Is Everyday A Struggle?

Does it feel as though everything in your life is falling apart? Perhaps you are searching for meaning, but often feel hopeless and worry that you will always be undervalued or disconnected from others. Do you often struggle to address concerns effectively or process heavy feelings of sadness? It may be that you feel misunderstood or like you cannot be yourself around other people, and you may even spend a great deal of effort appearing to be “happy” just to get by. The exhaustion associated with maintaining that façade can make it difficult to get out of bed, concentrate and complete the tasks of the day. Do you wish you could better understand why you always feel so down, increase your energy as well as feelings of motivation and feel connected to the people and world around you? 

Living with depression can be a lonely, confusing experience that limits your ability to see positive possibilities. Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and deep sadness may be making it hard to connect with others or complete even routine daily tasks. Relationships and productivity at work might be suffering, increasing your sense of isolation and leading to feelings of guilt and shame. You might desperately want to feel better, but nothing you have tried seems to lead to sustainable results.  

Depression Is Very Common In Our Culture

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, you are not alone. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 10 American adults struggle with symptoms of clinical depression. Depression is among the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the United States, and can be caused by a variety of environmental and chemical imbalances and distressing life events, such as relationship discord, career dissatisfaction, diagnosis of a chronic health issue and more. Depression can also manifest in many ways. It can present as low-level, persistent unhappiness, or become so severe that you cannot get out of bed in the morning and/or find meaning in your life. In general, depression often fuels doubtful thinking, creates self-esteem issues and perpetuates a heavy sadness that affects physical wellness as well as motivation and overall functioning. You may have even lost hope that things can get better.

Given the increasingly disconnected culture we live in, it is no wonder that so many people struggle with depression and that it is often not openly discussed. We live in a society in which it is commonplace to withhold how we really feel. Many Americans attempt to maintain the culturally driven image of the “normal,” high-achieving individual; however, when you see pictures of your coworkers, neighbors, friends and family on social media, you are seeing fragmented, positive experiences. Insomuch, the perpetuated image of the satisfied person who achieves great success without showing weakness is only a myth. Sustaining healthy relationships and a positive outlook often requires strain and occasional conflict. It is normal to feel different and misunderstood, but feeling alone or ill equipped to navigate these trails can fuel spiraling negative thoughts that distort your ability to see prospects of a better life. Although depression and isolation are very prevalent in our culture, help is available. Challenging thoughts, emotions and feelings can be worked through and overcome with the help and support of an experienced and compassionate depression counselor.  

Counseling For Depression Can Provide You With Guidance, Support And Relief

Counseling can be incredibly effective in helping to alleviate depression. Talking to an experienced depression therapist who accepts you for who are, in and of itself, can be a powerful, validating, and healing experience. In the safe, supportive and empathic space of my counseling office, you will clarify and navigate your innermost conflicts, concerns and desires. Together, we can explore what it is that you truly want and develop specific benchmarks that track your progress along the way. 

We are strength-based, solution-focused therapists who will seek to understand your inherent strengths and help you instill changes that build upon them. During sessions, you can expect us to be supportive and interactive as we work to identify, explore and address the root causes driving your depression. We will address both emotional and physical symptoms, and you will also learn practical skills that you can practice in sessions as well as utilize in your everyday life when you’re feeling consumed with stress or sadness. We may also explore different skill-building activities that may help clarify why you feel the way you do and how to deescalate heavy emotions and heal from past and current wounds and distress. 

We all feel down and fall into in ruts occasionally, but there are times when we truly need someone to give us a flashlight and walk with us in the dark. We seek to understand your unique viewpoint and goals in order to provide tailor-made techniques and tools that you can use immediately that you will also be able to carry with you throughout your life. With the support and guidance of an experienced depression counselor, you can break free of the emotional and behavioral patterns that keep you stuck in a depressive cycle and begin living a more empowered, connected and happy life. 

You still may have questions and concerns about the depression therapy…

I’ve tried depression treatment before and it didn’t help. How will working with you be different?

If you have been feeling down for some time, it is normal for it to seem as though nothing will help, especially if you have sought out professional guidance before and the changes did not stick. However, in sessions with me, we will identify your therapy goals, and we will support and guide you—as well as track your progress—as we work toward what you truly want. We are here to set you up for success, and we know the most successful therapy is the result of a successful therapeutic relationship. We create a space where are able to be your true, authentic self, and we encourage openness, understanding and validation, as well as provide a space to process and expel pent-up emotion. 

Will I need to take medication? 

There are many approaches that can lead to effective, sustainable results that do not include the use of medication. However, if your depression is debilitating, medication may be a solution that allows you to engage in therapy and other important aspects of your life. In fact, many studies show that psychotherapy in combination with medication can be an effective form of depression treatment. That said, the choice to take medication is 100 percent yours and one that will be made upon consultation with an appropriate medical professional, and we will honor whatever choice you make. 

My depression is intense and I’m afraid nothing will help. 

Those feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are the depression talking. Not only can we untangle the knots of your sadness, but we can have a little fun while we do it. Therapy doesn’t have to be boring or scary, and being able to see all the progress you have made can be very rewarding and fulfilling. we will help you create new ways of relating to people that empower you to make positive changes your life. With some guidance, you can feel valued and learn to build on your inherent inner strengths. 

You Can Live a Meaningful, Connected And Joyful Life

If you are interested in depression counseling in Cary, NC, please call our office manager at 919-268-2182 to request a free 15-minute phone consultation. We are happy to answer any questions you have about our practice or how depression therapy can address your needs. If your son or daughter appears to be suffering from depression, we also provide family therapy and counseling services for teens and children.