Being human means we will sometimes feel sad. Within the same heart that knows joy, happiness, love and attachment lives the capacity for sadness, loss and grief. These feelings are not flaws to be fixed but signals worth listening to. When they deepen and stay, however, support can make all the difference.
Chronic Sadness, Loss and Grief
There are many variations on the theme of sadness — in its intensity, its duration, and the other experiences that accompany it. When sadness becomes our dominant mood, it begins to erode our relationships and our ability to feel pleasure, happiness and joy.
Loss and grief are most often characterized by deep sadness. Most of us have coped with some form of loss, and everyone's experience of grief is unique. Usually grief softens over time. In some cases, though, instead of resolving, it becomes chronic and persistent. This "complicated grief" can make it difficult to resume one's life and move forward.
Sadness is an important aspect of human feeling, and it can tell us important things about ourselves. If you are troubled by a loss, by persistent sadness, or by grief that will not lift, therapy helps you work through your feelings and reconnect with the positive meaning in your life.
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than a passing low mood. Its symptoms can include difficulty concentrating or making decisions, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, changes in sleep, appetite or weight, low energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and a heavy sense of hopelessness.
Depression affects your ability to achieve the goals that matter to you, to sustain meaningful relationships, and to take care of yourself. Decades of research have documented that depression shapes how a person thinks about themselves, the world and the future — often in distorted, self-critical ways.
The Good News About Treatment
The encouraging news is that although depression can significantly affect a person's life, it can be successfully treated. Many people who have struggled with depression are helped considerably by psychotherapy. Therapy helps you change the thoughts, feelings and lifestyle patterns that accompany depression. By gently revealing how a person may be re-enacting old negative patterns, therapy offers a new and healthier way of relating to oneself, the world and the future.
If you are depressed, it is important to get help — the value of doing so should never be underestimated. Psychotherapy can ease depression, freeing you from guilt, hopelessness and lowered self-esteem. The National Institute of Mental Health offers clear, reliable information about depression and the treatments that help.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please reach out right away. In the United States you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time, day or night, for free and confidential support, or visit 988lifeline.org. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
You Don't Have to Carry It Alone
Reaching out for help with grief or depression is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our network includes therapists experienced in supporting people through loss and depression. You may also find it helpful to read about relationships, separation and divorce or the full set of therapy specialties. When you feel ready, get in touch through our contact form.