What To Do When You Think Someone Might Be Suicidal
In times of crisis, recognizing the signs that someone may be struggling with suicidal thoughts is of utmost importance. The mere thought of someone we care about being in such
Depression might feel like…
Drowning. You tread water for a long time but you’re exhausted. You sink below the surface, hold your breath for as long as you can, but you’re trapped under deep waters. The sea is filled with anger, sadness, guilt, shame, dread, even physical pain. Everything hurts. And yet sometimes, you feel absolutely nothing at all. Eternal emptiness. Numb. Isolated from the world. Stuck, disconnected, a thousand pounds crushing your body. As though someone has reached in and ripped your soul out. Depression HURTS. You need a lifeguard. Someone to help you reach the surface again and feel the light touch your skin. Depression gets better with the right support. It is possible to feel alive again, and we’re here to help you.
You don’t have to face it alone. We’re on your side. We really care about you.
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling down or sad for an extended period of time. It is a serious health condition that affects both the mind and body. Someone who experiences depression may feel a persistent loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy and have a decreased energy level. Other symptoms may include feelings of guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating, sleeping, and eating. Physical symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, exhaustion, and body aches.
Depression can also cause changes in behavior, such as increased alcohol and drug intake, increased risk taking, and increased suicidal thoughts. Changes in day-to-day functioning are common, which can prevent people from carrying out their daily tasks and responsibilities, including activities of daily living. In addition, people who struggle with depression may become socially isolated and withdraw from social situations. It is important to remember that everyone experiences depression differently. Those affected by it may not exhibit all the symptoms mentioned here, and the symptoms they do experience may vary in degree. Even some people have what is called “high-functioning depression” where their depression is not visible to an outsider. They may carry out daily life in a way that appears normal but they may be suffering on the inside. It’s so important to remember that all forms of depression are valid and deserving of treatment. There is no need to compare your personal experience with depression to another person’s experience.
The causes of depression are often multifaceted and highly individual. Many factors can contribute to its development, including biological, genetic, social, and environmental factors. Someone may have a genetic predisposition to depression or they may experience changes in brain chemistry that cause depression due to traumatic events in their life. There is also evidence that suggests social and environmental factors, such as poverty and discrimination, can lead to the development of depression. Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or other major life stresses can also contribute to depression. Similarly, chronic stress (such as high levels of financial stress or psychological abuse) may also increase an individual’s risk of depression.
Depression is a serious mental health issue, but it’s also a highly treatable one. It’s important to reach out for help if you’re struggling. The path to recovery is different for everyone, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to recover from depression. We are so passionate about helping people through their depression because we understand how painful it can be. We are completely committed to evidence-based practices for the treatment of depression and we pride ourselves on staying informed, educated, and aware of best-practices for depression treatment. We care so much about the people that we work with and we hope you will feel encouraged to contact us if you or a loved one is struggling.
We treat all types of depression.
- Major Depression
- Moderate Depression
- Mild Depression
- Atypical Depression
- Adjustment Disorder with Depression
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Depression with Substance Use
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
- Bipolar Depression
- Postpartum Depression
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Depression with Anxiety
- Bereavement Depression
- Depression Due to Trauma
- Childhood Depression
- Recurrent Depressive Disorder
- Seasonal Depression
- Dysthymia
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Cyclothymic Depression
- High-Functioning Depression
- Melancholic Depression
- Other Specified Depressive Disorder
How can therapy help with Depression?
Or a loved one isTherapy can be profoundly beneficial for those suffering from depression. It gives people the opportunity to talk freely and openly while in a safe and supportive environment. With the support of a therapist, people can learn how to identify and challenge unhealthy thought patterns, gain insight into themselves and their behavior, and practice healthier coping skills to manage their depression.
The core of most therapies used to treat depression focus on helping the individual understand and change the negative thinking and behaviors that can accompany depression. Through talking with a therapist, a person can explore painful or traumatic experiences, find the underlying causes of depression, discuss alternatives to negative coping mechanisms, identify problematic behaviors, learn how to manage symptoms and gain insight into what truly brings them joy and personal fulfillment.
Sometimes specific types of therapies are used as part of one’s treatment plan. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used therapy to treat depression. The core of CBT is that negative patterns of thinking can contribute to the maintenance of depressive symptoms. In CBT, a person works with their therapist to identify these unhealthy thought processes and learn ways to restructure and modify them. Through CBT, they may also learn how to manage life events and challenges in a more positive and adaptive way.
Another common therapy used to treat depression is interpersonal therapy. This type of therapy focuses on a person’s relationships with people, including family, friends, and self. It is also helpful in identifying how past relationships may affect current depressive patterns. Through interpersonal therapy, a person can learn how to use communication skills to build better relationships with themselves and others. This is especially important because having strong support system is known to be extremely helpful for managing depression.
Other types of therapy in a person’s treatment plan may include psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and more. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treating depression, as different people will have different experiences. Depending on your unique experiences and how depression manifests in your life, you and your therapist can collaboratively develop a treatment plan in a way that will best suit your needs. Recovery from depression is a process that can take time and patience, but it is possible for individuals to overcome their symptoms and live meaningful and fulfilling lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, please reach out to us. We would be honored to meet you and work toward a happier, healthier life.
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