If you’re depressed…

you can’t simply, say, start an exercise program, find a new job, or do things that used to come easily to you.

The problem is not that you won’t do these things, it’s that you can’t. The other problem is that people might be telling you – and you might be telling yourself – that:

• You have to try harder
• You’re lazy
• You can snap out of it

These things simply aren’t true, and all the beating up on yourself that you might be doing isn’t going to help the situation. It’s very important that your therapist understands this. It’s even better if s/he has lived life long enough so that s/he understands that it’s never about “not doing enough” to help yourself out of your depression.

Your body has run out of “feel good” chemicals, which include those that help with spirit, drive, and energy. So, maybe you can make it to the end of a workday, but even the thought of doing chores or going through the mail is too much. So, for now, your body is conserving energy by shutting some of its systems down. For now.

How we will work together to help you

That’s why, if you choose me as your therapist, what we’ll do will include:

• Learning to stop judging yourself harshly
• Understanding what precipitated your depression
• Making small, manageable steps toward your recovery
• Overall, helping you to get back to normal
• It can be a relief to know that what you’re experiencing isn’t because there’s something “wrong with you.” Over time, you may learn that your condition is a natural consequence of living the kind of lives we lead or having the kinds of experiences that you’ve had.With time and assistance, people with depression can and do get better. If you’re in the throes of a depression, it may have taken a lot of energy just to read this, and the thought of starting therapy can be overwhelming, which is why I will make this as easy for you as possible. Email me or call, and we’ll talk about going forward. If we don’t work out due to scheduling, fees, or for any other reason, I will help you to find a trusted colleague to help you.