Holding Space
with Danielle
Depression
Depression is complex and multifaceted disorder that can affect anyone. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, leading to emotional and physical struggles. It can cause significant distress and impair someones functioning in various areas of life, including work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Why Seek Treatment For Depression?
If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, or experiencing a lack of interest in activities then psychotherapy may be the route for you. Depression can lead to significant distress and impairment in functioning. It can affect relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. When working with those struggling with depressive disorders ​the goal is to identify negative thinking leading to depressive symptoms. Working in therapy will provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore and gain better understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors leading to better self-awareness and insight. Therapy will help you learn effective coping mechanisms and techniques to manage symptoms. Therapy can help you challenge your negative thinking patterns and help take the steps to feeling empowered.
“And still, I rise.”  —  Maya Angelou
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Signs and Symptoms of Depression
​Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. Some common symptoms may include:
Emotional Symptoms
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Persistent Sadness: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless.
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Loss of Interest: Diminished interest or pleasure in most activities, including those once enjoyed.
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Irritability: Increased frustration or anger, even over small matters.
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Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness: Harsh self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy.
Cognitive Symptoms
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Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering details.
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Negative Thinking: Pervasive pessimism and a tendency to focus on negative aspects of life.
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Suicidal Thoughts: Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or a desire to escape life.​
Physical Symptoms
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Changes in Sleep: Insomnia, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
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Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy, even after adequate rest.
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Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite (eating too little or too much).
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Physical Aches and Pains: Unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain.
Behavioral Symptoms
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Withdrawal: Isolating oneself from friends, family, and social activities.
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Decreased Motivation: Reduced ability to engage in daily tasks or fulfill responsibilities.
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Neglecting Self-Care: Lack of attention to personal hygiene or health.
Treatment Modalities for Depression
What to Expect in Therapy for Depressive Disorders
Therapy may be a good fit for you if you are looking for a space to be heard in a judgmental environment. An integrative approach to treating depressive disorders is most effective and Danielle believes in meeting each individual where they are at to provide most effective treatment. In therapy you will explore the root causes and symptoms of your depression and ultimately work on identifying these causes and implement coping strategies to help manage your symptoms
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)- Combines CBT techniques with mindfulness practices, particularly effective for those with emotional regulation issues.
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Mindfulness-Based Practices- Integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to prevent relapse in individuals with recurrent depression.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” — Brené Brown