“I was so scared to give up depression, fearing that somehow the worst part of me was actually all of me.”
― Elizabeth Wurtzel
Therapy for Depression – Taconic Psychiatry
Do you feel down or depressed? Have you lost all motivation, hope, and pleasure in life? Are you overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn?
Let us help.
Taconic Psychiatry offers depression therapy in Manchester and all across Vermont. We provide effective, holistic treatment for people who suffer from depression. If you are interested and ready to get started, we would love to work with you. Contact us today.
What is depression?
Depression is a health condition that affects people psychologically, physically, and socially. It is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States. Research has indicated that most kids and adults will experience at least one episode of depression in their lifetime, although not all will get the help they need.
But how do you know if you have depression?
Depression can look different from person to person. You might feel tired, worn out, or unmotivated. You might feel worthless and overly self-critical. You may withdraw from others, even the people that matter most to you.
When left untreated, depression decreases your productivity, diminishes your relational life, and deteriorates your health – which is why it is one of the most common causes of disability and unemployment in America.
The most common warning signs of depression include:
- Hopelessness
- Loneliness and isolation
- Feeling down or frequently sad
- Negativity, worthlessness, or guilt
- Irritability or anger
- Unintentional changes in weight or appetite
- Loss of energy or motivation
- Difficulty with sleep (too much or too little)
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Suicidal thoughts*
* Suicidal thoughts are very common in people with depression and should be taken seriously. If you or a loved one feel unsafe, please call 911 and or contact the VT Suicide Prevention Center and seek professional help immediately.
What causes depression?
Depression is complex, and the causes are many. Many people experience depression after a major life stressor, such as:
- Death of a loved one or pet
- Changing careers or jobs
- Divorce and breakups
- Being abused or assaulted
- Car accidents and other near-death experiences
- Major injuries or medical issues
- And more
Depression is sometimes rooted in early childhood experiences. You might have been neglected, mistreated, or shamed. Those sorts of foundational memories make us feel bad, broken, and unworthy.
Some become depressed before, during, or after childbirth (also called perinatal depression). Some might begin to feel depressed for seemingly no reason at all, “out of the blue.” And some people may have a genetic predisposition to emotional difficulties like depression and anxiety, particularly those who have a family history of mental health issues.
Regardless of what caused your depression, there is hope. You deserve a chance to reclaim your life and find freedom from depression. We believe that, with the right treatment and professional support, you can get your life back on track.
How does depression therapy work?
Depression tends to feed its own symptoms.
When your thoughts become critical and negative, you might feel a need to hide, withdraw, and numb out. You might feel down and unmotivated, which makes you less likely to be active and engaged. And as things feel less exciting and pleasurable, nothing seems to matter anymore. The symptoms get worse and worse, and, before you know it, depression has taken over your life.
Thankfully, depression is very treatable.
The most effective treatment for depression involves a multi-faceted approach of medication and psychotherapy, which is why Taconic Psychiatry offers a wide range of psychiatric and psychological services to help people with depression just like you.
Medication for depression is designed to help offset the neurological issues related to depression. Holistic psychiatrists, such as our own Dr. Adam Pruett, can help you find the optimal combination of medication, herbs/supplements, and dietary changes based on your medical history and symptoms. Additionally, Dr. Pruett is comfortable prescribing less frequently used medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These interventions can help restore your emotional and physiological functioning as you begin to get your life back on track. Dr. Pruett is also able to offer pharmacogenomic testing for people who have had difficulty finding the right medication in the past.
Psychotherapy for depression / therapy for depression is all about providing a safe, supportive space for you to understand yourself and make positive changes to your life. Therapy can help you address unrecognized emotional wounds, enhance your self-awareness, and learn to break unhealthy patterns. Our holistic psychologist, Dr. Ben Stillman, offers specialized psychodynamic therapy designed to help you make lasting changes to your life.
Treatment for depression can help you activate your mind and body, break free from negativity, and reclaim your sense of purpose. You deserve to feel understood and be supported. You deserve a chance to build a life that matters.
We want to help make that happen.
Let’s work together!
All of our services are entirely confidential and offered both online as well as in person. We work with teens (16+) and adults from all over Vermont: Manchester, Dorset, Bennington, Rutland, Londonderry, Winhall, Arlington, Shaftsbury, West Dover, and beyond. We work collaboratively to help you reach your goals as efficiently and effectively as possible. We strive to help you feel supported, understood, and cared for as you make your wellness journey.
No matter how long you’ve struggled, no matter how hopeless things might seem, we can help.
With the help of Drs. Stillman and Pruett, you can begin to:
- Be active and productive again
- Reconnect with yourself and others
- Find new purpose and meaning in life
- Set new, healthier habits
- Manage medication and other medical concerns
- Find freedom from negativity and stress
- Make tangible progress towards your goals