Depression feels exhausting. It feels like a weight that holds you down. It might prevent you from applying for a job, trying out for a team, spending time with loved ones, or even getting out of bed. Depression can come as a vicious cycle that leaves you feeling angry, ongoing sadness, or shame. Sometimes it feels like a lack of connection. A numbness where you used to feel love or joy. Depression can feel like it’s never going to end.
Depression can affect you in a lot of different ways such as emotionally, physically, cognitively, or behaviorally. This might look like:
- Ongoing sadness, feelings of worthlessness, shame, irritability, or numbness
- Weight loss or gain, challenges sleeping, or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Depression says that you’re alone. But here at Anchor, we know that there is hope. We understand how difficult it is to reach out for help, but you don’t have to walk this path alone. Our team of compassionate clinicians are trained to guide and support you on your healing journey. The therapeutic approaches we use are evidence based; not only addressing the symptoms of your depression, but target the root of it.
Here are a couple of tools that your therapist may utilize when treating depression:
Assessment and Understanding
At your intake assessment, your clinician will conduct an assessment to collect biological, psychological, and social history. By asking questions about your environment, relationships, past medical diagnoses, and experience with mental health professionals, we will cater treatment to your individual needs.
Behavioral Activation
Your clinician utilizes behavioral activation to increase positive reinforcement, as well as work to end negative behavior patterns that are furthering the sense of hopelessness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a highly effective and evidence-based treatment modality used to combat depression. CBT works to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, address cognitive distortions, and create healthier beliefs and thought patterns.
Imagine feeling a sense of relief, and freedom. Finally breaking free from the negative thoughts and instead experiencing energy and motivation. Imagine feeling a sense of balance and engagement with the world and your relationships again.
We know that it has been a long road to get here and we do not take that lightly. At Anchor Point of Hope Counseling it’s okay to not be okay. But we also care too much to let you stay that way.
