Does Every Day Feel Like A Struggle?
Do you feel alone, misunderstood or like you can’t do anything right? Perhaps you struggle to communicate in relationships or feel like what you have to offer isn’t enough. You may struggle to shake the feeling that something is wrong, but you’re too weighed down by lethargy and painful emotions to sort things out and take a step forward. You may find, more and more, that you’re unable to feel happy or connected to others. As you search for meaning, you may not even see a point in taking care of yourself.
Dealing with depression is often a confusing and isolating experience. You may wake up from a poor night’s sleep already heavy with sadness, anger or pain. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness may feel impossible to remedy or communicate to others. Everything from your relationships and work performance to your sense of self may be affected.
As poor mood and self-esteem become increasingly difficult to shake, you may experience physical discomforts, including headaches, stomachaches, insomnia and eating issues, that completely disrupt your ability to feel and function well. If you have turned to alcohol or drugs for temporary relief, you may wrestle with the knowledge that these coping mechanisms are harmful to your health. If you have ongoing relationship dissatisfaction, physical depression symptoms or suicidal thoughts, learning effective ways to cope with distress may be critical to your health and wellbeing.
Depression Is Very Common
If you’re struggling with persistent sadness, lethargy, irritability or anger, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the U.S. It’s estimated that nearly 16.2 million adults have at least one major depressive episode during their lifetime.
Depression symptoms can be triggered by many things and manifest in many ways. On one end of the spectrum, depression can present as persistent unhappiness. On the other end, doubtful thinking and chronic fatigue can make it difficult to get out of bed and even lead to suicidal thoughts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-34.
If you are in crisis, call the free toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.
Depression symptoms vary based on age and gender. Major depression is more common in women than men. Women often experience feelings of sadness and guilt. Men often experience anger, irritability and loss of interest in sex and exercise. Signs of depression in teens include poor academic performance and engaging in risky behavior, including using drugs or alcohol.
In our culture, there’s a lot of stigma around feeling hopeless and unable to achieve success. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with depression following a distressing life event—such as job loss, a breakup or a diagnosis—or you have been battling it your entire life, help is available. With my guidance, it’s possible to learn more about your unique experience with depression and develop healthier ways to cope.
Christian Counseling for Depression Can Help You Heal And Move Forward
I am an experienced professional, who accepts you for who are and genuinely cares about your wellbeing. This can be powerful and validating. In a safe, supportive environment, it’s possible to identify root sources of pain and receive the insight and skills needed to feel physically and emotionally better. Together, we can clarify why you feel the way you do, as well as how the brain works. Step by step, you can begin to understand your experience and how to move forward.
In the beginning, we will explore your core values and goals and remain committed as we work toward them. With the right support, you can come to understand that unhelpful, negative beliefs don’t need to define you. The more you’re able to express and accept your thoughts and circumstances, the less power they have over you. And, with effective techniques like mindfulness, you can learn to experience and focus on the present moment, without self-judgement and self-criticism, even with other factors involved such as negative thoughts and feelings of sadness and anxiety.
As your therapist for depression, I act as your personal cheerleader. Even if there are times when you want to give up, I never will. Whatever you’re going through now you don’t have to go through alone. I can guide you every step of the way.
Because depression is sometimes caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, depending on your situation and the severity of your symptoms, we may discuss medication options. Talk therapy, in conjunction with short term medication use, can help you make immediate strides toward improving motivation, focus and overall wellbeing. Although I do not prescribe medication, I’m available to work alongside your primary care physician or psychiatrist to ensure you’re receiving the best care possible. It’s important to speak with your doctor about all the pros and cons of medication.
I know things may seem hopeless right now, but I also know that relief is possible. I’ve been helping women struggling with depression, substance abuse and anxiety for several years. Regardless of what you’re going through—whether it’s grief, loss or ongoing signs of depression—therapy can help you accept yourself and move forward. I will provide you with opportunities that you will be well-versed in God’s Word, know how to respond in a biblical way and maintain your focus on glorifying God in the process for your own good.
You may still have questions or concerns about depression therapy…
I don’t have the energy to go to therapy.
I know that adding an extra thing to your schedule may seem daunting. The good news is that I offer flexible scheduling options, as well as online therapy. If your schedule is tight or you’re having trouble leaving the house, it’s possible to gain valuable tools from the comfort of your home.
I don’t want to go on medication.
Although sometimes medication in conjunction with talk therapy can be very effective in mitigating depression and anxiety, the choice to use antidepressants is 100 percent your own. Although I don’t prescribe medicine, I may encourage you to discuss options with your doctor. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision.
I doubt therapy will help me.
If you’re reading this page, chances are you really want to resolve hurts and move forward. Depression counseling is highly effective and can provide you with the skills you need to move forward and thrive. Would you like the opportunity to feel hopeful about yourself and your future?
You Don’t Need To Suffer
If you have additional questions about depression therapy, please call (954)-861-0164 or contact me for a free video or phone consultation. I provide online therapy to anyone residing in the state of Florida.