Depression & Mood Disorder Counseling

Depression and mood disorders are complex conditions that can manifest in various ways, affecting people differently. 

Recognizing the Symptoms

You will benefit from therapy if you experience some of these symptoms:

• You find it harder to get out of bed OR experience an increased or decreased need for sleep (i.e. with bipolar disorder)

• You feel unmotivated and fatigued

• You have difficulty with focus and memory

• You’ve noticed changes in your appetite 

• You cry more often than usual and sometimes for no apparent reason

• You have been isolating yourself more

• Things in your life aren’t enjoyable these days

• You experience mood swings ranging from periods of euphoria or irritability to sadness or even hopelessness 

• Mood cycling and increased energy or restlessness.  

• You engage in impulsive or reckless behaviors

• You have an elevated sense of self-esteem believing you can accomplish anything

Here are some of the common types of depression and mood disorders:

Dysthymia

People with dysthymia usually feel like they have little or no joy in their lives. Things seem gloomy most of the time. If you have dysthymia, you may feel like you’ve been depressed your whole life. You may have a hard time enjoying things and having fun. You might tend to be withdrawn, worry frequently or criticize yourself as being a failure. You may feel guilty, worthless, or have difficulties with sleep.

Major Depressive Disorder

People dealing with depression experience a low mood or lack of interest in pleasurable activities, and also may experience sleeplessness or oversleeping, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fatigue, feeling slowed down, and suicidal ideation.

Symptoms of major depression can also include feelings of sadness, changes in appetite, loss of motivation or pleasure in life, difficulties with attention and concentration, memory issues. For some, these periods come on fairly suddenly and strongly and tend to last 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 you did feel satisfied with life.

Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorders are characterized by alternating states of depression and mania or hypomania. These mood swings can last for days, weeks, or even months. There are two main types:

• Bipolar I Disorder: This type involves severe manic episodes that last at least seven days or are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes typically last at least two weeks. It’s also possible to have episodes of mixed features, where symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously.
  

• Bipolar II Disorder: This type involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than the manic episodes in Bipolar I. Bipolar II is often characterized by longer periods of depression, which can be debilitating.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

When the season moves into winter, the days grow shorter, and the skies turn gray, do you find that your mood darkens as well? If so, you’re not alone. Approximately 10% of Americans experience a lower mood during the winter months, and this rate is as high as 20-30% of people in North America.

The “winter blues” can develop into something more serious. Spending less time outside (rain or shine) can contribute to SAD and even associated levels of vitamin D.

Symptoms subside for many during spring and summer. Symptoms of SAD include the increased need for sleep, daytime fatigue, irritability, decreased activity, decreased concentration and ability to think clearly, decreased sex drive and increased appetite.

Grief and Loss

Grief and loss can trigger depressive symptoms as you navigate through emotional pain and adjustment.

Postpartum Depression

Mood concerns can also arise from postpartum changes. Our team can address postpartum difficulties and help you navigate parenthood and family life. 

We are here to support you through these various types of depression and mood disorders, helping you find the path to recovery and well-being.

Co-occurring disorders we treat along with depression include:

• Eating Disorders

• Anxiety

• Trauma

• Addictions

If you are experiencing any of these, see our service page for these concerns to learn more about them and Lotus treatment. We address and treat a wide range of concerns from stress management and general mental health and wellness, transitions and identity concerns to specialized mental health for concerns such as eating disorders. This list is an example of concerns we treat.  If you don’t see a specific concern please contact us with questions.  We are happy to connect with you.  This is a sample of how we work and what you can expect at Lotus. We are deeply passionate about mental health and wellness as well as social justice issues.

While the clinical approach of our team members varies some within the spectrum of evidence-based approaches, ranging from mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Prolonged Exposure treatment, all of us believe in and conduct our work from a place of empowerment and inclusion, drawing from multicultural competence.