Depression Treatment

Is Overwhelming Sadness Defining Your Life?

Are you having trouble sleeping or finding a reason to get out of bed in the morning? Perhaps you are struggling to accomplish everyday tasks, such as eating properly, maintaining personal hygiene, or just getting out of the house. Have you lost interest in the things that used to give you pleasure? Do you feel numb to happiness, love, or even pain? 

Perhaps you are stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts, unexplained feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness that you do not understand. Or, maybe you have difficulty concentrating, lack energy and motivation, or feel as if you are moving through life on auto-pilot.

Depression can manifest in many ways, both physical and emotional. You may be tired all the time, feel disinterested in everything, or you may be isolating yourself from social situations. In the midst of your struggles, you may have even tried to find escape or comfort in technology, food, alcohol or drugs, only to realize these strategies don’t lead to lasting relief. You may be asking yourself, “Why do I feel so bad all the time?” or even, “What’s the point?” 

Every day doesn’t have to be a burden. There is hope. Would you like to stop the pattern of sadness and self-doubt and enjoy a more fulfilling life?

Depression Is A Global Mental Health Issue

If you are battling overwhelming sadness or anger, you are certainly not alone. According to Healthline, depression is a leading cause of disability in the world, affecting over 300 million people globally. Although you may think your situation is minor, there are many different types of depression, all of which can have a major impact on your life.

Experiencing a period of sadness or sorrow is part of being human. It can be a healthy, natural outlet for loss or grief and can even encourage us to make beneficial changes in our lives. But, if your pain has become a defining characteristic of your life and prevents you from living up to your potential, you may be suffering from a depressive disorder. 

Depression can be associated with several factors, including biology, genetics, developmental issues, and psychological and emotional issues. It can also be associated with other psychological conditions, such as anxiety or trauma. Social and cultural factors, including stressful work demands, financial worries, relationship issues, acculturation and immigration issues —even the events we see in the media—can all contribute to depression. 

The good news is, even the trying times in our lives can lead to positive changes. With the help of a skilled and experienced specialist in treating depression, you can process and understand your emotional pain and enjoy a greater sense of inner peace.

Treatment For Depression Can Help You Move Forward

Working with a psychotherapist can be a profoundly powerful tool for creating true, sustained healing. Therapy for depression offers you the chance to verbalize your pain and be understood by an expert. I am here to help alleviate your distress and to help you cultivate greater self-awareness and facilitate learning so you can to make sense of your thoughts and emotions.

Our work is completely tailored to meet your needs and expectations for depression therapy. We’ll begin our time together by exploring your emotions and looking at how depression impacts your life. We’ll look for patterns of behavior, current stressors, and experiences from your past that may be contributing to or aggravating your condition.  

Using that information, we’ll address relationship problems, anger management issues or any other concerns. As both a psychiatrist and a psychoanalyst, I can get to the core of your suffering and help you develop a treatment plan that can improve your overall quality of life.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, nor does everyone respond to treatment methods with the same results. That is why I strive to really understand the root cause of your distress, as well as your hopes for the future. 

I’m trained in a range of modalities for treating depression and can offer a variety of approaches to healing. Depending on your needs, we may work on current issues related to your sense of self and relationships, or pursue an exploration of your thoughts and emotions to look for established patterns that may be related to earlier life experiences. Over time, it’s possible to let go of self-defeating beliefs, reframe the way you perceive yourself, and look forward to the future with optimism. 

We’ll also identify small shifts you can make in your lifestyle that could improve overall functioning. Changes in exercise, diet, or sleeping habits can have a dramatic effect on your life, boosting your energy levels, improving your sleeping patterns, and making your day-to-day life easier. Or, depending on your situation or preference, we may discuss how a treatment plan consisting of medication and psychotherapy may promote greater support throughout the healing process.

Whatever you’re going through now, you don’t have to do it alone. Relief is possible. Together, we can work through your pain and repair the damage it has caused. In time, you may be able to break free from depression and be more motivated as an employee, connected as a partner and experience greater life satisfaction.

I am considering depression treatment, but I still have a few concerns...

I think my depression will eventually go away.

Hoping that depression will go away on its own only prolongs your suffering and allows it to disrupt and distort every aspect of your life. In fact, it’s quite possible that avoiding therapy is part of a pattern of avoidance directly caused by depression. 

Whatever your situation may be, there is no reason to suffer. There is support available and you deserve the relief and healing that can come from it. Depression is one of the most well-researched and treatable mental health issues out there. Getting help now could mean enjoying a healthier, happier life in the future.

Why bother? Nothing is going to change.

There is a very good reason why you are on this page. You are here because you do have hope. Despite feeling beaten and bruised, that person struggling inside knows change is possible. Don’t let depression convince you otherwise. You are here for help, and I am here to help you. Utilize that hope, draw strength from that determination, and with your commitment to yourself and change, you can enjoy greater peace and contentment.

I am worried that depression treatment will make me feel worse.

Although this work can be challenging, we’ll always move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Depression treatment is designed to alleviate your distress, not make it worse. However, there is a part of you that has been wounded in some way from past experiences and it needs to be articulated. 

And, although it might be frightening, psychotherapy for depression is the perfect environment to attend to wounds, both small and large. In this space of safety, you have the amazing opportunity to uncover the sources of your pain and free yourself so you can truly enjoy life.

There Is Help For Depression

If you are struggling with persistent sadness or hopelessness, there is help. Please call 415 673 3125 or email me at sanfranalista@therapyemail.com for a free 15-minute consultation. I would be honored to answer any questions you have about my practice and how counseling for depression may be able to help you.