The dull, low-energy weight of depression is painful in a numb way. It makes life feel pointless.

There’s the feeling of helplessness, doubt, and shame. It can be triggered by simple recollections. It may show up with insomnia, or conversely, the inability to get out of bed. Life becomes unfocused, and there’s an inability to get anything done. Relationships are impacted. There’s an undercurrent of loss. Maybe there are thoughts of dying, if not with a clear plan and intent, then with the passive notion that if death occurred, it wouldn’t be so bad.

Depression can stem from many different things — trauma, attachment, physiology. There are many ways to treat it, and I like to start with talk therapy, as it is helpful towards understanding your experience. We are a social species, and sometimes simply talking to someone who is compassionate can be enough, as feeling seen and heard helps. Beyond that, my style of treatment may include cognitive behavioral approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.