By: Dr. Lauren Aikin-Smith (she/they)
What is Depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting millions of people each year (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). If you haven’t experienced an episode of depression personally, then you know someone who has. Depression is a little bit more than the typical sadness that everyone experiences from time to time. Depression can impact your thoughts, emotions, physical health, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.
The good news is that depression is usually treatable. Therapy for depression can help you understand what you’re experiencing, develop healthier coping skills, and reconnect with yourself and your normal life.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression will manifest a little bit differently for everyone. Some people will experience primarily emotional and mental symptoms, while others will recognize the physical symptoms or behavioral changes. Some common signs or symptoms may include:
- Persistently feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Change in sleep patterns – insomnia or oversleeping
- Change in appetite or weight
- Increased irritability or frustration
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Loss of motivation
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, or digestive issues
- Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide (WHO, 2025)
Some people may feel numb, disconnected, or that they are moving through the motions of life without really living.
When Should You Seek Therapy for Depression?
Oftentimes, people will use therapy as a last resort and wait until their symptoms become severe before reaching out for help. However, therapy can be beneficial at any stage of depression and is often the most effective in the beginning stages.
Consider seeking counseling or therapy for depression if:
- Symptoms have lasted every day or most days for 2 weeks or more
- Your efforts to feel better aren’t working, and you feel stuck
- The symptoms are negatively affecting your work, school, or relationships
- It is difficult to complete daily tasks
- Isolation from others has increased
- You are using substances to cope
- The depression includes thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Don’t wait until the symptoms are really bad before reaching out for help.
What to Expect from Therapy / Counseling for Depression
Depression therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Depending on your therapist, you may utilize a variety of strategies to treat your depression:
- Cognitive strategies
- Somatic practices
- Emotional regulation techniques
- Modalities for processing grief or trauma
- Connecting past experiences to current situations
- Teaching practical coping skills
Your therapist will help tailor your therapy to your unique needs. Your therapy treatment plan may include many different strategies or focus on just a few. Your treatment may change and adjust over time as you grow and change as a person.
Reach out Today
It is common to feel nervous before your first therapy appointment. During the initial sessions, your therapist will work to understand your symptoms, goals, personal history, and how it’s impacting your current life.
Therapy is not about “fixing” you or changing who you are as a person. Therapy for depression is about helping you better understand yourself, develop new skills, and create purposeful change over time.
If you stick with it, many people begin to notice improvements in their mood, coping skills, relationships, and overall well-being as therapy continues.
Reach out to schedule an appointment on telehealth or at our office in Pittsburgh, PA. Contact us here or email info@elementspgh.com or call 412-587-6020.
The information contained in this blog does not replace professional treatment or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.
References
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, July). Major Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
World Health Organization. (2025, August). Depressive Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
