Do You Feel Stressed, Sad Or Dissatisfied With Life?

Are you unhappy? Do you struggle to accomplish your goals, fulfill your responsibilities or even complete basic tasks, such as washing the dishes or going to the grocery store? Does a lack of purpose or the sense that you are trapped in a dissatisfying life make every day a challenge? Maybe you’re afraid that you will never be happy, regardless of what you achieve. Or, perhaps you are dealing with a major change in your life, such as a loss or an unwanted career transition, which has made you feel directionless, defeated and doubtful that you can create the life you want. If you’re a senior, you may be struggling to feel a sense of hope about the future. Are depression symptoms leaving you exhausted and drained? Do you wish you could overcome your sadness and feel happier and more engaged with life?

If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, even getting out of bed in the morning may feel impossible. Activities that you’ve always enjoyed might now seem boring or not worth the trouble. You might feel that you have no time for yourself, but can’t seem to separate yourself from work or other responsibilities. You may also be suffering from physical signs of depression, such as body pain, unintentional changes in weight or other discomforts that don’t seem to have a source. If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness, you might feel dismayed about what this means for your life and unable to care for yourself, leading to a distressing cycle of physical and emotional pain. Or, it may be that you have trouble expressing yourself, leading to negative interactions with family, friends or co-workers, or that you believe people simply don’t want you around. Perhaps you’ve even been self-medicating to cope with your pain. For example, you might be using substances, food or other habits to make your daily life more bearable, even as you worry about the long-term consequences. Maybe you don’t know where to turn for hope and help.

Depression Is Very Common In Our Culture

According to the World Health Organization, 16 million adults in the United States struggle with a major depressive disorder. In 2014, studies found that almost 7 percent of all U.S. adults have suffered from major depression at one point in their lives. And, many more are struggling with depression symptoms without an official diagnosis. Depression can take many forms. Some struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Others get up and go to work, but feel a sense of pervasive emptiness. And, depression can distort your sense of yourself and the world, making it seem as though hopelessness is just a part of life or a sign that something is wrong with you.

In truth, depression is often an understandable reaction to a difficult event or experience. Major life transitions, such as divorce, the death of a loved one or the discovery of an illness, can trigger symptoms of depression in many people. Or, ongoing challenges, such as an unhealthy relationship or difficult living situation, can negatively impact your mental wellbeing. If you’ve heard of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), you know that something as unavoidable as the time of year can have a dramatic effect on your mood. Even your genetics can play a role in how you feel.

Depression may only last a short time, or it may linger for years. You may not remember the last time you felt happy, fulfilled or hopeful about the future. Everyone is different. Regardless of the cause or severity, however, know that sadness and self-doubt don’t have to define who you are. With the support and guidance of a mental health professional, you can work through the feelings that keep you down, learn to cope and find relief and even happiness.

Depression Treatment Can Help You Understand How Worthy You Are

Therapy is a safe, effective, proven way to help you ease the burden of depression and find the joy and fulfillment life has to offer. In private counseling sessions, you can discover more about yourself, learn to identify the obstacles in the way of your happiness and work through your problems with an objective and compassionate third party, someone who can provide you with a better understanding of feelings, experience and strengths. Together, we will work to help you reframe the negative thoughts and emotions that often fuel depression, giving you the tools and techniques to better understand and communicate your needs.

Everyone is impacted by depression differently, and when working with adults and seniors, my unique approach to depression therapy is compassionate, collaborative and effective. I believe that you are the expert in your own life. In strength-based, solution-focused sessions, I will offer insight and guidance as you establish and refine short-term and long-term goals. Then, we will work together to pinpoint how therapy can help you achieve those goals. By breaking goals into manageable steps, prioritizing self-care and developing increased self-compassion and patience, you can feel more confident and better equipped to make sustainable life changes. And, as you identify and address the root causes and triggers of your depression, you can increase your self-awareness and develop healthy, effective coping strategies and communication skills, empowering you to take back your life and feel better.

For years, I’ve been helping those struggling with depression cope with stress, mitigate symptoms and live in a more empowered way. I know from experience that depression can be effectively managed and even overcome. With guidance, support and dedication, it is possible for you to believe in yourself, discover a sense of hope and create the life you long for.

You may still have questions or concerns about depression counseling…

What about medication? I don’t want to put chemicals into my body.

For many, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective form of depression treatment. However, while I do recommend medication to some people if I believe it could benefit them, how you proceed through depression therapy is entirely up to you. And, as a therapist, I cannot prescribe medication myself. I am here to guide and support you, and I would never pressure someone to take medicine if he or she were not comfortable doing so.

I don’t need depression counseling. I’m not crazy.

Seeking help doesn’t mean you are broken, damaged or wrong in any way, and therapy is not about labeling anyone. You are not alone, and dealing with depression is possible. If you are feeling down and unable to engage with your job, relationships or life in general, it’s important to seek help. Everyone needs help at some point, and therapy can help you develop the self-confidence and self-compassion needed to live with greater ease.

I’m concerned that people will find out I’m seeing a therapist for depression treatment.

All sessions are confidential. No one will know that you’re attending therapy unless you choose to share that information. Further, millions of people seek counseling every day and use the knowledge they gain to improve their lives and their relationships with others. Taking care of yourself is nothing to be ashamed of

You Don’t Have To Suffer In Silence

The power to change your life is in your hands. I invite you to call me at 917-765-4743 for a free phone consultation. We can discuss your concerns, and I can answer any questions you have about depression treatment and my practice in New York, NY.