Depression affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Here are some key features:

1. Symptoms: Depression includes symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep patterns, appetite disturbances, and negative thinking. Emotionally, individuals may feel down, irritable, or apathetic. Physically, fatigue and disrupted sleep are common. Behaviorally, withdrawal from social interactions and responsibilities often occurs.

2. Causes: While there is no single cause of depression, a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors contributes to its risk. Genetics, health conditions, hormonal changes, brain chemistry disruptions, and social stressors all play a role.

How I Think About Depression

Depression is a complex interplay of unconscious dynamics, early experiences, and relational patterns that contribute to a profound sense of despair and disconnection. Depressed individuals experience feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and sadness due to unmet needs, unresolved grief, or trauma. Depression often involves a sense of internalized self-criticism and can be related to unresolved anger. It may also manifest as a withdrawal from external reality as a defense against overwhelming emotions (this is how depression and anxiety are often related).

From a relational perspective, depression often stems from unresolved interpersonal conflicts, attachment disruptions, and interpersonal losses. Depression may arise from the internalization of negative relational experiences and the inability to find adequate emotional support and validation in relationships. Exploring depression within relational dynamics offers insight into underlying relational patterns and informs therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring relational connection and promoting emotional healing.

How I Treat Depression

Psychotherapy can help individuals explore their depressive symptoms, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting symptom relief and improved quality of life. Psychotherapy offers a variety of approaches to treat depression. My specific approach will depend on individual preferences and needs. Here are the major approaches I consider:

1. Education and Psychoeducation: Psychotherapy sessions may include psychoeducation about depression, helping individuals understand the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to depression. Education about the nature of depression can reduce stigma, increase motivation for treatment, and enhance coping skills.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious conflicts, past experiences, and relational dynamics that contribute to depression. By gaining insight into underlying psychological processes and unresolved issues, individuals can achieve symptom relief and emotional healing.

3. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills, addressing difficulties in relationships that may contribute to or exacerbate depression. By exploring relationship patterns, resolving conflicts, and enhancing social support, IPT helps individuals alleviate depressive symptoms and improve overall functioning.

4. Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), incorporate mindfulness practices to help individuals develop awareness of their thoughts and emotions without judgment. By learning to observe their experiences with acceptance and compassion, individuals can reduce rumination, prevent relapse, and improve mood regulation.

5. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to depressive symptoms. Through CBT, individuals learn to recognize distorted thinking, reframe negative thoughts, and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms. Behavioral activation, a component of CBT, involves scheduling enjoyable and rewarding activities to increase engagement and counteract withdrawal and lethargy associated with depression.