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Depression

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Some people describe depression as a condition where your mind lies to you: sending you cruel messages that you are worthless, undeserving of love, and without hope.

 

If you identify with those messages, know that there is nothing wrong with you. Depression is an incredibly common experience, affecting roughly 1 in 10 people during their lifetime.

 

Depression can be a debilitating condition to cope with, as it infiltrates and impacts many different areas of your life and personal well-being. Although the term “depressed” has connotations of sadness or feeling down, there are many more depression symptoms and signs of depression that may surprise you.

 

Fortunately, depression and other mood disorders are very treatable through several different evidence-based therapies and other treatments. Depression treatment is available through many mental health providers and other specialists.

 

If you’re experiencing depression symptoms that are negatively impacting your life, know that you’re not alone and there is help available to you. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. When you’re ready to reach out, we’re here for you.

What Are Depression Symptoms?

 

Depression symptoms can range from the obvious to those that are much harder to notice. Here are some signs of depression to look out for in yourself and others:

 

  • Feelings of sadness

  • Irritability or being excessively critical

  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Withdrawing from others

  • Excessing crying or mood swings

  • Decreased concentration

  • Changes in sleep (insomnia or excessive sleeping)

  • Changes in appetite and/or weight (gain or loss)

  • Having no energy

  • Increased drug and alcohol usage

  • Thoughts of suicide

 

​It’s not uncommon for depression and anxiety to co-occur together, meaning that one person might experience both at the same time. Experts estimate that over 50% of people with depression also experience anxiety.

If you believe that you may have both depression and anxiety, our specialists can work with you to identify the best anxiety and depression treatment plan. Contact us today to get started.

Is Depression the same as Mood Disorder?

 

If you’ve read about depression, you may have heard the term “mood disorder” as well. But what exactly is a mood disorder?

 

A mood disorder is a type of mental health condition that negatively impacts a person's mood and functioning across multiple areas. The most common type of mood disorder is major depressive disorder:

 

Major Depressive Disorder: A person with major depression would have many of the depression symptoms above, with depression symptoms lasting for a period of 2 weeks or more. To meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression, the person must have either a depressed mood or loss of interest in doing things for most days within a 2 week period. 

 

Whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria for major depression or not, there are still many useful depression treatment options that are available, which we will outline in more detail below.

 

Besides major depressive disorder, other common mood disorders include:

 

Dysthymia: Dysthymia, which is also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a type of mood disorder that is similar to major depression, but more long-lasting and less severe. People with dysthymia typically experience a depressed mood for more days than not for at least 2 years. Symptoms may lessen over time, but without depression treatment, depression symptoms typically re-emerge within a few weeks or months. Fortunately, as with major depression, there are many depression treatment options available for people with dysthymia.

 

Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that involves fluctuations between periods of depression and periods of mania. During manic episodes, people with bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in risky or dangerous behaviors. To learn more about bipolar disorder and how our specialists can help treat it, read our guide here.

 

Mood disorders related to a health condition or substance use: Sometimes, a person might experience an episode of depression as a result of an underlying medical condition or substance use. If you believe that you may have depression that’s caused by an underlying illness or substance use, reach out to your doctor.

 

Getting Depression Treatment

 

One of the most challenging aspects of getting depression treatment is that depression symptoms make you feel hopeless and alone. Asking for help can be one of the most difficult and bravest things that a person with depression can do.

 

There are several evidence-based depression treatment therapies that researchers have confirmed can help reduce and manage depression symptoms.

 

Some of the best depression treatment therapies include:

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you consciously change your thinking patterns as a means to change your mood and behavior. CBT has been used to treat both depression and anxiety for many years, and has been proven to be an effective depression treatment. CBT can help you re-frame distorted thinking patterns, like negative self-talk or taking things too personally. CBT can also help you build new skills to cope with stress and life’s challenges. 

 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is another depression treatment that falls under the umbrella of talk therapy. DBT was originally developed to help treat people with borderline personality disorder, but has since been found to be a highly effective depression treatment as well. Much like CBT, DBT can help you change the way you think about yourself and others in ways that can improve your mood and reduce depression symptoms. DBT can also help you increase your ability to handle stressful situations and to navigate interpersonal situations with confidence.

​How We Can Help

 

You don’t have to manage depression on your own. There is hope outside of the cloud that depression puts on your mind. 

Our therapists have a vast wealth of experience using CBT and DBT to treat depression, and when necessary, we are comfortable working with you and your doctor to coordinate care if medication is something that may be also helpful.

 

We’re here to support you in managing depression. Contact us today to get started.

Our Depression Specialists

LPC, NCC

Maureen Bourke

We all experience struggles in life which are unique and often leave us feeling overwhelmed and weighed down. I feel a strong therapeutic relationship is essential when working to bring you relief.

Anxiety, Teens, Family Therapy, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Self Esteem

Specialties

LPC, MSIMH, EMDR trained

Maren Herman

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a graduate education specialized in Infant Mental Health and trained in EMDR.

Anxiety, Teens, Family Therapy, Depression, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Trauma and PTSD, Self Esteem, Anger Management, prenatal, attachment, early childhood 0-6 yr and new parent/co parenting skills

Specialties

Therapist, Ed.D, MSW, LSW

Michael Barfield

I am a mental health professional with 30+ years. I have experience working with children, adolescents and families who struggle managing anxiety, depression, stress, family challenges and trauma.

I strive to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can express themselves.

Adolescents, Children, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, LGBTQ, Family

Specialties

MSSA, LSW

Mary Lynn Hammond

As a Licensed Social Worker with 27+ years of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have specialized training In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focused Therapy and Family Systems Therapy.

ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, High Functioning Autism, Self Esteem, Anger Management, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Teens

Specialties

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Amy Schlonski

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of experience, I have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy, and Family Focused Therapy.

I work with children, teens and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety. As a clinician, I worked for 20 years in the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Spectrum Clinic at Western Psychiatric Hospital. As such, I have expert knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Focused Therapy, and Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy, Teens, Depression, Trauma, Stress Management, Life Transitions

Specialties

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Jessica Murray

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has experience working with individuals, couples, and families, especially those who have a history of traumatic experiences. I ground my work in a strengths-based framework as I believe that my role is to assist my clients in identifying, refining, and highlighting the strengths they already have within themselves.

Anxiety, Grief Counseling, Family Therapy, Depression, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Trauma

Specialties

Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Therapist

Ethan Tuxill

As a licensed professional counselor and EMDR therapist, I’ve trained specifically to help individuals struggling with PTSD, complex PTSD, and the lasting effects of trauma. I primarily work with adults and young adults (ages 17+) who have PTSD, depression and anxiety. I pull from a diverse set of therapy models to meet each individual's unique needs, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Shame and Vulnerability, Family of Origin Concerns, Stress Management, Life Transitions

Specialties

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD

Jennifer Strohm

We all have times when we feel like we’re on repeat, stuck, overwhelmed or stressed. I offer a safe and supportive environment to help you make positive changes in your life.

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Chronic Illness & Mood, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Children & Teens

Specialties

Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, BC-TMH, ACS

Michelle Colarusso

My goal as a therapist is to create an environment in which my clients can safely work though the complexities of their thoughts, feelings, and personal experience.

Anxiety, LGBTQ+, Relationship Issues, Depression, Trauma, Stress Management, Life Transitions

Specialties

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC

Jena Skelton

Struggle is something that I believe every single living thing experiences. It is a concept that can bring us into some of our hardest moments in life, but it also presents the opportunity to connect, grow, and learn. I believe that confronting our struggles and working through them is one of the most valuable journeys that life brings.

Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Grief Counseling, Trauma, Chronic Illness & Mood, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Teens

Specialties

PhD, PMHCNS-BC, RN Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist/Therapist

Kathleen Spadaro

As a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, I offer a holistic approach to clients. You bring into therapy your physical self, feelings, thoughts and spirituality needs, all of which are accepted and supported in my practice.

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Chronic Illness & Mood, Stress Management, Life Transitions

Specialties

Founder & Owner/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD

Wendy McSparren

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of experience, I have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.

Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ, EMDR, Stress Management, Life Transitions

Specialties

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