More about Depression

While many people occasionally feel sad, people who suffer from depression experience extreme sadness or despair for a prolonged time. Depression is one of the most common disorders in the United States. Depression affects people differently; however, most experience feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, emptiness and worthlessness, as well as changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities, feelings of guilt, and in some cases thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression is not something you can “get over,” but with professional help depression is very treatable. While antidepressant medications can be an effective treatment for depression, in the long term they have numerous side effects. Psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression because it addresses the underlying reasons for depression and incorporates new and effective coping skills.

In therapy with Dr. Stan, after an initial extensive assessment, a treatment plan is developed, with specific strategies and interventions to promote healing and recovery. Some of the the evidence-based approaches used to treat depression includes cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness-based approaches.