You’re Not Overreacting: How to Know if Depression Therapy Could Help

How to know if depression therapy in San Diego is right for you.

Introduction: If You're Asking This Question, You're Already Paying Attention

There is a misconception that in order to pursue therapy things need to be really bad or a crisis occurs. Unfortunately, this hesitation in seeking support can often lead to a delay in feeling better and minimizing or ignoring your emotions and needs for too long. Things can seem, “fine,” if you want them to. However, when stopping and honestly thinking about it, if life feels off or out of sorts that is signal enough to seek out a consultation with a depression therapist in San Diego. When reaching out for support, it is absolutely okay to not feel ready to tackle everything at once. Therapy is a process that will unfold at a pace that feels manageable and sustainable for your unique needs. Self-awareness and a desire to feel better are all that is needed to be, “ready.” 

Depression Doesn't Always Look Like Sadness

Some of the warning signals of a depressive mindset can come in various forms. The most obvious and familiar presentations are extreme sadness, crying spells, and hopelessness. I’d like to introduce some of the not so familiar, however just as common. Additional areas to consider include changes in daily activities such as lack of motivation for work or responsibilities, feeling behind on tasks, loss or increase in appetite, sleep disturbances, or an increase in conflict/tension in relationships. Some of the more subtle signs that depression could be impacting you are just as harmful if not more to your wellbeing than the more direct ones. One of the most common signs we see in our practice is a sense of low self-esteem and self-worth. Oftentimes our clients seek therapy for what they report as insecurities, fear or worry when it comes to security in a romantic partnership or sense of closeness with friends or family. When working with depression there isn’t a need that is too small or minor to address. In fact, we actually encourage and congratulate early access to therapy as this can contribute to a faster recovery period and ultimately lower financial obligation. 

Signs Therapy Might Help

Despite the warning signals being present or feeling a connection with some of the signs of depression, there still can remain a curiosity if therapy is even going to be helpful for you. The emotions associated with some of the areas of depression that have been reviewed including loneliness, hopelessness, worthlessness, insignificance, indifference, lack of focus, and insecurities can interfere with the willingness or belief that there is a therapeutic approach out there that will work for you. However, if you are noticing changes in your daily functioning with work, school, or responsibilities at home, experiencing an increase in loneliness and desire to isolate from others, or noticing unexplained changes to sleep or meal routines, a session with a depression therapist could offer some resources and support that will be beneficial to returning to the best version of yourself. 

The Real Reasons We Hesitate to Get Help

Depression is a word that can elicit a sense of heaviness or seriousness that is not desirable to acknowledge and therefore is often avoided. One of the most frustrating concerns with this diagnosis and accessing a depression therapist San Diego is that depression creates false perceptions of reality to include a sense of hopelessness in feeling better or decrease in self-worth creating a lack of motivation to ask for help. As if our inner thoughts aren’t hard enough to overcome, there are also external factors that create resistance or a hesitance to seek support. Some include a continued stigma or misunderstanding around mental health support, financial concerns, and difficulty adding another item to an already busy schedule.  You are definitely not alone with these barriers. It is something that we often support our clients in navigating at the beginning of their time in therapy. We take all the concerns you need into consideration as we go through initial treatment planning and identifying the trajectory of your time in therapy. 

What Therapy Actually Offers

Your time in therapy will offer the opportunity to have an uninterrupted hour of your week that is dedicated to pouring back into yourself. We offer a space that is encouraging of authenticity and freedom to share without fear of judgement, defensiveness, or criticism. Of course we understand that this level of safety does not come naturally and is contingent upon the connection you have with your therapist. We value this connection and therefore offer providers with various specialities and background experiences. However, if we do not have a therapist that aligns with your needs or we do not feel as thought we are the best fit for you, we do offer a list of vetted therapists that we can share during the initial 15 minute consultation. 

What to Look for in a San Diego Depression Therapist

After reviewing a sea of profiles and reading random acronyms of therapeutic approaches, it can be overwhelming to know where to even begin. So first steps first, be sure that the provider’s profile or website mentions depressive disorders as an area they treat. As clinicians we completely understand it is not a one size fits all when it comes to connection. Having a sense of ease and comfortability when talking to your therapist is one of the number one indicators that contributes to success towards therapeutic goals. Just like there is an unspoken chemistry in friendships and other relationships we hope to feel that similar vibe in the therapeutic rapport. This is why pursuing free consultations and having a 10 to 15 minute phone call with potential therapists before investing in your first appointment can be so helpful! This initial phone call can also give you time to review some of the logistics such as the differences between in-person versus telehealth or what to expect when it comes to fees for the session. 

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

The first step in acknowledging the need for assistance in your mental health goals is a strong enough place to be. However, taking action in seeking out that help and trusting someone who initially is a complete stranger is the ultimate act of self-care. If you think you might be ready to hear more about how a depression therapist San Diego can support your needs, fill out this contact form and the provider of your choice will follow up to schedule your free consultation call.