Therapy for Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are often intertwined, yet they manifest in distinct ways:

Depression typically involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is characterized by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and muscle tension are common. Anxiety often revolves around specific triggers or situations.

Signs of Depression

Increased Irritability

While sadness is a common symptom of depression, irritability or unexplained anger can also be indicative. Individuals may find themselves easily frustrated or snapping at loved ones over minor issues.
Physical Ailments

Depression can often manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches, back pain, or digestive issues. These ailments may not have an apparent cause but can persist despite medical treatment.
Changes in Appetite or Weight

While some individuals with depression may experience a loss of appetite and weight loss, others may find solace in food and experience an increase in appetite and weight gain.
Loss of Interest in Hobbies

Activities that were once enjoyable may no longer hold any appeal for someone experiencing depression. This loss of interest in hobbies or activities can be subtle and easily dismissed.
Difficulty Making Decisions

Depression can cloud the mind and make even simple decisions feel overwhelming. Individuals may struggle to make choices or procrastinate on tasks due to a lack of motivation or energy.
Increased Substance Use

Using substances like alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with feelings of sadness or emptiness can be a sign of depression. This behavior may initially seem like recreational use but can escalate into a coping mechanism.
Physical Exhaustion

Persistent feelings of fatigue or exhaustion, even after a full night's sleep, are common in depression. Individuals may struggle to find the energy to engage in daily activities or may feel constantly drained.
Increased Rejection

Individuals with depression may interpret neutral or even positive interactions as rejection or criticism. This hypersensitivity can lead to social withdrawal and avoidance of social situations.
Difficulty Concentrating

Depression can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, remember details, or stay organized. This can impact work or academic performance and exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.
Self Criticism

Excessive self-criticism or feelings of worthlessness are hallmark symptoms of depression. Individuals may engage in negative self-talk and struggle with feelings of guilt or shame.

Signs of anxiety

Perfectionism

While striving for excellence is admirable, perfectionism characterized by an unrelenting need for everything to be flawless can be a sign of anxiety. Individuals may feel intense pressure to meet high standards, leading to excessive worry and self-criticism.
Overthinking

Constantly analyzing past events or worrying about future outcomes can indicate anxiety. Rumination, or repetitive thinking about negative experiences or potential problems, can be mentally draining and interfere with daily functioning.
Avoidance Behaviors

Avoiding situations or activities that trigger anxiety is a common coping mechanism. While avoidance may provide temporary relief, it can reinforce anxiety in the long term and limit one's ability to engage fully in life.
Muscle Tension

Chronic muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, can be a physical manifestation of anxiety. Individuals may experience frequent headaches or jaw pain without realizing that these symptoms are related to underlying anxiety.
Procrastination

Putting off tasks or responsibilities due to fear of failure or uncertainty is a common behavior in individuals with anxiety. Procrastination can perpetuate feelings of stress and guilt, further exacerbating anxiety symptoms.
Indecisiveness

Difficulty making decisions, even minor ones, can be a sign of anxiety. Fear of making the wrong choice or experiencing negative consequences can lead to analysis paralysis and prolonged decision-making processes.
Excessive Reassurance-Seeking

Constantly seeking reassurance from others about one's thoughts, feelings, or actions can be a sign of anxiety. Individuals may doubt their own judgment and rely heavily on others for validation and approval.
Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances

Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep can be indicative of anxiety. Racing thoughts and worries may keep individuals awake at night, leading to fatigue and irritability during the day.
Digestive Issues

Anxiety can manifest physically in the form of gastrointestinal problems such as stomachaches, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. The gut-brain connection means that stress and anxiety can affect digestion and vice versa.
Hypervigilence

Being constantly on edge or feeling excessively alert for potential threats can be a sign of anxiety. Individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to noise, light, or changes in their environment, leading to feelings of unease or discomfort.

The Impact of Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety can profoundly impact both career and relationships, often leading to significant challenges in these areas of life. Here's how these mental health conditions can affect individuals in these areas:

Impact on Career

Decreased Productivity: Depression and anxiety can impair concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities, leading to decreased productivity at work. Individuals may struggle to meet deadlines, complete tasks efficiently, or stay focused on job responsibilities.

Absenteeism: Persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, and physical symptoms associated with depression and anxiety can lead to increased absenteeism from work. Taking frequent sick days or mental health days becomes necessary as individuals cope with their symptoms.

Decreased Job Satisfaction: Chronic stress, negative thinking patterns, and interpersonal difficulties can contribute to decreased job satisfaction. Individuals may experience a lack of fulfillment or enjoyment in their work, leading to feelings of stagnation or burnout.

Interpersonal Conflict: Depression and anxiety can strain relationships with coworkers and supervisors. Irritability, mood swings, and communication difficulties may lead to conflicts or misunderstandings in the workplace, impacting morale and team dynamics.

Career Advancement: Individuals struggling with depression and anxiety may find it challenging to pursue career advancement opportunities. Low self-esteem, self-doubt, and fear of failure can hinder ambition and initiative, limiting professional growth and development.

Financial Stress: Reduced work performance and absenteeism can result in financial strain due to decreased income or potential job loss. Financial worries, combined with existing symptoms of depression and anxiety, create a cycle of stress and exacerbate mental health issues.

Impact on Relationships

Communication Challenges: Depression and anxiety can interfere with effective communication in relationships. Individuals may withdraw emotionally, struggle to express their needs, or misinterpret their partner's intentions, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.

Increased Conflict: Mood instability, irritability, and heightened sensitivity to stressors can escalate conflicts in relationships. Arguments may become more frequent or intense as individuals cope with their symptoms and struggle to manage their emotions.

Social Withdrawal: Depression and anxiety often lead to social withdrawal and isolation, impacting both intimate relationships and friendships. Individuals may cancel plans, avoid social gatherings, or withdraw from social interactions altogether, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

Loss of Intimacy: Low libido, fatigue, and self-esteem issues associated with depression and anxiety can negatively impact intimacy in relationships. Physical and emotional intimacy may decline as individuals grapple with their mental health challenges.

Role Strain: Depression and anxiety can disrupt traditional roles and responsibilities within relationships. Partners may take on additional caregiving duties or household chores to compensate for their loved one's diminished capacity, leading to feelings of resentment or imbalance.

Decreased Support: Individuals with depression and anxiety may struggle to provide emotional support to their partners or loved ones. Preoccupation with their own symptoms and difficulties expressing empathy or understanding can strain the relationship dynamic and erode trust.

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Healing Depression & Anxiety through Therapy

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, anxiety, or relationship difficulties, don't hesitate to reach out. Wes are here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. Some of the therapeutic modalities we use tailored to address depression and anxiety, include:

Attachment Therapy

Exploring early attachment patterns and fostering secure attachments to support emotional regulation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors to promote healthier coping strategies.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Learning mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to manage intense emotions.
Solutions-Focused Therapy

Focusing on present and future solutions rather than dwelling on past problems.

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FAQs on Depression & Anxiety

Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. Anxiety involves excessive worry, fear, and apprehension about future events or situations.
Common symptoms of depression include sadness, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms of anxiety may include excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.
Yes, it is common for individuals to experience symptoms of both depression and anxiety simultaneously. This is often referred to as comorbid depression and anxiety.
Depression and anxiety can strain relationships by affecting communication, increasing conflict, and causing social withdrawal or isolation. Partners may struggle to understand or cope with their loved one's symptoms, leading to feelings of frustration or helplessness.
During therapy, you can expect to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to depression and anxiety in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to identify coping strategies, challenge negative thought patterns, and promote self-awareness and resilience.
The duration of therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some individuals may benefit from short-term therapy focused on specific symptoms or goals, while others may engage in longer-term therapy to address underlying issues or develop ongoing coping strategies.
Medication may be recommended in conjunction with therapy for some individuals with severe or persistent symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is essential to discuss medication options with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific needs.
Depression in children may manifest as persistent sadness, irritability, social withdrawal, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Anxiety, on the other hand, may present as excessive worry, fear of specific situations or objects, physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches, avoidance of school or social activities, and perfectionism.
Triggers for depression and anxiety in children may include academic stress, family conflicts or changes, social pressures, bullying, trauma or loss, genetic predisposition, and underlying medical conditions.
It's essential to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for your child. Encourage open communication, validate their feelings, and offer reassurance. Listen actively and empathetically, and help them identify healthy coping strategies. Consider seeking professional help from a pediatrician, therapist, or school counselor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Both genetic factors and environmental influences can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety in children. A family history of mental health conditions, exposure to stressful life events, trauma, or adverse childhood experiences can increase the risk. However, not all children with genetic predispositions or challenging environments will develop depression or anxiety.
Typical childhood worries may include fears of monsters, the dark, or separation from parents, which tend to be transient and age-appropriate. Clinically significant anxiety, on the other hand, involves persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning, such as difficulty concentrating at school, avoiding social activities, or experiencing physical symptoms like stomachaches or panic attacks.
While the underlying principles of treatment remain similar, therapy for children often incorporates age-appropriate interventions, such as play therapy, art therapy, or cognitive-behavioral techniques tailored to their developmental level. Additionally, family involvement and collaboration with schools may play a more significant role in addressing the needs of children with depression and anxiety.

How Therapy at PORT Works

Inquire

Use our online contact form and let us know which of our Therapists you would like to work with. We will promptly connect you to your preferred provider for your brief free phone consultation. We want to go the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable from the start.
Get to the Root

Your therapy will likely start out with having sessions either weekly or biweekly. With your Therapist, you will get a better understanding of your presenting concerns and how they came about. Your therapist will also help you assess your level of coping and teach you additional strategies.
Do the Work

The bulk of your experience will be in doing the work, both in & out of sessions. You will work through implementing techniques to improve your mood and engagement in relationships in session, while completing tasks assigned by your therapist to further your progress.
Have Better Relationships

This is the point where you get to be #RelationshipGoals. You are having fewer therapy sessions and experiencing emotional healing from past relationship trauma. You are in a place where you are feeling more competent to handle whatever comes next.