While we all have heard of the term “depression,” only those who have experienced the overwhelming sensation of hopelessness and lack of interest can really know what it looks like. Commonly used as a slang term for “sad” or “down,” it’s often dismissed.
Depression is not a personal failing. It’s not laziness or weakness. It’s a real, diagnosable condition that affects how your brain processes everything — mood, motivation, memory, sleep, the ability to feel pleasure in things that used to matter to you. And it is treatable.
What Depression Can Look Like
Depression doesn’t always look like someone who can’t get out of bed (though it can). It also looks like:
- Going through the motions while feeling emotionally flat or numb
- Irritability and short fuse more than sadness
- Withdrawing from people you love
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities that used to bring you joy
- Changes in appetite or sleep — either too much or too little
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- A persistent sense that things won’t get better, or that you’re a burden to others
Depression can also be seasonal, postpartum, or linked to grief, major life transitions, chronic illness, or trauma. Whatever the origin, you deserve support.
Diagnosing Depression
The primary diagnosis that is most commonly used for depressive symptoms is Major Depressive Disorder. This disorder is marked by periods of time, or depressive episodes, in which a person would feel sad, empty or hopeless for most of the day as well as a marked decrease in interest or pleasure in most activities throughout the day. It can also be accompanied by insomnia, weight loss, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, diminished ability to concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
These symptoms must be present and consistent for at least a two week period of time to qualify as a depressive episode. Over the course of the episode, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in functioning, specifically in one’s performance of daily tasks.
How We Approach Depression Treatment
Our therapists use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Activation, and — where relevant — trauma-informed care. We focus on both symptom relief and the deeper patterns that can maintain depression, including isolation, negative self-talk, and avoidance.
We also collaborate with psychiatrists and primary care providers when medication may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Therapy and medication together tend to produce the strongest outcomes for moderate to severe depression.
Resources Available for Depression & Mood Disorders
Here are additional resources for cutting-edge treatments and identifiers for Depression and Mood Disorders.
- Symptoms of Depression (Mayo Clinic)
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Tips for Depression Symptoms (Brain & Behavior Research Foundation)
- Current research on Depression (National Institute of Mental Health)
Where to Get Depression Counseling in San Antonio
If you’ve been suffering from depression in San Antonio, counseling or therapy services are available to help at Green Mountain Counseling. We are located in San Antonio and serve clients throughout the city, from Castle Hills to Stone Oak to Alamo Heights and more. We accept most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare, Optum, ComPsych, and more.
Contact us for San Antonio-based Depression Counseling. We’re here when you’re ready.