In my work, I’ve seen a lot of depression. It is the most common mental health disorder in the country (About 17 million people experience depression per year.) Depression can be a difficult disorder, but it is eminently treatable and in many cases, curable.
However, many people don’t seek help for their depression, and while there are many explanations for this, one that is worth considering is the self-sustaining nature of depression. Unlike many other conditions, some symptoms of depression make it harder to not be depressed.
Allow me to explain. In severe depression, people experience difficulty with motivation and energy, leading to them staying in bed all day, neglecting self-care such as showering and taking care of household chores, and avoiding previously enjoyed recreational activities. The result is that the person then looks back on their day and feels depressed about what they didn’t accomplish.
In this way, the symptoms of depression lead to more depression, in what can feel like an unbreakable cycle. But there is hope. Therapy helps. Through mental health treatment, a qualified therapist can help you take the steps needed to break free from the heavy blanket of depression and build your life to where you want it to be.
Book a free phone consultation or send me an email and let’s get you started on the path to recovery.
Ben Miller LPC 