Finding Meaning in the Midst of Depression

While some people may have an idea in their heads that depression is having a particularly bad mood and feeling sad. But depression is a lot more complex. It’s a condition that impacts how we think, feel, and behave. 

Symptoms can include those persistent feelings of sadness, as well as emotional emptiness, a loss of interest in things we loved previously, changes to weight and appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and even thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming.

Even when depression seems like it seeks to strip meaning away from you, it is possible to find meaning. Jackson House is here to help people experiencing depression realize that depression does not define them. The right support and treatment can go a long way in helping you rebuild hope, rediscover purpose, and reclaim your life.

Causes of Depression

Depression often stems from a combination of sources, varying from person to person. These can include:

• Biological Factors: Individuals may have chemical imbalances in their brains, leading to a lack of serotonin or dopamine, which can lead to trouble with feeling happy. Genetics also plays a role, as depression can run in families.
• Environmental Factors: Occurrences in the course of your life, such as trauma, abuse, financial stress, loss, or major life transitions, can also be triggers of depression, especially for those who lack a strong support system.
• Psychological Traits: Often connected to environmental factors, issues such as low self-esteem or a pessimistic outlook can increase the risk of depression. Long-standing patterns of negative thought can worsen symptoms.
• Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses, hormonal imbalances, and neurological conditions can cause or worsen depression. Substance abuse is a major contributing factor for some, too.

Recognizing Depression

To be able to heal from depression, individuals must first learn how to recognize it. In order to help you do that, Jackson House has developed a brief quiz that helps individuals assess whether or not they may be experiencing the symptoms of depression. Take a look at our Depression Quiz to get some insights into what you may be experiencing. It’s important to note that this is an informational quiz, rather than a diagnosis. If you see any quiz results that concern you, it’s important for you to seek a professional diagnosis.

Talking to a mental health professional can provide an evaluation that helps you better understand depression, as well as begin the path toward an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

It’s important not to overlook or dismiss symptoms of depression, such as persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, or a lack of joy in doing the things you once had a passion for. Stress and fatigue can contribute, but if you are depressed, you need to take a stand against it, beginning with a diagnosis.

Finding Meaning

Although depression can feel overwhelming, it is greatly important to keep in mind that you can heal and you can grow. Finding meaning in the midst of depression is possible. The first step toward empowerment and the tools you need to fight it is seeking the right help. At Jackson House, we offer compassionate and comprehensive mental health support to those who want not only to manage their symptoms but also to find meaning and purpose on their journey to feeling better.

With our mental health support services, Jackson House can help you find new reserves of inner strength, reconnect with your values, and cultivate new mindsets. To help with this, we rely on a variety of techniques and treatments:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This is a widely used, evidence-based form of treatment that can help you find and challenge your own negative thought patterns and beliefs. CBT is an approach to help with the replacement of destructive and toxic internal habits with healthier and more constructive thoughts, helping you better manage your own emotional responses and develop more adaptive behaviors. This type of therapy is offered to help you get a sense of control over your mental health, supporting you in building the resiliency and agency that can be vital in finding meaning.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Designed for those with intense emotional experiences, this practice combines some elements of CBT with mindfulness techniques. DBT is an approach to help you build a toolset for better managing your thoughts with skills like emotional distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. Many living with depression have found DBT helpful in managing feelings that can grow overwhelming, as well as helping them improve relationships, restoring a sense of emotional balance, and connection.

Medication Management

Although it is not always the sole answer, medication can be vital in successful depression treatment. Assessing your needs and working collaboratively can be important in finding a medication regimen that meets your changing needs. By alleviating some of the most debilitating symptoms of depression, medication is an approach to clear the way for deeper therapeutic work and a more fulfilling life.

Stress Management

Chronic stress is a common component of depression, making it hard to cope with daily life. We offer stress management techniques to help clients build resilience. These may include guided relaxation, mindfulness practices, physical activity, and time-management strategies.

Personalized Depression Treatment

Depression rarely affects two people in the same way. As such, Jackson House does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. We take our time understanding the needs, story, challenges, and goals of every client. In connection, we create a tailored treatment plan that can combine therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support systems to increase the chances of a better outcome.

Depression can be a heavy burden, isolating you from the people and things you care about and stripping meaning away from your life. However, with compassionate care, evidence-based treatments, and a personalized approach, Jackson House can help. Contact us to learn more about your options for depression treatment.