If you're thinking yes this sounds like what I'm going through, but you've recently lost a loved one, you may actually be experiencing grief. 

Depression and grief can look a lot alike. They both can include intense emotions such as sadness, despair or anger. They both can wreak havoc on your digestive system. They both can impact your ability to operate your life the same way you could before.

Especially from an outsiders perspective, grief and depression can seem identical. But they are actually quite different when you consider what is happening inside you.

Complicated grief, prolonged grief, disenfranchised grief can all masquerade as depression. It takes an astute, experienced clinician to help understand the differences so that the root cause can be addressed with the exquisite attention it deserves. 

Grief is your natural, albeit difficult, response to a loss. Your pain may ebb and flow, varying in intensity and frequency. Grief can also often include positive emotions such as relief, gratitude, joy and pleasure. 

Grief doesn't tell you that you are unworthy or unlovable. If that is part of your grief experience, you might be having a more complex response to the loss that requires support from a trusted source.

depression is not your only option.

Depression may be telling you that there is no hope. But I'm here to tell you that isn't true.

Depression may isolate you. And I'm here to say that genuine connection is possible again.

Depression may make sending me a message or calling is too much work. And I'm here to tell you that help is here when you'r ready. 

I find that people who live with depression are often thoughtful, observant and quite reflective. They are sensitive to the feelings of those around them and have much to say about the difficult experience of what it means to be a human in the 21st century. 

Will it require some work on your part? Yes, it will. We will discuss difficult experiences from your life and relevant family history? You bet we will. 

Therapy is a collaborative process. You show up with the wisdom of your life. I'll bring expertise in overcoming depression. 

Have a shy or intimidated teen? If you can help them to get in just one session with me, that's often all it takes to help them feel more comfortable with the idea of therapy. 

I look forward to working together toward a life of meaning, connection and growth. 

is it grief or depression?

Depression can affect all individuals, including teenagers and adolescents. How it shows itself, however, might look different depending on your age.

While adults may be able to talk about feelings of sadness or hopelessness more directly, teenagers often express feelings of depression through their actions and choices. Mood changes such as irritability, anger, or becoming withdrawn from activities that were previously enjoyed may become frequent. If you are a teen, or parent of a teen, you may notice a change in academic performance, decrease in participation in sports or after school activities, or less motivation to socialize with friends and family.

It's not uncommon for your depression to take physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches, difficulty with sleep or appetite.

Teenagers may face unique risks for depression, such as bullying, social isolation, academic pressure, substance abuse, or hormonal changes associated with puberty. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to the influence of social media, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and low self-esteem.

Adolescence is a critical period of physical, cognitive, and emotional change, and teens are still developing their identity and coping skills, which can impact how they experience and respond to depression. Therefore they may be less likely to seek help for depression themselves, or even recognize the symptoms.

You don't have to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or fearful of judgment for having an experience of depression. And, engaging in a meaningful life is always possible.

signs of depression in teens & adults

You might be noticing that life has becoming increasingly difficult over the past weeks or months. You cancel plans. You lack motivation for activities you previously enjoyed. There's a vague or overwhelming sense of meaninglessness. You feel strained by the ordinary tasks of work and life. 

Because of all this, you notice relationships are strained. You feel incredibly lonely. You struggle to feel understood or supported by the people in your life. This leads to further isolation, countless hours of empty distractions, and perhaps turning to substances or scrolling or streaming to pass the time. 

Without a sense of motivation, joy or purpose, life has become dull. You feel like you are a burden or uninteresting. 

You've probably managed all this for quite some time on your own. Perhaps it's gotten to a point where you just don't want to have to figure this all out by yourself anymore. 

have you been managing your depression alone?