I Just Want to Feel Normal Again: Break Free from Depression

Depression counseling can help lift those heavy clouds, rebuild your confidence, and help you connect more deeply with the people around you.

What You Might Be Experiencing:

Depression can feel like an unyielding weight—it’s that constant heaviness that zaps your energy and makes it hard to connect with the world. Maybe you’re dealing with a painful breakup, the loss of someone (or even a pet) you loved, challenges at work like a toxic boss or feelings of imposter syndrome, or conflicts at home. It might even be those old beliefs whispering that you’re just not enough. When depression sets in, everyday tasks feel overwhelming, and those once-bright connections seem to fade away.

If this sounds like you, know that you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “an estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode.” And many never get help with depression counseling.

Common Indicators of Depression:

Here are some common signs that depression might be affecting you:

A lingering emptiness or hopelessness
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Pulling away from friends and family
Feeling constantly drained or fatigued
Trouble focusing or making decisions
That harsh inner voice telling you you’re not good enough

The Real Impact on Daily Life:

Consider how depression can seep into every part of your life:

Depression doesn’t just darken your mood—it can chip away at your self-esteem, strain your relationships, and turn even simple daily tasks into seemingly huge challenges. Day after day, that sense of isolation deepens and feeds on itself, making it even harder to break the cycle of loneliness and self-doubt.

A Brighter Tomorrow:

Now, imagine what your future could look like:

Imagine waking up feeling lighter and more hopeful—a day when you can easily connect with others and enjoy life’s little moments again. Picture yourself rebuilding your confidence, attracting supportive and caring people, and experiencing richer, more fulfilling relationships. Imagine feeling more content with your life and all its daily joys and challenges as you rediscover your inner strength.

How We Help:

At our practice, we blend proven therapies with a compassionate, real-world touch to support your journey.

We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you challenge those negative thought patterns, along with mindfulness techniques to keep you grounded in the present. We also focus on building self-compassion. In fact, neuroscience research shows that practicing self-compassion can strengthen the parts of your brain associated with happiness, resilience, and empathy—it helps soothe negative emotions, heal painful memories, and even shift those deep-rooted beliefs about your self-worth. Our experienced therapists work with you one-on-one, tailoring a plan that fits your unique challenges and goals.

Practical Tools & Tips:

Three Best Things Exercise: Martin Seligman, one of the founders of Positive Psychology, came up with the “Three Best Things” exercise. Each day, jot down three things that went well and think about why they happened. It’s not an overnight cure, but many people have found that this small daily practice boosts optimism, happiness, and resilience over time. [Seligman, M. E. P., et al. (2005). Positive psychology progress: empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421.]
Strike Up a Conversation: Challenge yourself to chat with someone new—even if it’s just for 60 seconds. Ask your barista about their favorite drink, or share a quick smile with someone on the subway. Dr. Laurie Santos, from Yale’s Science of Well-Being, points out that even these brief interactions can boost your mood and help you feel more connected. [See insights from Dr. Santos’ course on The Science of Well-Being.]
Set a Daily Intention: Sometimes, simply vegging out and doing nothing can make those heavy feelings even worse. (Did I hear wine and Netflix?) Try setting a small, realistic goal each day—whether it’s taking a shower, sorting your mail, or simply going for a short walk. Celebrate those wins, no matter how small. Every little step can build momentum and help shift your focus toward the brighter parts of life.

Why Wait?

Ready to take that first step toward reclaiming your joy and building stronger connections?

Reach out for a confidential consultation, and let’s explore how our blend of CBT, DBT, and self-compassion techniques can help you break free from depression.

Call (949) 393-8662 Schedule an Appointment