Andrea Golden, LCSW
P S Y C H O T H E R A P Y & C O U N S E L I N G
Depression
When everything feels harder than it should, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Depression can look different for everyone. You may feel sad, disconnected, irritable, exhausted, or simply unlike yourself. Things you once enjoyed may feel less meaningful, everyday responsibilities can become overwhelming, and it may be difficult to find the motivation or energy to make changes.
Sometimes depression develops during a difficult period or major life transition. Other times, it can seem to appear without an obvious reason. Either way, you don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out for support.
Depression Doesn't Always Look Like Sadness
Depression can be easy to recognize when you're feeling deeply sad or hopeless. But sometimes it shows up differently. You may still be going to work, taking care of responsibilities, showing up for other people, and doing what needs to be done—while feeling increasingly disconnected from yourself and your life.
Things that once interested you may feel like work. You might find yourself withdrawing from people, putting things off, struggling to make decisions, or wondering why even simple tasks require so much effort. Some people feel more irritable than sad. Others describe feeling numb, empty, unmotivated, or as though they're simply going through the motions.
Depression can affect your energy, concentration, sleep, appetite, relationships, and the way you see yourself. It can also bring harsh self-criticism, guilt, or the belief that you should be able to pull yourself out of it.
Struggling with depression isn't a sign that you're weak or not trying hard enough. When you've been carrying this for a while, even taking the first step toward feeling better can feel difficult.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Depression
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Persistent sadness, emptiness, or low mood
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Loss of interest or enjoyment
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Low energy or persistent fatigue
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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Changes in sleep
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Changes in appetite or weight
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Feeling hopeless or discouraged
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Irritability or increased frustration
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Withdrawing from people or activities
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Difficulty getting started or completing tasks
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-criticism
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Thoughts about death or not wanting to be here
My Approach to Depression Treatment
Depression can make change feel especially difficult because it often affects the very things that help us move forward—energy, motivation, concentration, hope, and connection with other people. Therapy doesn't begin with expecting you to simply “think positively” or push yourself harder.
We'll work together to understand how depression is affecting you and what may be contributing to it. That can include looking at patterns of thinking, behavior, relationships, stress, loss, difficult experiences, health concerns, and life circumstances. We'll also identify patterns that may unintentionally keep depression going, such as isolation, avoidance, inactivity, or persistent self-criticism.
Depending on your needs, I may draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed strategies, behavioral approaches, mindfulness, trauma-informed therapy, and other evidence-based interventions. We may work on changing unhelpful thought patterns, gradually increasing meaningful activity and connection, improving emotional regulation, developing more compassionate ways of responding to yourself, and addressing underlying experiences that may be contributing to how you feel.
The goal isn't to force yourself to feel happy or pretend that difficult things aren't difficult. It's to help you understand what you're experiencing, develop healthier ways of coping, and gradually reconnect with the parts of your life that matter to you.
Your Questions About Depression, Answered
How do I know if I'm depressed or just going through a difficult time?
Everyone experiences sadness, stress, and difficult periods. Depression tends to be more persistent and may affect several areas of your life, including sleep, energy, motivation, concentration, relationships, and your ability to enjoy things. You don't need to determine on your own whether what you're experiencing “qualifies” as depression. We can talk about what has been happening and determine what kind of support may be helpful.
Can I be depressed even if I'm still functioning?
Yes. Some people continue working, caring for their families, socializing, and meeting responsibilities while experiencing significant depression internally. Functioning on the outside doesn't necessarily tell us how much effort it takes to get through the day—or how you're feeling on the inside.
Can therapy help with depression?
Yes. Several forms of psychotherapy have strong research support for treating depression. Therapy can help you understand patterns that may be contributing to or maintaining depression, develop more effective ways of coping, reconnect with meaningful activities and relationships, and address experiences or circumstances that may be affecting your mood. When appropriate, we can also discuss whether consulting with your physician or another medical provider about additional treatment options may be helpful.
