Depression
Depression
Sometimes sorrow takes over.
You may feel like there’s a void you can’t fill, an emptiness so profound that it swallows you whole. You might have lost all hope for brighter days, questioning your worth and capabilities.
Your body may have a hard time moving or doing daily activities. Getting out of bed, going to work, and dealing with responsibilities seem daunting. Hobbies and things that used to bring you joy don’t appeal to you anymore.
And lately, you may be so tired that focusing on tasks or spending time with loved ones takes too much energy. So you avoid them.
“Snapping out” of depression is not an option. But therapy can help you navigate these debilitating symptoms to restore hope and pleasure in your life.
Regain joy and meaning for a better future.
My name is Christian Holmes, and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) Registration #120391 under the supervision of Mark W. Baker, Ph.D. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #MFT19289. I offer therapy for depression and other services to support the journey of adults and teens living in California.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was younger and struggled with it for a long time. And while I may not have experienced your exact symptoms, I know what it’s like to feel powerless, empty, and thus guilty because I couldn’t get myself out of it.
But with therapy, I learned how to navigate these negative spirals and find motivation. Now, I seek to help people like you manage these waves and rediscover a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Things can get better.
If you are interested in starting therapy, reach out to book a consultation!
Want to learn more? Read on for more information about depression and how therapy can help you.
What Is Depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges in the United States, marked by deep sadness, emptiness, and helplessness.
Struggling with depression is very different than having an occasional bad day or feeling blue. These symptoms can be so powerful and persistent that they flood your thoughts, feelings, and entire body. They may interfere with your ability to study, work, interact, or perform everyday functions.
What Causes Depression?
Depression may result from various physiological, mental, emotional, and environmental elements.
Common risk factors of depression include:
- Changes in seasons
- Family or genetic history of depression or other mental health conditions
- Individual experience of mental health issues
- Imbalances in brain chemistry, endocrine or immune system
- Loss
- Medical problems or illnesses
- Medication side effects
- Stressful life events
- Trauma
Depression typically begins in adulthood but can also happen in children and teens. It can co-occur with other mental health and medical conditions such as anxiety, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Do I Need Therapy for Depression?
Experiencing a low mood or lack of energy for a few days is natural, especially after a stressful or heartbreaking situation.
Some people manage to ride the gloom and get back on track. Yet others might endure this uncontrollable despair for weeks, struggling to carry on with their lives.
While many mistake depression for laziness, passivity, or disrespect, others ignore it or believe it is part of life. However, these symptoms can be quite crippling if left untreated.
Common signs of depression include:
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hopelessness, guilt, and low self-worth
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of interest or satisfaction in enjoyable activities
- Pain without a clear cause
- Persistent sadness and crying
- Sleep disruptions
- Withdrawal from others
- Negative self-talk or suicidal thoughts*
*Your safety is my priority. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-784-2433) or call 911 immediately.
Depression may make you cope in a way that feeds its symptoms, turning into a downward spiral.
For example, you may feel fatigued and unmotivated, so you stop engaging in physical activity or sleep too much, affecting your energy levels and sleep regulation. You may feel sad and unworthy, so you avoid seeing other people, deepening your loneliness and negative thoughts.
Therapy can support you if you are experiencing any of the above signs of depression or feel stuck in this harmful loop.
How Can Therapy Help With Depression?
Therapy for depression involves meeting one-on-one with a mental health professional like myself to discuss your symptoms and find a healthy way to manage them.
During our time together, you will:
Identify Contributing Factors
We will discuss your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, looking for any patterns or circumstances that may be contributing to your depression. The goal is to understand how these factors affect your symptoms and determine steps to accept, change, or adapt to them.
For instance, you may be taking a work conflict personally when it has nothing to do with who you are or your actions. I will guide you to reflect on situations to pinpoint any distorted or negative lines of thinking and open the possibility of a more realistic or positive perspective.
Increase Your Motivation
Therapy can help you explore different paths to increase your energy and drive. You can learn strategies and gradually incorporate activities to reactivate your mind and body (e.g., doing regular exercise, sticking to a sleep schedule, improving social skills).
We will determine the best course of action based on your symptoms and goals to engage your whole self in sustainable practices that improve your well-being.
Reconnect With Joy and Purpose
As you take action and embark on new experiences, you will start reconnecting with pleasure and finding direction. Some days will be easier than others, but I will encourage you to continue to inquire about what matters, what brings you satisfaction, and where you want to go.
We will define practical steps towards your personal and professional goals and effective coping mechanisms to lean on when symptoms arise.
Therapy for Depression With Christian Holmes
I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) Registration #120391 under the supervision of Mark W. Baker, Ph.D. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #MFT19289.
I provide therapy for depression to teens and adults in Pasadena, Glendale, San Fernando Valley, Beverly Hills, San Gabriel Valley, and neighboring areas. I also offer therapy for anxiety, self-esteem issues, ADHD, trauma, and anger.
I use a Psychodynamic approach to explore your unconscious and past experiences and see how they have shaped your current perception of self. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assess and shift your problematic thoughts and limiting beliefs. I will combine these and other methods to prepare a treatment plan according to your particular story, needs, and objectives.
My goal is that you walk out of therapy feeling unstuck, free, and empowered, ready to reclaim your life. And when hardship comes your way, I hope you will face it with compassion and a better understanding of yourself and your potential.
Need Support?
You matter. And you always will.
Let’s work together to restore your hope for yourself and your future.
Contact me to schedule an appointment today.