HELP ME WITH
depression
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, especially those that individuals may have once enjoyed.
It affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. Unlike temporary feelings of sadness or a “rough day”, depression is more pervasive and can last for weeks, months, or even years if not treated.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, seeking help from medical and mental health professionals is essential. Depression is a serious but treatable condition, and support is available to help manage and alleviate its symptoms.
Check out the information below to learn more about depression and how Bliss Therapy™ can help you.
complementary & holistic care for depression
It is important to work with a licensed medical and/or mental health professional to address your concerns with depression to ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment. At Bliss, we offer complementary and alternative medicine and holistic wellness services for clients struggling with depression. See below for some examples of how this can support your healing journey.
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Ayurveda is a 5,000 system of functional and lifestyle medicine rooted in consciousness - conscious connection to mind, body, heart and spirit. It offers wisdom that can inform how we think about ourselves, others and the world around us, our relationship to food, our daily habits and practices and our sleep.
When working with clients with depression we do a complete health intake and assessment to understand your struggles with depression and make detailed recommendations to help reduce depression from the inside out.
This might mean improving digestion and/or sleep so the body feels lighter and more energized. Many times poeple who struggle with depression eat a high carb diet to get the "seratonin", but this is a short-term high and we can provide nutrition recommendations and health coaching to help you choose the right foo and fuel to feel better. We can also show you practices that help calm the mind, body and spirit, giving you space to think about something else besides all the worry and stress.
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Depression is something we "feel" in our body. The heaviness that makes it hard to get up off the couch, take a shower, care for yourselves. It can lead to isolation and disconnection from the body because many people struggling with depression live in their "head" in a constant cycle of worry, regret, and hopelessness. Learning how to "feel" our depression and also learning how to feel what takes us away from our state of depression is very valuable to wellness. We also use somatic therapy to show you how to shift your physiology from stress and depressed to aligned and active so you can feel more vibrant, alive and energized. We offer safe, trauma-informed, and compassionate spaces to explore their relationship to depression, how it shows up in the body, and teach some practical strategies for staying regulated.
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Depression is quite simply a very. deep "sadness", and that sadness can be projected onto the relationship you have with yourself, others and the world around you. But, ultimately this sadness starts in the brain with our specific brain architecture. We can use brain health based strategies to promote healthy management and mitigation of depression and symptoms so clients feel more empowered and in control. We will develop a specific brain-health plan for you, rooted in psychology and neuroscience to support your brain health if you struggle with depression. We can also educate you on some of the brain and neuroscience based principles and research on depression so you can feel more informed and advocate for yourself.
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Depression is like a quicksand and glue - it pulls you down into the abyss and it can feel impossible to escape. Energy Medicine comes in many forms and we offer sound healing, energy work like Reiki and Pranic healing, bodywork, breathwork and other modalities to help clients change their relationship to anxiety. Sometimes this means creating safe, quiet, relaxing spaces where clients learn how to be calm and still. Sometimes this means educating clients on the energetic qualities of depression, their origin, where they live in the body and how to move this energy to bring more balance back to the whole. It may also include "moving" the energy through integration and "digestion" of past experiences so we no longer have to hold them with such force. Energy work can help you feel lighter, more energized, and return to equilibrium more quickly.
From the American Psychological Association
Here are a few key points about depression
What are the types of depression Disorders
Depression is a “blanket term” but describes many possible conditions. Some of these include:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by a persistently low mood and a lack of interest in activities, affecting daily functioning.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Also known as dysthymia, this involves a chronic form of depression lasting for at least two years.
Bipolar Disorder: Includes episodes of depression as well as periods of mania or hypomania.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to seasonal changes, often occurring in the winter months when sunlight exposure is limited.
Postpartum Depression: A severe form of depression occurring after childbirth.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF ANXIETY
The causes of depression are complex and can be caused by a combination of multiple factors. This includes genetics especially if there is a family history of depression. We must also consider biological factors in the form of imbalances in brain chemistry (neurotransmitters) and hormonal changes as well as environmental stressors like adverse life events, trauma, or significant life changes especially if unresolved. Depression causes and can be caused by psychological Factors like low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, and chronic stress are associated with higher risk. In one area of research, children with mothers with depression were a higher risk for depression as well as other health complications so the benefits of treating your depression help you as well as your family.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS of DEPRESSion
Depression can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
Significant changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or sleeping too much
Fatigue or loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide
Because the symptoms and side effects of depression can be so severe, it is critical that you get help if you are struggling with depression.
HOW DO YOU TREAT depression?
Because anxiety is so pervasive it is challenging to treat and often the best approach is more integrative. Effective treatment for depression often involves Psychotherapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interpersonal therapy (IPT) or psychodynamic therapy. Medication is also commonly prescibed in the form of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which hmay help balance brain chemicals. Lifestyle Changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can improve mood and overall well-being and ensuring we have a strong support system with supportive friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional support and practical advice.