Therapy for Depression

DEPRESSION

Do you feel hopeless, helpless, or stuck?  Have you noticed changes in your appetite, your weight, or your sleep?  Are you struggling to find pleasure, purpose, or meaning in life?  

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might be struggling with depression – and we want to help.  

Heredia Therapy Group is proud to offer therapy for depression for our clients here in Downey, The City of Industry, and everywhere across the state of California via online teletherapy.  If you are ready and interested in signing up for your first session, contact us today.  Or, read on to learn more about depression and how therapy can help.

What is depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States, even here in sunny California.  In fact, most adults and many children will experience at least one depressive episode at some point in their lifetime.  Many people mistake depression for tiredness, irritability, or even laziness, and many do not seek treatment until the severity becomes unbearable.

Depression is a medical issue that affects a person’s mind, body, and even their relationships.  Some of the most common signs of depression include:

· Depressed mood (feeling down or frequently sad)

· Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed

· Loss of motivation or drive

· Unintended changes in weight

· Suicidal thoughts*

· Anger or irritability (especially in children)

· Withdrawal from others

· Feeling lonely or isolated

· Feeling like a failure

*  Suicidal thoughts are common, and safety is the utmost priority.  If you (or someone you know) are having thoughts of suicide, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-784-2433) and/or call 911 immediately.  Tell your therapist if you are having thoughts of suicide.  We care, and we are here to help.

Depression can happen as the result of a stressful life event, such as loss of a loved one, loss of a job or career, or moving to a new city.  Sometimes we experience depression due to changes in seasons (e.g., seasonal depression) or national events (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic).  However, depression can also come “out of the blue,” seemingly for no reason at all.  

Thankfully, therapy is the best choice of treatment for children and adults struggling with depressive symptoms.  Here at Heredia Therapy Group, we offer therapy for depression for kids as young as two years old and throughout the lifespan because no one should have to face depression alone.  

How can therapy help?

Therapy for depression is designed to address the three main things that drive depression: Avolition, Anhedonia, and Apathy.  

Avolition means lack of motivation or drive.  When we become depressed, the mind and body actually slow down.  We lose our sense of willpower and desire to achieve our goals. Therapy can help you rebuild energy reserves, learn ways of reactivating your mind and body, and feel encouraged as you make progress on your goals. 

Anhedonia means lack of pleasure.  Depression can dampen the brain’s response to reward, which means that the things we used to enjoy less enjoyable.  This is why depressed people will say that nothing sounds fun or interesting to them. The less joy we feel, the more negativity and emotional pain we carry.  Therapists can help you rediscover your sense of joy and satisfaction by helping you navigate negativity and reconnect with your true self. 

Apathy means lack of interest and passion.  Often, depression makes us less interested in our life’s goals – relationships, career, fitness, and more.  Unfortunately, this creates a vicious cycle.  The less we pursue our goals, the more we feel stagnant, like a failure. Therapy gives you a chance to take action, overcome barriers to success, and break free from the cycle. 

As you make progress in therapy for depression, you can:

– Think positively and be mindful

– Understand your thoughts and emotions

– Learn self-compassion and acceptance

– Make progress towards your goals

– Deal with thoughts of self-harm and suicide

– Be active and have energy

– Cope with stress and worry

– Rediscover your sense of purpose and direction

If you or a loved one are struggling, let us help.  We believe that everyone deserves a chance to be well and have a meaningful life – including you!  Contact us today to get started. 

Areas Served:

Teletherapy:  Anywhere in the State of California.

City of Industry Office: Baldwin Park, El Monte, Whittier, Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heights, Rowland Heights, Walnut, Diamond Bar, West Covina, Montebello

Downey Office: Lynwood, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, South Gate, Santa Fe Springs, Bell Gardens, Paramount, Lakewood, Cerritos, Compton, Huntington Park