Therapy for depression

Letter to Prospective clients

Dear Visitor,

I know how heavy depression can feel. It’s more than just sadness; it drains your energy, steals joy from the things you once loved, and makes even small tasks feel impossible. It might feel like you’re stuck in a fog, struggling to find meaning or care about anything at all.

I want you to know two things:

  1. You’re not alone in this.

  2. It can get better.

I can’t promise a magic cure because depression rarely works that way. But I can promise a safe space where we’ll:

  • Explore where these feelings might be coming from.

  • Develop tools to lessen their grip on your life.

  • Work toward moments of relief and eventually, rediscover what matters to you.

Depressed woman feeling overwhelmed, representing benefits of counseling and support

Signs and Symptoms of depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It can affect your body, mind, and daily life. Here’s what to look for:

Emotional Signs

  • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time

  • Losing interest in hobbies, friends, or things you used to love

  • Irritability over small things makes you angry or frustrated

  • Guilt or worthlessness: feeling like a burden or failure

Physical Signs

  • Low energy: even small tasks feel exhausting

  • Sleep problems: sleeping too much or too little

  • Appetite changes: eating way more or less than usual

  • Unexplained aches (headaches, stomachaches, muscle pain)

Behavioral Signs

  • Withdrawing from family and friends

  • Struggling to focus at work, school, or decisions feel harder

  • Moving or speaking slower than usual (or feeling restless)

  • Neglecting responsibilities such as self-care, work, or chores pile up

If these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Depression is treatable, and therapy can help. When you’re ready, I invite you to schedule a free consultation.

What to do when you have dePression

When you're struggling with depression, the goal isn’t to "snap back to normal" right away; that pressure often makes things harder. Instead, focus on small wins and self-compassion.

Start Small

  • Do one tiny thing: Brush your teeth, drink water, or open a window.

  • Move for 5 minutes: Stretch, walk around the block, or just stand outside.

    • Why it helps: Small wins fight the paralysis of depression.

Prioritize Basics

  • Sleep: Try to go to bed/wake up at the same time daily.

  • Eat: Even a small snack (banana, nuts) can stabilize mood.

  • Light: Sit near a window for 10 minutes. Sunlight boosts serotonin.

When It’s Urgent

  • Call/text a crisis line (988 in the U.S.) if you have thoughts of self-harm.

  • Not urgent but overwhelming? Therapy helps you:

    • Understand your depression

    • Learn coping skills

    • Build a personalized plan

Why Small Steps Matter

  • Depression recovery is gradual, like healing a sprained ankle: pushing too fast risks setbacks.

  • Small wins rewire your brain: Getting out of bed, showering, or eating a meal are victories.

  • Self-compassion is fuel: Tell yourself: "This is hard, but I’m doing what I can today."

Contact us

admin@drzuazo.org
(626) 214-5553