Depression
Depression is a surprisingly common and painful mental health condition that requires treatment from a qualified health professional. While most people experience some form of depression over the course of their lives, the length, severity, and frequency of depressive episodes vary from person to person. Depression is believed to be caused by a combination of factors including genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter and hormonal imbalances, environmental and social stressors, developmental problems, and unhelpful thought patterns.
“A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.
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There is hope –depression can be treated. In some instances, medications such as antidepressants may be helpful. However, the importance of psychotherapy, proper nutrition, physical activity, and social supports cannot be underestimated when it comes to treating depression. Stephen can help you by assessing your condition, making appropriate referrals if needed, and helping you manage your symptoms. Becoming educated about depression, building coping skills, and changing unhelpful thinking habits are essential ingredients for beating depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a technique scientifically proven to be helpful in treating depression and involves something called cognitive restructuring, in which you learn to challenge irrational negative beliefs about yourself and replace them with more balanced and positive ones. When you master this technique, in a way you can become your own therapist!
Stephen integrates his training in Mind-Body Therapy with conventional psychotherapeutic treatments to help his clients overcome depression. For example, using Mindfulness together with CBT, he can teach you how to become less reactive to emotional triggers, which would allow you to get enough distance from your negative beliefs to gain a new perspective and develop healthier thought patterns. The result is turning a vicious cycle into a virtuous one.
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