is wrong, but feel powerless to fix it.
Perhaps you also have issues with addiction. Maybe alcohol, cigarettes, food, sex, the Internet, or other addictions provide you with temporary relief and comfort. You might rely on addictive behaviors to get through your day and not know how to function without them. Maybe low self-esteem and low self-worth have made it difficult for you to believe that there could be another way.
Depression Is Extremely Common
Many adults struggle with depression, although it manifests differently in different people. Some people feel low, sad, and frustrated after a major life event, such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or a move. Others feel a sense of dread and hopelessness throughout their lifetimes. For some people, depression makes it difficult to connect to people or things throughout the day. For others, even getting out of bed in the morning feels almost impossible.
You might be facing both depression and addiction simultaneously. Co-occurring disorders can feel utterly overwhelming. Depression and addiction work in a cycle of negative feelings and harmful actions. You may feel down and engage in addictive behaviors to find relief. Then, once the short-term comfort of your addiction fades, you feel shame and regret. Perhaps you cannot break this cycle. Maybe you believe, somewhere deep down, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But, the tunnel seems so long and dark that you don’t know how to find a path to any light. Regardless of how your depression is manifesting, there is hope. With help, you can find that light.
Depression Treatment Can Help You Feel Hopeful Again
I have helped many people struggling with depression change negative thinking patterns and begin to feel optimistic about their futures. Because of my specific training in addiction treatment, I am also equipped to help you if you are struggling with a co-occurring disorder, or if you have recently discovered that your partner is an addict. No matter what you are going through, you don’t have to work through your sadness and frustration alone.
If you are willing to make positive changes in your life, depression treatment can help you feel empowered to move forward. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, you can work through the negative thoughts and feelings that follow you throughout the day. Although you may feel like you never do anything right, or that nothing good ever happens for you, this is likely not the case. While everyone faces difficulties, you have probably felt a sense of joy and accomplishment before. In sessions, you can develop a more balanced view of your life, along with increased self-confidence and self-acceptance.
In sessions, you can share your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly. Together, we can work to identify any underlying issues that may be causing you pain, such as a trauma or a negative relationship. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help you quiet your mind and engage more fully in the present moment, allowing you to better connect to the people and things you encounter in your life.
Depression treatment is a lifestyle change that can lead to long-lasting results. If you currently rely on substances or harmful behaviors for short-term relief, I can help you work through your addiction and find healthier ways to cope. My practice is goal-oriented, and I can help you make important steps toward the life you want. With help, you can begin to feel better, develop a positive worldview, and function with greater ease.
You may believe that depression treatment can help you find hope and joy again, but still have questions or concerns…
I’m Not Depressed. I’m Just in a Funk
Many people believe that their feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and irritation are normal reactions to daily life. If you are struggling with depression, however, it can be difficult to recognize that your negative thoughts are probably disproportionate with your reality. In sessions, I can help you learn more about depression and the ways in which it manifests. Whether or not you believe you are suffering from depression, if negative emotions are making it difficult for you to feel satisfied, connected, and happy throughout your day, therapy can help you work through painful emotions and experience relief.
I’m Worried That A Depression Diagnosis Will Mean Medication
I do not automatically recommend medication. First, I will take the time to get to know you and your situation. For many people, talk therapy is enough to help them develop ways to cope with negative emotions. For others, medication is an effective tool to overcome hurdles that may be in the way of healing. If you struggle with addiction and worry about the effects of medication, we can discuss your fears. Everyone is different, and I value and respect your individual needs.
If I Talk About Feeling Sad, I’m Afraid I’ll Just Feel Sadder
You might be worried that sharing your emotions and thoughts will make you feel even more down and defeated. However, depression treatment actually accomplishes the opposite. In sessions, you can speak openly about all of your feelings, thoughts, and worries without fear of judgment. In a safe, respectful setting, you can learn to recognize your emotions and express them, which can provide you with lasting relief.
With Depression Treatment, You Can Develop Self-Confidence and Self-Worth
Whether you are struggling with depression alone or depression and addiction, I can help you work through the feelings of despair that are weighing you down. You don’t have to go through this alone. I invite you to call me at 732-806-5630 or to contact me through my website to learn more about depression treatment and my practice.
