Why a lack of connection is detrimental

Depression is the when the nervous system shutting down, often leaving us sluggish, isolated and irritable. Depression is often triggered by loosing connection with critical needs- with people, work and meaning. Major life transitions or traumatic experiences can also trigger depression. Profound loss of motivation, isolation and negative thoughts such as “I’m lazy” or “I always fail” often creep in. Therapy for depression involves getting in touch with the flow of life again. Exercise, sleep and healthy habits boost the mood and have a stabilizing effect. Once the mood improves, the goal is to find what’s missing emotionally, identity wise or what makes meaning. This involves a process of rebuilding hope. Although it might sound esoteric, establishing hope is actually a learned process of that involves three steps. We will identify where you want to go (goals), how to get there (realistic pathways) and help you believe in yourself (agency). Working through these steps will rebuild connections through healthy relationships, community and creativity practices. Symptoms of depression to look out for are:

• Feeling sad, anxious, or empty

• Feeling hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness

• Not enjoying things you used to enjoy

• Trouble with concentration

• Sleeping too much or too little (excess of 9 hours a night or under 6)

• Weight gain or loss

• Restlessness

• Irritability

• Thoughts of suicide or death

If you have thoughts, a plan, or a timeline of ending your life, there is help. Call the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline 988. Or the Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.