Depression Counseling in Silver Firs, WA.

Depression. It's one of the most core maladies to all of humanity. Catholic monks used to call it "acedia" or the noon day demon; robbing one's will, the ability to freely engage in life. In the modern day, we have more methods than ever to "escape" the feelings we don't like. Yet depression is one of the ones that stick around. My work focuses on facing depression while not villainizing it. I pay particular attention to both your life story and who you are here and now. Through this we can learn to work with our emotions and find new ways of dealing with the messiness of life.

Depression is one of the most common problems bringing individuals into therapy. I my therapy practice, I view depression as an emotional signal that some significant need is not being met in a person's life. Though compassionate and curious reflection, you will be guided to understand what your unique depressive signals are telling you about what you need and will be supported in adapting new ways to meet those needs that leave you feeling better and more resilient towards depression in the future.

When depression takes over, saps all color from life, drains passion from relationships and interest in activities, takes you by the throat, squeezing your chest, deadening your limbs, making it difficult to breathe or move, I hear a cry for the authentic being within to be truly seen, heard, loved, and accepted. We work to gently help the true you rise through the layers of pain, layers of expectations and lies, layers of imposed identity, that bury your heart and spirit. We work to release or transform all those layers, creating a foundation for and affirming the worth of your authentic self and rebuilding your sense of purpose.

Depression hits all of us at some level at some time in our lives. At a low level, we may feel blah, or describe it as the blues. At a more extreme level, depression can be downright debilitating, causing us to lose our appetites or overeat, to gain weight or lose weight. If depression has taken a hold of you to the extent that you are sleeping all the time or conversely, losing sleep, you will want to see your physician and find out if anti-depressants are in order for you. Even if your depression is not to the point of your being unable to get out of bed in the morning, don't delay in getting help. Call me at 425 652-1413 for an appointment.

Depression feels like a hole you can't escape, no matter how hard you try. Together, we'll work on reconnecting with the sense of vitality, peace and joy within your body. We'll understand the roots of your depression and find ways to compassionately hold those feelings while still being able to live the happy, joyous life you desire. We'll listen to your body for any signals of unresolved trauma or relational wounding and work gently with the body to heal.

Depression is a devastating disease and can significantly impact everything in your life. If you suspect you or someone you know is depressed but aren't sure, contact me for a brief assessment. I can help you understand more about your struggles and how you might begin to address and overcome this terrible disease in a matter of minutes. I look forward to helping you move beyond the overwhelming and hopeless feelings of depression and into a place of peace and contentment.

Depression isn't just a lack of happiness, for many, it can also be a debilitating condition that robs you of the ability to live your life to the fullest. With understanding, care, and non-judgement, I will teach you the skills you need to help you overcome your depression so you can live the life you want, with the strength and resiliency you deserve.

Depression is sometimes describes as sadness. While sadness is often a very real part of depression, there is often much more to it than that. Feelings of emptiness inside, hopelessness about the future, feelings of guilt, worries and anxieties about the future, and a feeling of being weighed down by life in a manner that becomes suffocating often accompany depression. It is a very real problem that we are finding has very real negative effects in the lives of individuals, communities, and places of work. Treating depression takes time and commitment, but the truth is there is hope that you will not always have to feel this way.

We all feel down sometimes. But what about when the blues just don't go away? Or what about when you feel so overwhelmed that you just feel paralyzed? Or when you have lost a sense of hope about yourself or the future...when nothing is fun anymore, and you feel down more days than not? That's a time to get some help to find your way out of the depths of despair. Our counselors at Mill Creek Family Services walk together with you through that darkness to a growing light on the other side of depression. With care and compassion, we assist you with proven strategies that help you start feeling better and living life again.

Take charge of your depression. I can help you learn tools to lessen depression and start feeling better. Our thoughts, our current lifestyle, friends or lack of, all contribute to how we feel. Past failures tend to repeat themselves until they are understood. When getting motivated, completing tasks, or social relationships are a struggle the stress of this can lead to depression. Don't put up with feeling other people have more enjoyment in life than you do. Research is showing us that there are ways we can feel better without using medication.

You did not choose depression, and it is not something that can simply be “shaken off.” Depression is real, life-altering, and can convince you that happiness or peace will never return. Yet depression does not define you. Together, we can acknowledge its weight while also challenging the painful story it tells. My role is to walk with you through the heaviness, to hold space for the difficulty, and to help you discover that hope and healing are possible. You do not have to face this alone.

You are not alone. Depression is not who you are and can be treated with psychotherapy and sometimes medication. The longer you wait, the more set in depressed ways of thinking and behavior can become which makes it more difficult, not impossible, to remove. We are naturally inclined to feel happy so when your mood is depressed it is simply telling you that something has gone wrong. The tendency to become depressed may have genetic, social and personal factors. Merrie Day, PhD 425-747-0155 and Ken Drummy, MSW 425-895-7295, of Day-Drummy Life Coaches, understand how depression works and can help free you to become happier in your life. There is a solution and we can help.

Feeling depressed, insomnia, lacking motivations, problems with concentration, or bad self-image are all core symptoms of “sadness.” The best action for the family with a member in depression is to ask for help. Depression is not a one-person issue, it needs the entire family’s support and sometimes the family can slowly wane in joyfulness. I am here provide tips for the parents on how to be a solid support around your child with depression, and for the child to deal with depressed mood. Together we rebuild a strong and healthy point of view to enjoy the precious life again.