Depression Counseling in San Jose
Hi, I'm Nicole and I'm a depression counselor in San Jose
You may be feeling more snappy and irritable recently, lonely, extremely sad or be experiencing general low motivation and drive . I understand, and I’m here to help.
I help people learn about what contributes to depression, learn self compassion and implement activities and coping skills to help you rediscover your happy .
If you’re ready to start feeling better, schedule a complimentary consultation with me, your depression counselor in San Jose today.
My Approach to Depression Counseling in San Jose
Depression makes people feel stuck, hopeless, sad, lonely, and unmotivated, impacting their daily lives. It is very common and one of the main mental health problems in our country. Brain chemical imbalances and other life factors can contribute to depression. Some people may seem happy on the outside but are hiding their sadness, which can lead to feelings of isolation and withdrawal from loved ones and activities they once enjoyed.
As a depression counselor, I aim to help you understand your depression and identify what affects you personally. Together, we will find ways to help you move forward and break free from the cycle of feeling stuck.
I will teach you what depression is and how it affects your body, mind, and life. We’ll look at the causes of your depression to help you make positive changes. While there is no quick fix for depression, we will take small steps to find relief and bring light to the darkness. We’ll celebrate every small success because they are important in overcoming depression. I will encourage you to find and join in activities that make you happy. Together, we will help you reconnect with the important people in your life who offer love and support.
If you want to rediscover joy and create change, depression counseling in San Jose can provide relief and a new direction. Reach out to a depression counselor in San Jose today to set up a free 20-minute consultation.
Depression Therapy FAQs
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Common issues you may be noticing you are struggling with if you have depression are:
Chronic feelings of sadness, loneliness, guilt or emptiness
Feelings of hopelessness and despair
Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
Changes in or loss of appetite
Frequent irritability
Changes in sleep patterns, extreme tiredness
Thoughts of death or suicide (call 911 or call/text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for emergency situations and emergency support)
Self harming behaviors such as cutting, hair pulling, scratching, punching or hitting self, burning self, etc
Feeling worthless or ashamed
Physical body discomforts such as fatigue, body aches, headaches
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
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Depression can be caused by multiple factors including:
Relational issues
Family history of depression
Stress especially chronic stress
Experiencing a death or loss
Major life events and/or stressful events
Medical issues or concerns
Side effects of medications
Chemical imbalances in your brain, medication can help support in the treatment of depression in these instances
Feelings of shame and low self worth
Depression is something that happens to you, depression is not you. Because of this, experiencing depression is not your fault AND at the same time, there are actionable steps you can take to manage and hopefully even eliminate your depression through ongoing support in therapy and potential medication management outside of therapy depending on the severity of your depression. *Disclaimer: It is not within my scope of practice to prescribe medication and an evaluation by a psychiatrist would be needed to fully determine and assess your need for medication or not. It is within my scope to refer you to a psychiatrist to provide this evaluation* In conjunction with my work with people receiving medication management through a psychiatrist, I have first handedly seen the impact that a combination of therapy and medication can have on treating depression.
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health:
In 2021, an estimated 14.5 million US adults aged 18 or older had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairments.
In 2021, an estimated 5.0 million (21% of the general US population) teens aged 12-17 experienced at least one major depressive episode
In 2021, the prevalence of adults who experienced at least one major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 years old.
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Depression is closely tied to our body’s somatic experiences and therefore some common ways of preventing depressive symptoms include but are not limited to the following:
Regular body movement and exercise
Meeting basic nutritional needs including proper hydration
Obtaining an adequate amount of sleep
Implementing regular coping and self care strategies into your regular routine
Treatment for depression includes but is not limited to the following:
Understanding your depression cycle and influencing factors
Understanding how depression affects the brain
Learning and implementing coping skills and self care strategies
Activating and reinitiating behaviors and activities that bring happiness and joy back into your life
Exploring the root of your depressive thoughts and feelings and creating change in your life within your locus of control
Possible medication to support treatment of chemical imbalances in your brain contributing to depression if aforementioned strategies above are not working alone (*Disclaimer: It is not within my scope of practice to prescribe medication and an evaluation by a psychiatrist would be needed to fully determine and assess your need for medication or not. It is within my scope to refer you to a psychiatrist to provide this evaluation*
Get Help from a Depression Therapist In San Jose today!
Depression can turn your life upside down, even in more mild forms. It may leave you feeling lost and beaten down. Contact me, your depression counselor in San Jose, to set up a free 15 minute consultation and we can start your healing journey together. You deserve to be happy again.