Are you feeling stuck, stagnated, and unable to make decisions? Have you lost your confidence and feel unworthy of good things? These are some of the symptoms of depression. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may want to consider therapy for depression.
There is more than one type of depression, which can range from mild to severe. In some cases, depression can be low-grade dysthymia — an ongoing sadness that is less severe than clinical depression but can last for years.
Severe or moderate depression can have significant negative impacts on your relationships, family life, career, and physical health. What many people do not understand is that depression is one of the most treatable disorders and as a result, never seek help.
A common problem
Depression is one of the most common disorders, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide (see World Health Organization, 2018). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States suffered from at least one depressive episode in the year 2016. The problem seems to be increasing, as the numbers for 2017 were even higher, with 17.3 million adults in the US reporting a depressive episode (NIMH).
Depression can impact anyone at any time in their life. Sometimes depression is triggered by a specific event or loss such as the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship. In other situations, depression can, over time, develop as a chronic condition without one specific cause.
Therapy for depression
We heal through connection with others. If you are going through a difficult time, whether it is due to a recent change or loss in your life, or if you can’t remember the last time you felt happy and optimistic, change is possible. In my practice, I provide a supportive, caring, and nonjudgemental environment. Together we will work to find and heal unresolved issues that are interfering with your happiness and functioning. When you have support through a therapeutic relationship, you can become motivated again, set and accomplish new goals, and begin to reconnect with others.
Penny Justus, LMSW, is a psychotherapist and life coach provides therapy for depression in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, as well as online and on the phone. If you would like to learn more, you are welcome to call and book an appointment or fill out the contact form and click Send.