Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and Depression can touch any of us at any time.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we may encounter many bumps in our path.
And while sometimes we master the art of tackling and overcoming obstacles, other times we feel like we can barely stay afloat. Will I catch a break? Will I ever be happy?
You may be harboring the weight of everyday concerns: financial strain, relationship or family issues, and work stress. Maybe you have gone through a challenging period in your life, like a significant transition, a medical condition, or a heartbreaking experience.
Or perhaps you are still navigating the ongoing effects of isolation after many lockdowns in your area, feeling like uncertainty and despair became the norm.
Hardship is common, but there is hope for better days.
At some point or another, adversity shows up on our doorstep, affecting us in unique ways. Some of us are flooded with uncontrollable worry, mood swings, and overwhelming thoughts. Others feel depleted, unmotivated, and helpless to the point where completing daily tasks or even getting out of bed seems impossible.
You may have gotten used to pushing through the bad days or resorted to numbing mechanisms to get by. But are they sustainable and truly benefiting you?
If anxiety and depression are ruling your life, you are not alone, and there is hope to create change. Therapy provides the space, support, and tools you need to relish your life again.
At Hearst Psychotherapy, we are dedicated to helping adults find holistic ways to navigate hardship and blossom into the best version of themselves. We offer therapy for anxiety and depression to individuals in North Carolina, among many other services.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is our emotional response to danger or a threat, characterized by fear, nerves, and worry.
We all experience momentary or fleeting anxiety in certain situations, such as trying out a new sport, going on a first date, or pitching an idea to a team. In this case, anxiety is typically manageable. It can motivate you to stay cautious, protect yourself, or react in an emergency.
Yet, if anxiety intensifies, becoming persistent and long-term, it can interfere with your well-being. When left untreated, unhealthy anxiety can get stronger over time, hindering multiple areas of your life (e.g., work, school, family, relationships, etc.).
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder marked by deep sorrow, worthlessness, and lack of motivation. It can have a profound effect on your physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as your ability to connect with others or perform day-to-day activities.
Depression is not merely feeling unhappy. Think of it as if you are trying to run in water. You exert a tremendous amount of energy, both in your body and mind, yet there’s minimal movement. And while relatives and friends may confuse it with laziness or unproductivity, it is incredibly debilitating and difficult to manage without proper support.
Do you need therapy?
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Mood swings
- Intrusive thoughts
- Pain or muscle tension
- Uncontrollable worries or nerves
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Restlessness or trouble sleeping
- Shaking and sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Anger and frustration
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Deep sadness and a sense of emptiness
- Hopelessness
- Indifference towards people, things, or activities you used to enjoy
- Irritability or anger
- Lack of energy or stimulus
- Loneliness or withdrawal from others
- Low self-worth
- Self-harming thoughts or risky behavior
How can therapy for anxiety and depression help you?
Fostering awareness and compassion
Therapy encourages you to reconnect with your inner self and examine how you feel and think. You will become more present and aware of any triggers, limiting beliefs, or disruptive behaviors that may be linked to your symptoms—looking at them through a lens of understanding and compassion.
Navigating distress
Symptoms of anxiety and depression might make you want to quiet the pain with avoidance or harmful coping mechanisms, which may provide quick comfort but can also turn into a self-destructive cycle. Therapy will help you step out of this damaging spiral to identify and address what’s at the root of your issues for long-lasting relief.
Taking Control of your journey
Your therapist will guide you to make changes that support your healing process and allow you to regain ownership of your life. You will learn research-based resources and practice effective techniques to cope with distress. The goal is not to magically “fix” or “erase” anxiety and depression but to find healthier and reliable ways to manage them long-term.
Therapy for anxiety and depression at Hearst Psychotherapy
Here at Hearst Psychotherapy, we aspire to support adults in North Carolina with a wide range of therapeutic services, including therapy for anxiety and depression, trauma, women’s issues, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
We customize our anxiety and depression treatment according to your particular symptoms, life experience, and personal objectives. We believe in the power of connection, gentle and honest communication, and a peaceful space to foster healing and growth—and we strive to provide that in our sessions.
Our BIPOC staff follows a diverse approach, pulling from different orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness to help you on your wellness journey.