Depression Therapy - FL, GA, NC, SC & WV

Depression TherapyBill Bradley2024-05-30T22:25:00+00:00

Do you feel too sad and empty to enjoy life?

Does it ever feel like your life has no meaning or purpose?

Are you struggling with a lack of motivation and energy?

Do you find yourself pulling away from friends and family and isolating more?

Maybe you feel tired, lonely, empty, and hopeless. Perhaps you’ve been sleeping in more and going out less. You may feel unusually sad and tearful—every little thing gets under your skin. Or perhaps you feel numb and disconnected from your emotions, as if you’re not really present in your own life. As a result, you may ask yourself: Do I have depression?

Living with depression can feel like drawing from an empty tank

Depression is an invisible illness. On the surface, everything in your life may seem okay. You may be getting your work done and going about life like you normally would, but it feels like you’re drawing from an empty tank. Perhaps you want to connect with others and break out of your loneliness, but you don’t have the emotional energy to.

If this is how you feel, I encourage you to take heart. In depression therapy, I am confident that I can help you regain your motivation, enjoy healthier relationships, and reconnect with your purpose.

Depression is the product of a stressful, chaotic, and disconnected world

It’s no secret that depression is on the rise. According to a CNN article, a 2023 Gallup report revealed, “About 18% of adults – more than 1 in 6 – say they are depressed or receiving treatment for depression, a jump of more than 7 percentage points since 2015, when Gallup first started polling on the topic.”

Today, depression continues to ravage a stressful and disconnected world. Families are more separated than they’ve ever been. Political upheaval and divisiveness abound. Every day we are bombarded with news about war, economic woes, and mass shootings. Each time that it seems we’ve reached a breaking point, our culture figures out how to reach a new low. Little wonder, then, that so many of us struggle with depression.

Many people buy into the lie that depression is a choice. It’s not.

Our culture often pushes the narrative that we have to figure out our problems by ourselves. We’re taught that we just have to choose to be happy and grateful, as if depression is a choice. The truth is that it’s not. Depression is usually related to trauma, genetics, and factors outside of our control.

What’s more, depression is self-sabotaging in nature. Because the sorrow and pain make you feel so depleted and unmotivated, it’s hard to gather the strength to fight against your feelings. This is why it’s so important to seek help. Depression therapy can help you step beyond your lack of motivation and learn new ways to cope with your symptoms.

Therapy can get to the root of your depression and help you live a more fulfilling life

Depression often stems from childhood trauma and early attachment issues. As a result, many people dealing with depression also have perfectionist tendencies and feel like they’re never good enough for anyone. This creates a lot of pressure for people just getting started in therapy.

I take a gentle approach to therapy and seek to lessen the pressure that depression creates. When it comes to healing, I believe you can get where you want to go faster by slowing down. This may sound paradoxical, but going slowly allows you to pick up on the nuances of depression that you might miss if you go too fast.

Above all, counseling provides a safe space to explore the underlying causes of depression and speak freely about what’s coming up for you. Utilizing telehealth, you have the privacy to open up about your issues without worrying about what other people think.

What to expect in sessions

In therapy together, you and I will explore every area of your life—family, friends, work, spirituality, trauma, physical issues, etc. This will help us get a fuller, more holistic picture of your life and understand how depression affects each aspect of it. Although a lot of therapy focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of depression, we’ll also work on coping skills that you can use to reduce your symptoms.

I draw from an eclectic mix of approaches, some of them trauma-focused and some of them more creatively-minded. I often use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) to help clients process old emotional wounds and desensitize the pain of traumatic memories. Sometimes hypnotherapy can be helpful as well, both in processing emotional wounds and exploring and healing unconscious beliefs.

Additionally, I like to bring in some creative therapies and use drawing, writing, and other forms of art. Creativity can help you get in touch with your emotions and experience peace of mind.

No matter how hopeless you feel, I am confident that you can break the cycle of depression and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. My goal is to walk with you on your journey and offer support and encouragement as you work toward your goals.

You may have some questions about depression therapy…

I’m worried that we’ll uncover something really painful and I’ll feel even worse.

I often work on lots of deeper issues and sometimes that can leave you feeling intense emotions. However, my approach is a gentle one where we take things slowly so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. I will teach you ways to stay grounded and contained so that you can manage your depression symptoms both inside and outside our sessions.

I don’t know if therapy is worth all the time and money.

Depression therapy is an investment in yourself that only takes up a small amount of your time. What’s more, most of my clients say that they have more time available to them because of therapy. By relieving their depression symptoms, they can be more productive in the activities they want to do. I want you to experience the same thing yourself.

Should I take medication?

For some of my clients, medication can make the work of therapy a little easier. For many, though, therapy is powerful enough on its own to treat depression. If you decide to try medication, I would be happy to connect you with a psychiatrist or doctor who prescribes.

Let me help you manage your emotions and reconnect with your purpose

If you want to learn how to treat depression and experience newfound peace in your life, I would be honored to work with you. To begin the healing process, you can use the contact page to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

Contact Sara

4 Signs You’re Refusing to Acknowledge Your Depression

Acknowledging and confronting depression can be a daunting task. For many, it’s often easier to dismiss feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair as temporary or insignificant rather than acknowledging them as symptoms of a larger issue at play. However, refusing to acknowledge depression can prolong unpleasant symptoms and delay the healing process. Let’s explore four common signs that indicate you may be avoiding or denying your depression. By recognizing these signs, you can take the first step towards seeking help, finding support, and improving your well-being. 1. You Notice Changes in Your Sleep Schedule and Routine One of the most common signs of depression is a change in sleeping habits. Many people struggling with depression will have a hard time falling asleep at night or staying asleep throughout the night. Some individuals may find themselves sleeping more than usual. Without awareness of their underlying struggle with depression, they might attribute these changes to ruminating over past events or pondering future career or personal responsibilities. 2. You’re Eating Too Much or Too Little Another common sign that may be difficult to acknowledge there’s a larger issue at play is a change in someone’s eating habits or weight. Similar to changes in sleeping habits, eating habits can change in one of two ways: eating too much or too little. Both can be signs of depression. Someone struggling with depression may have a difficult time acknowledging this type of change and may not realize how depression plays a role. Instead, they may believe that it’s due to their daily energy burn, feeling sick, not getting enough sleep, having a lot of cravings, or being too busy. 3. You Have No Sexual Desire Another big indicator that there’s something bigger at play is a low sex drive. Low sex drive is common in individuals struggling with depression. This sign may be harder to spot than others because sex drive tends to ebb and flow depending on the events that take place throughout your daily life and routine. Depression causes a loss of interest in activities that are considered to be enjoyable or pleasurable. Low sex drive can also stem from being too tired or having low self-esteem. Since a lot of the signs and symptoms can lead to other signs and symptoms, a low sex drive may be more difficult to diagnose as one of the signs and symptoms of depression. Plus, it can be difficult to feel like you have to explain the reason that you’re not interested in being physical with a romantic partner, especially if the reason is depression. 4. You’re No Longer Interested in Things That Previously Brought You Joy Another telltale sign of depression is a loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. While this may be a common sign or symptom of depression, it’s also one that people may pass off as something different. They may not realize what’s driving this sudden lack of joy. They may try to make it seem like they’ve been too busy with their personal life or work to enjoy activities they previously enjoyed. Even if they know deep down that they don’t share the same fulfillment, they may not be willing to admit that to someone else for fear of them finding out what’s really happening with them. Next Steps If you suspect that you are struggling with depression, consider seeking additional help. The signs and symptoms can worsen if left untreated. Admitting to yourself that you’re struggling isn’t an easy thing to do. But it’s an important first step in moving forward. Reach out today to get the help you need and deserve. You can learn more about treatment for depression here.
Read More
The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Might Influence Depression

You’ve heard phrases like “you are what you eat” or “feel good from the inside out.” These phrases imply a connection between your gut and your overall sense of well-being. But is any of that rooted in fact? Can your gut activity influence your mental status? Can it change how you feel beyond a physical level? As it turns out, yes, it can. Is There a Gut-Brain Connection? The gut, metaphorically called the “second brain,” is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. This community of microorganisms is known as the microbiome, an environment that influences not just your digestive processes but your mental well-being, too. Your microbiome plays an important role in maintaining the delicate balance of some of your most important physiological functions, including metabolism and immune responses. Emerging research has also highlighted this microbiome’s involvement in mental and emotional states. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network between the gut and the central nervous system, and it’s how your microbiome communicates with your brain. This communication involves the release of neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune system signals. Knowing that this connection exists, evidence suggests that disruptions in your microbiome may contribute to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Exploring The Gut-Brain Connection Microbes in the gut can synthesize neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in regulating mood, emotion, and cognition. Imbalances associated with these neurotransmitters are associated mental health disorders like depression. With this in mind, it makes sense that the state of your microbiome can influence the production and availability of these neurotransmitters, potentially impacting your mental health. Additionally, your microbiome plays a role in regulating your immune system, and emerging research suggests that immune system activation and inflammation may contribute to the development of mood disorders. How to Support Your Gut on the Path towards Healing Depression One of the best options for depression is to seek additional support from a licensed and trained mental health professional. And as always, I advise that you consult with your medical care provider to rule out any medical conditions which may contribute to your mental health symptoms and for guidance on caring for your body, including your gut, for optimal health. That being said, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to start healing from your gut. You can do this by making some changes to your diet and the types of foods that you’re consuming. The Power of Plants Plant-based diets can help promote GABA. This is the neurotransmitter that helps prevent over-excitability of the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation. Eating plant-based means focusing on consuming foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Prebiotics and Probiotics Prebiotics help to grow good forms of bacteria in your gut through plant fibers. Some examples of foods that contain prebiotics are cabbage, garlic, or onions. Probiotics are also extremely beneficial to your gut health. These are live microorganisms that are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and tempeh. You can also find both prebiotics and probiotics in the form of vitamins and supplements to make it a little easier to consume if you have trouble fitting these foods into your diet in adequate amounts. Seek Additional Support There is in fact a gut-brain connection. While there are many different causes of depression with different factors at play, your microbiome may be one of those factors. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs or symptoms of depression, seek additional support as soon as you can. While there are lifestyle changes you can make to potentially reduce some of those signs and symptoms, seeking professional help is an important support mechanism for healing. Find out more about depression counseling here. Reach out to me today to learn more about how you can move forward in your life again when you’re struggling with depression.
Read More
4 Practical Tips for Dealing with Depression

Depression is an extremely common but serious mental health disorder. While it’s completely normal to experience feelings of sadness and fatigue from time to time, if you notice that these feelings persist for longer than two weeks, it’s a good indicator that depression may be at play. If you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with depression, it’s important to seek support. If you’re not quite ready to make a call and set up an appointment with a therapist just yet, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to try to reduce or limit some of the signs and symptoms you may be experiencing. Here are four practical tips for dealing with depression. 1. Take Care of Yourself No matter what, it’s always important to take care of yourself. Depression can make it harder for someone to put themselves first and take care of even their basic human needs. Since depression can have a negative impact on things like your eating and sleeping habits, try to stick to a schedule and routine, as this can cause a cycle of other worsening signs and symptoms. Depression can cause changes in your eating habits. Some individuals may be tempted to overeat while others may under-eat. Try to eat between three to five healthy and well-balanced meals throughout your day. Plan ahead on what you’re going to eat during the week so you can head to the grocery store and meal prep for the week ahead. In addition to eating consistently, you should also be aiming to drink enough water and be mindful of your caffeine, drugs, alcohol, and sugary snack consumption. When it comes to sleep, try to get on a good sleep schedule and routine by going to bed around the same time each night and waking up around the same time each morning. You should aim to sleep for at least eight hours each night in order for your body to rest, recover, and be able to perform to the best of its ability each day. 2. Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness is a great way to help lower the levels of depression you may be experiencing. It’s also a great practice to help bring your body and brain back to the present moment. These are a few of the different ways you can practice mindfulness in your daily routine: Do a body scan Try deep breathing Practice meditation Do yoga 3. Move Your Body Exercise has been proven to be beneficial for your body as well as your mind. It’s a natural way to feel good from the inside out with the help of the body’s innate feel-good chemicals being released. Moving your body just means getting your blood pumping and your heart rate up. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to seek the benefits. All you have to do is move your body for at least thirty minutes each day. Here are a few ways you can seek the benefits: Go for a walk around your neighborhood Try a workout class with a friend Use a free workout app with guided exercises 4. Seek Additional Support While there are lifestyle changes that you can make on your own end to help reduce some of the signs and symptoms of depression you may be experiencing, there isn’t a replacement for seeking professional help. Depression is a serious mental health condition that may need to be treated with the help of an outside third party. A therapist will be able to work with you in a safe and secure environment to help you work through the potential causes, factors, signs, and symptoms, and ways to better manage those negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Find out more about treatment for depression here. I’m here to help when you’re ready to ask for it. Reach out to me today to set up an initial consultation.
Read More
What Are Some Ways to Treat Depression Without Medication?

Depression can feel like you’re carrying a heavy weight all day and night. You’re trying to make it seem like you can handle it, but you know at any minute, you may drop it. You may spiral out of control. If you’re struggling with depression, seeking additional support is crucial for treatment. If you’re currently working with a therapist or looking into therapy, we’re here to help. Not interested in medication? Don’t worry! These are some ways you can treat depression without medication. And if you continue to struggle, you may choose to try medication later! Find a Routine Depression can impact your daily life and routine in a negative way. You may notice that your sleeping and eating habits haven’t been consistent. Try to take back control of your schedule again. Your routine will look different from a friend’s or family member’s. Set a routine that works for you and your life, and stick with it. Prioritize Your Sleep Depression can cause you to have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night, which can cause more complications with your energy levels during the day. You should be aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed around the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Fuel Your Body Properly When it comes to eating habits, you should be eating at least three to five meals each day. Your depression may be causing you to undereat or overeat. Try to eat meals that are well-balanced, healthy, and nutritious. Move Your Body Exercise is proven to help reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your overall mental health and wellness. Moving your body doesn’t have to mean spending hours on end at the gym or just crossing off another task on your to-do list. You can find ways to move your body in ways or through activities that you actually get enjoyment out of. Hit up the gym with a friend. Run on a treadmill. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. Sign up for a sand volleyball league. Find activities that you enjoy doing and aim to move your body for at least thirty minutes each day. Reduce Your Stress While exercise is a great way to naturally reduce your stress, it’s not the only activity that can reduce the stress that you’re carrying. If exercise isn’t exactly your cup of tea, that’s okay too. Here are some different things you can try to reduce your stress in other ways: Deep breathing Disconnect from your phone Listen to music Meditation Stretch Yoga Socialize with Loved Ones Your depression may be making you believe that you’re alone or that you should isolate yourself from others, including loved ones. This isn’t true. You have multiple people in your life like your family, friends, and even your coworkers who care for you and want what’s best for you. Try not to isolate yourself from others. This can actually cause your depression to worsen over time. Try to surround yourself with people who care about you, who want to support you, and who will lift you up. Seek Additional Support Although your depression may be making you believe you’re alone, that certainly isn’t the case. You don’t have to carry this weight all on your own. Working with a licensed and trained mental health professional can help you get on track toward working through your depression and healing over time. If medication isn’t exactly your thing, that’s completely okay. There are things that you can do on your end or things that your therapist may recommend for you to try out that you may not have though of yet. You can learn more about depression treatment here. I’m here to help whenever you’re ready. Reach out to me today to set up a consultation.
Read More
What Is High Functioning Depression?

You can’t even remember the last time it actually felt like you did something right. No matter if it’s your home life or at work, very few things in your life are working out how you imagined them. You used to think of yourself as someone who had it all together. You’re the type of person that follows a sleep schedule and routine, meal preps on weekends and tries to get involved or help in any way that you can. But you’ve been struggling for a while, and you’re not sure how to get back to your version of normal. Let’s learn more about high-functioning depression. What Is High Functioning Depression? You’ve probably heard of depression before. Depression is a serious mental condition impacting how a person thinks, feels, and acts. When someone experiences high-functioning depression, they experience all of the same signs and symptoms of someone who experiences normal depression, but the symptoms are often less severe. When depression affects individuals, they usually have a hard time functioning in their daily life and routine. Someone with high-functioning depression has the ability to still function almost completely normally or somewhat close to their version of normalcy. The Cause There isn’t one specific reason or cause for developing depression or high-functioning depression. Typically, any type of depression is caused by a combination of things. These are some of the most common causes of high-functioning depression: Brain Imbalances Similar to normal depression, imbalances in the brain can lead to depression. These imbalances of the brain chemicals can affect and impact things like a person’s mood, behavior, and thoughts. Genetics Depression tends to run in families. If someone in your family showed signs or symptoms of depression, you may be more at risk of developing it yourself. Life Events or Trauma Life events are one of the most common causes of depression. Sudden changes or negative events like losing a loved one, a job, or a relationship can trigger depression. Experiencing trauma is another way that someone may begin to develop signs and symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression. Medication or Substances Depression is often listed as a side effect of some medications. On the other hand, substances like drugs and alcohol can also cause depression. Many individuals may start to use drugs and alcohol as a way to temporarily relieve the signs and symptoms they may be experiencing. Unfortunately, these actions can lead to worsening signs and symptoms over time, especially if left untreated. Medical Conditions Some medical conditions may put you more at risk of developing depression. Some of the most common medical conditions that can lead to depression are cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, or heart disease. The Signs and Symptoms Someone with high-functioning depression will still show signs and symptoms that someone with normal depression faces. They just won’t experience them as intensely as someone who has major depression. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of high-functioning depression: Changes in appetite Fatigue Feelings of hopelessness Insomnia Inability to make decisions Lack of energy Lack of concentration Low self-esteem Someone with high-functioning depression will experience some of these signs and symptoms listed above for most days over the course of two years. Treatment Options No matter if you’re experiencing normal or high-functioning depression, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to seek support. Depression is a common and serious mental health condition. Seeking additional support from a licensed and trained mental health professional is often necessary in order to start feeling better. If you’re interested in learning more about high-functioning depression or seeking treatment for it, reach out to me today to set up a consultation. You can learn more about counseling for depression here.
Read More
Here Is How Depression Affects Your Brain

Depression is commonly known as a pervasive sense of sadness. It’s often not something thought of from a tangible standpoint. However, like any illness, it has physical effects on the body. Not only does depression affect our bodies through fatigue and appetite changes—it also has specific effects on the brain. Let’s look at how depression affects your brain. Depression’s Effects on the Brain Brain Size Many of us probably don’t think much about the size of our brain and how it can change. But more studies are showing that depression may affect the overall size of your brain—it causes shrinkage. What’s believed to be happening is particular areas (which we will look at below) lose gray matter volume (GMV), meaning some brain cells are dying. This is seen more in people with depression and other mental illnesses than those without. The key parts of the brain affected by depression-related shrinkage are: The hippocampus: This plays a key role in learning and memory. It also connects to other parts of your brain responsible for emotions and stress regulation. The prefrontal cortex: This area is known for high-level thinking and planning skills. The amygdala: This is a small gland that also plays a role in emotional regulation and memory. The thalamus: This is responsible for relaying information from the brain’s outer layer to the brain stem. When these areas shrink, their ability to perform their function effectively decreases. As you can imagine, shrinkage in these areas has a direct effect on emotional regulation. Inflammation Inflammation can occur pretty much anywhere in the body, including your brain. In some people with depression, atypical immune responses happen. Depending on the length and severity of depression, different people may have different levels of inflammation. It’s believed that inflammation can influence brain shrinkage and inhibit neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to change and learn over time). Inflammation may also lead to dysfunction in some neurotransmitters, which also play a key role in mental health. Structural Discrepancies As mentioned above, there are certain neurotransmitters connected to depression, specifically serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Studies show that depressed people have an imbalance in neurotransmitters—namely when it comes to balancing excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. This imbalance may play a role in shrinkage, too. Think of it like this: Your brain operates on circuits of sorts. When too much or too little activity occurs in a circuit, things fall out of balance and become what we know as mental illnesses like depression. Restricted Oxygen Reduced oxygen levels may be related to changes in breathing caused by depression, however, it’s unclear yet which happens first—the reduced oxygen or depression. Nonetheless, your body naturally produces a protein (HIF-1) in response to reduced oxygen to the brain (hypoxia). Initial studies have shown that in those with depression and bipolar disorder, the HIF-1 protein is more prevalent. Although more studies need to be done, it doesn’t change the fact that the brain is very sensitive to changes in oxygen, which can lead to issues like inflammation and brain cell injury. As mentioned above, inflammation and shrinkage/cell death are connected to issues with mood and memory. Undoing the Effects of Depression The good news is that the effects of depression are reversible. Studies show that treatment with therapy, medication, or a combination of both reverse some of the physical effects of depression, reducing inflammation and allowing new synaptic connections to be made. Regardless, depression is complex and everyone experiences it a little differently. What remains a common truth though, is that you deserve happiness and the help that will get you there. If you’re struggling with depression, please don’t hesitate to reach out today to schedule a consultation call. Click here to learn more about depression therapy.
Read More