Feeling sad or experiencing low mood isn’t always a sign that you need therapy. In fact, like any other emotion depression can be a healthy way to process tough situations. Following the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, and a variety of other occurrences, deep sadness is a natural response. However, when low mood is prolonged, chronic, elevated, or unrelated to a specific situation, you may be experiencing depression, the most common mood disorder. On this page, you can learn more about what depression is, how it impacts people, and the benefits of seeking therapy for depression.  

Am I Feeling Sad or Is It Depression? 

Sadness or low mood can be healthy emotions. They allow us to process some of the most painful experiences in our lives. We never want to get rid of an emotion entirely, but when a specific emotion begins to negatively impact our lives, it’s time to find a better way of managing that feeling. Luckily, you don’t need to live with disordered levels of any emotions, including depressed mood. Instead, you can work with a therapist to develop the skills to alleviate the effects of depression and other mood disorders before they can negatively impact your life. If you’re not sure you’re experiencing depression, a therapist can help you determine this during your therapy sessions. Still not sure therapy is the right solution? Consider your answers to the following questions: 

• Do your feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loneliness, or helplessness leech enjoyment out of every moment? 

• Do you find yourself too exhausted to get out of bed sometimes? 

• Are you struggling with feelings of self-hatred or extremely low self-esteem? 

• Do you have difficult thoughts or feel stuck in negative thinking patterns? 

• Do you often feel lonely or isolated? 

• Does it feel like your loved ones just don’t understand what you’re going through, and you don’t feel as connected to them? 

• Have you engaged in self-harm or experienced suicidal ideation? 

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be dealing with depression, especially if these experiences last a week or longer or they’re adversely impacting your daily life.  

What Are the Benefits of Therapy for Depression? 

Many people live with depression for years. Even though it causes them to struggle, they continue to avoid therapy because they don’t think they need it, but even more often, people don’t go to therapy because they don’t think it will help. We hope you haven’t waited to seek therapy for any reason, but if you’re avoiding therapy or putting it off for any reason, consider some of the benefits of therapy for depression, including: 

• Alleviating negative effects of depression. 

• Improving overall mood. 

• Gaining increased control over your mood. 

• Increasing energy. 

• Improving mood and self-esteem. 

• Finding more joy in your daily life again. 

• Increasing the ability to work and focus. 

• Improving relationships and communication. 

There are many reasons why therapy is beneficial for those who struggle with depression. Therapy provides an opportunity to talk through difficulties and reclaim a greater sense of stability and control. 

Getting Started

We know that depression can make it hard to find the energy for even simple things like scheduling an appointment. If you’ve made it this far and are considering reaching out to us at LA Psychotherapy Group, you’re doing great. We’ve made it as easy as possible to get started. You can call or text our team at (323) 617-3913 or email us through our website’s contact form to request your free initial consultation online.