Depression, Grief & Mood Disorders
Our therapists at Denver Emotional Health are trained to use evidence-based treatments for depression and mood disorders. The work that we do is informed by the latest research and science, and has been proven to be effective countless times through our clients. As expert counselors and therapists who treat depression, we focus on helping clients overcome their symptoms through an integrative, holistic approach, and help guide them into living a more experiential, fulfilling meaningful life.
We have an extensive history of success in treating a variety of depressive disorders, and most of our successful clients have previously tried traditional talk therapy without success. Traditional, supportive talk therapy does not work to treat most depression, and we often-times help individuals who struggle with treatment-resistant depression. Whether you have a new case of depression, or a long-standing history, we specialize in using the best available evidence-based treatment protocols for depression, anxiety and mood disorders. We look at the research, science and engage in a process-based therapy that uniqely applies to each individual.
Signs and Symptoms of Mood & Depressive Disorders
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders that people in our civilized society struggle with. In fact, almost 10% of all adults age 18 or older have had a “major depressive episode,” and almost 20% of all adolescents age 12-17 have also had a major depressive episode. Over the last 20 years or so, United States military service members were hospitalized for depression than any other category of mental disorders.
Although not everyone who struggles with symptoms of depression will be diagnosed with a Depression Disorder, common signs and and symptoms of depressive disorders include some combination of the following symptoms:
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Feeling down and/or hopeless
- Feeling easily or chronically fatigued (Feeling sluggish, slow)
- Irritability, usually snapping or lashing out at others
- Restlessness (Fidgety, moving fast)
- Loss of interested in usually pleasurable activities
- Problems with concentration or thinking clearly, racing mind before bed
- Persistent/excessive feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, feeling like you are alone
- Sleeping too much, or not enough; trouble staying asleep through the night
- Overeating, or not eating enough
- Thoughts of suicide, and other self-harming behaviors like cutting, substance use, promiscuous sex or other activities.
Depression is known to be caused commonly by a mixture of genetic, environmental, and biological factors, as well as in most cases psychological factors. In our view, however, there is usually a specific “root” cause of depression, and possibly multiple or various layers of root causes. Either way, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment and undergo therapy with the goal of exploring any parts involved in your depression, and clearing room for your Self so your symptoms of depression are eliminated. Without a doubt, we believe our methods of psychotherapy are the most effective treatment options for depression for most, if not all, individuals.
We Are Experts Trained in Treating the Following Types of Depression or Mood Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): A person struggling with major depression might suffer from excessive feelings of sadness, worthlessness, fatigue, changes in appetite, loss of motivation or pleasure in life, sleep difficulties, difficulties with attention and concentration, and perhaps thoughts of suicide. For some people, these depressive spells come on fairly suddenly and strongly and may occur for for a few weeks to a few months. For others, the feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low self esteem, and general dissatisfaction with life are more pervasive and longstanding; it may be difficult to remember a time when a person felt satisfied or fulfilled in life. Click here to learn more about how we treat depression.
Bipolar Disorder: This diagnosis occurs when people’s symptoms are characterized by alternating states of mania, hypomania and/or depression. These altered mood states can last for weeks, days, or months at a time, and can include other reckless, impulsive or dangerous behaviors, in addition to possible symptoms of psychosis. Learn more about Bipolar Disorder.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia): This common diagnosis is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder. Click here to learn more about how we treat depression or dysthymia.
Seasonal affective disorder: This diagnosis is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder. Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Prolonged Grief Disorders / Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder: Although many people who suffer the loss of a loved one will suffer from symptoms of depression, not everyone will develop a Prolonged Grief Disorder as a result. Although there is no psychologist or psychotherapist who can simply remove the pain we feel when we experience significant loss, our therapists are able to help reduce excess symptoms which stem from the way we process pain, and the past trauma that often is triggered in these situations. Learn more about Prolonged Grief Disorders and how we can help you heal with professional support and guidance, as grieving is a highly individual process for each person.
Our Approach to Treating Depression, Grief & Mood Disorders
At Denver Emotional Health, we work from an evidence-based, integrative framework that is primarily centered around Internal Family Systems Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, as well as Exposure Therapy/Behavioral Activation; we apply these scientific, research-backed methods to help tackle depression as part of a 3-Pronged approach where we work on behavioral changes that maintain symptoms, in addition to healing the deeper wounds or the roots of depression.
Unlike most traditional talk therapies, we don’t simply sit back and offer nods of support. Instead, we work actively with each client to help them understand and develop a new relationship with their depressive parts, and ultimately feel better and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Learn More About Our Approach To Treating Depression & Other Mood Disorders.
Contact Us To Learn More About How We Can Help You
At Denver Emotional Health, we are trained in effectively treating depression using research-informed and evidence-based methods of psychotherapy such as Internal Family Systems and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy You can click here to learn more about how we treat depressive disorders.
Fortunately, depression is treatable with the right therapist and therapeutic interventions. Please don’t suffer longer than you have to, or with a therapist that is not knowledgable about how to effectively treat depression and/or anxiety. Feel free to contact us today to receive a free consultation to learn more about the ways in which we can help you.
Learn more about legal psychedelic-assisted therapies we offer that can help you with your depression struggles.