YOU’RE NOT ALONE

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

We Specialize in Therapy for Depression in Orange County

Many people have described depression as a dark cloud that comes over ones life without reason, blocking the sun. This experience is often described as sadness, an inability to feel pleasure, feeling low or down, and a lack of motivation or energy. Although we all experience feeling down or “blue,” depression is much more persistent and should not be considered as weakness or something you can simply “get over.”

Depression is the most common issue in the U.S., affecting more than 16 million adults in the U.S. in 2016, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. There are different forms of depression, such as Major Depressive Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is based on seasonal changes. Due to its commonality, we want to help you get back into the sunshine and reconnect with yourself. No one should suffer alone, and that is why we are here to help.

WHAT DOES DEPRESSION FEEL LIKE?

Common Symptoms of Depression

Although many report a similar combination of depressive symptoms, each persons experience is unique. Some symptoms include:

• Significant lack of pleasure in most activities that was once pleasurable

• Feeling sad or down most of the time

• Significant weight loss or weight gain; or decreased appetite

• Insomnia or hypersomnia

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Poor concentration

• Pessimism or hopelessness

• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of death

We want to support you in getting through this. There are numerous reasons and combinations of factors that contribute to the onset of depression, such as genetics, trauma, environmental factors, and more. Even in more severe cases, depression can be managed and treated, and we don’t want you doing so alone.