Depressive disorders are common mental health challenges that present as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disconnection from life’s joys. Depression affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life, often making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
Depression Therapy and Counseling
Understanding Depression
Depression’s symptoms vary widely, ranging from a pervasive sense of emptiness to disruptions in sleep and appetite. It manifests emotionally as profound sadness, mentally as difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and physically through fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues. Depression isn’t just “feeling sad” or something you can simply “snap out of.” It’s a legitimate mental health condition that requires understanding, support, and often professional treatment.
At BeWELL Psychotherapy and Wellness, we recognize that depression looks different for everyone. Some people experience classic symptoms of low mood and tearfulness, while others feel numb, irritable, or simply empty. Our approach addresses your unique experience of depression with compassion and evidence-based treatment.
Symptoms of Depression:
Symptoms of Depression:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness – A heavy, ongoing sense of sadness that doesn’t lift, feeling hollow or numb inside, or experiencing emotional pain that feels unbearable.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities – No longer enjoying hobbies, social activities, or things that used to bring you happiness, often called anhedonia.
- Changes in appetite or weight – Eating significantly more or less than usual, noticeable weight gain or loss, or using food to cope with emotions or losing interest in eating altogether.
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia) – Difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking up very early, or sleeping excessively but still feeling exhausted and unable to get out of bed.
- Fatigue or loss of energy – Feeling physically and mentally exhausted even after rest, like you’re moving through thick fog, or lacking the energy to complete basic daily tasks.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt – Harsh self-criticism, feeling like a burden to others, excessive guilt about past mistakes, or believing you have no value.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions – Brain fog that makes focusing nearly impossible, trouble remembering things, or feeling paralyzed when faced with even small decisions.
- Irritability or restlessness – Feeling easily annoyed or angered, agitated without clear reason, or unable to sit still despite feeling exhausted.
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive issues – Unexplained body aches, chronic pain, stomach problems, or other physical symptoms that don’t respond to typical medical treatment.
- Thoughts of death or suicide – Thinking life isn’t worth living, wishing you wouldn’t wake up, or having thoughts about ending your life. If you’re experiencing this, please reach out for help immediately.
Types of Depression We Treat
At BeWELL Psychotherapy and Wellness, our licensed therapists specialize in treating various forms of depression:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Persistent depression lasting at least two weeks with significant impact on daily functioning, including low mood, loss of interest, and physical symptoms.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – Chronic, long-term depression lasting two years or more, often described as feeling like depression is part of your personality or baseline experience.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically occurring during fall and winter months when there’s less natural sunlight.
- Postpartum Depression – Depression occurring after childbirth, characterized by overwhelming sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, and difficulty bonding with your baby beyond typical “baby blues.”
- Situational Depression (Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood) – Depression triggered by specific life events like job loss, relationship ending, or major life changes that feels overwhelming and persistent.
How Depression Affects Your Daily Life
Depression casts a shadow over daily functioning, affecting work, relationships, and overall well-being in profound ways. Simple tasks like showering, making meals, or getting out of bed can feel insurmountable. You might call in sick to work frequently, miss important deadlines, or feel unable to focus during meetings.
Relationships suffer as depression pulls you inward. You might withdraw from friends and family, decline invitations, or feel too exhausted to maintain connections. Partners may feel shut out, not understanding why you’ve become distant. The guilt about canceling plans or not being there for loved ones adds another layer of pain.
Professionally, depression impacts productivity and motivation. You might struggle to concentrate on tasks, miss work frequently, or feel like you’re just going through the motions without caring about the outcome. The perfectionism or high standards you once held may disappear, replaced by a sense of defeat before you even begin.
Your physical health deteriorates as depression affects sleep, appetite, and energy levels. You might stop exercising, eat poorly or not at all, and neglect basic self-care. This physical decline worsens depression symptoms, creating a cycle that feels impossible to break. Small tasks pile up, making your environment feel chaotic and overwhelming, which further impacts your mood.
Perhaps most painfully, depression distorts how you see yourself, your life, and your future. Everything feels hopeless. You might believe things will never get better, that you’re fundamentally broken, or that you’re a burden to everyone around you. These thoughts feel like facts when you’re depressed, but they’re symptoms of the illness, not truth.
Globally, over 264 million individuals struggle with depression, highlighting the urgent need for understanding and support. BeWELL therapists and practitioners have a comprehensive understanding of mood disorders and are here to work with you toward your healing.
How BeWELL Can Help You Heal from Depression
At BeWELL Psychotherapy and Wellness, our licensed therapists in Manhattan, Hoboken, and online specialize in depression treatment using evidence-based approaches proven to help people recover and reclaim their lives.
Evidence-Based Depression Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change negative thought patterns that fuel depression. You’ll learn to challenge distorted thinking, develop healthier perspectives, and build behavioral activation strategies to re-engage with life gradually.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships and communication patterns that may contribute to or maintain depression. This approach is particularly effective for depression related to relationship conflicts, life transitions, or grief.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to help you observe depressive thoughts without getting caught in them. This approach is especially helpful for preventing relapse in recurrent depression.
Supportive and Psychodynamic Therapy provides a safe space to explore underlying patterns, past experiences, and emotional wounds that may contribute to depression. This deeper work helps address root causes, not just surface symptoms.
What Depression Treatment Looks Like
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of your depression symptoms, history, and how it’s affecting your life. We’ll work together to understand your unique experience and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
In early sessions, we focus on stabilization and symptom relief. You’ll learn practical coping strategies for managing difficult days, improving sleep and self-care, and gradually increasing activities that bring a sense of accomplishment or pleasure. Even small steps forward matter in depression recovery.
As therapy progresses, we address deeper patterns and work on building long-term resilience. You’ll develop skills to recognize early warning signs of depression, challenge negative thinking, improve relationships, and create a life aligned with your values. Recovery isn’t just about reducing symptoms but rediscovering hope, purpose, and connection.
Flexible Treatment Options
- In-person depression therapy in Manhattan (Flatiron District) and Hoboken
- Online therapy throughout NY, NJ, CT, PA, RI, and CA
- Flexible scheduling including evening appointments
- Coordination with psychiatrists for medication management when needed
- Free 20-minute consultation to find the right therapist fit
Depression is highly treatable. While it may feel like you’ll never feel better, evidence-based therapy can help you recover, rediscover joy, and build a life worth living. You don’t have to suffer alone.
It’s Your Time To BeWELL
Being well is a personal journey and experience. At Be.WELL. Psychotherapy and Wellness, your mental and emotional well-being are our priority.
BeWELL Practitioners Who Specialize In Depression
Suhailey Núñez, LMHC
Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Associate Therapist Training Manager
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