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Therapy for depression
Depression isn’t just feeling sad for a few days. It’s more like living in a fog you can’t shake—feeling disconnected, tired, and weighed down by thoughts or emotions that don’t seem to lift, no matter how much you rest or push through. It’s a real and serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and navigate daily life. If you're experiencing this, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken.
Whether it comes and goes or feels like a constant presence, depression can make it hard to enjoy things you used to love, connect with people, or even get out of bed. Major life changes like losing a loved one, ending a relationship, or facing work stress might trigger a depressive episode, but depression doesn't always need a clear reason to show up. Sometimes, it just lingers. That’s why therapy—whether you're looking for individual therapy in Hermosa Beach, couples therapy in Redondo Beach or Manhattan Beach, or online therapy across California—can be so helpful. It offers a space to unpack what's going on and build tools to feel better.
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Depression shows up differently for different people. For some, it's a constant heaviness. For others, it sneaks in quietly. You might notice:
Feeling emotionally “flat” or numb
Loss of interest in hobbies, social events, or even basic self-care
Trouble sleeping—or sleeping way too much
Difficulty getting out of bed or starting the day
Overwhelming fatigue, even after resting
A sense of worthlessness, guilt, or shame
Struggling to focus or make decisions
Changes in appetite or noticeable weight shifts
Feeling hopeless about the future
Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
These symptoms can affect not just your mood but also your body, your relationships, and how you experience the world. For many clients in therapy in Hermosa Beach and the South Bay, depression can also manifest as irritability, restlessness, headaches, or stomach issues—physical signs that your mind is asking for help.
Signs You Might Be Dealing With Depression
Major Depression: This involves persistent sadness and loss of interest in life. Treatment often includes both medication and therapy.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A milder but long-lasting form that sticks around for at least two years, often with major depressive episodes sprinkled in.
Postpartum Depression: After childbirth, some parents experience intense feelings that go beyond the usual “baby blues.” This requires support and care.
Seasonal Depression: Now called “major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern,” this tends to hit during certain times of the year, especially winter. Light therapy can often help.
Let’s also break down three lesser-known types of depression in a more relatable way:
Situational Depression
Sometimes life throws a curveball—a breakup, job stress, or loss—that leaves you feeling down. This is known as reactive or situational depression. It’s a response to a specific event. If the sadness sticks around longer than expected, though, it could be more than just grief—it might be depression. You might notice feeling irritable, anxious, or sad, with changes in appetite or sleep.
“Pretending Everything’s Fine” Depression
Ever feel like you’re smiling on the outside but struggling inside? That’s smiling depression. You’re still going to work, socializing, and keeping up appearances, but internally, you’re weighed down by sadness, guilt, or anxiety. It’s common, especially with today’s pressure to "keep it all together."
Morning Depression
If you wake up feeling especially sad or unmotivated, you might be dealing with morning depression. This form of depression tends to hit hardest at the start of the day but eases up as the day goes on. It could be tied to your body’s internal clock being a bit off balance.
Different Types of Depression
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Biological factors like genetics or chemical imbalances in the brain
Trauma or unresolved emotional pain, especially from childhood
Chronic stress, grief, or life transitions
Medical conditions or medications
Isolation or lack of social support
It’s also more common among those who’ve experienced long-term emotional neglect, rejection, or have a history of anxiety. Many people in individual therapy or couples counseling in Hermosa Beach and nearby areas find that depression isn’t just “about sadness”—it’s about feeling disconnected from self and others.
Causes and Risk Factors
Women: More likely to experience depression, especially during hormonal transitions like pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause.
Men: Often experience irritability, anger, or withdrawal rather than sadness. Cultural stigma can also make it harder for men to seek therapy.
Teens & College Students: School pressure, social comparison, identity struggles, and life transitions make depression a growing issue for young people.
Children: Depression in kids can show up as moodiness, clinginess, trouble sleeping, or acting out.
If someone in your life is showing signs of depression, reaching out—whether through conversation or connecting them with support—is powerful. Therapy in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and throughout California online can offer options for different ages and needs.
How Depression Affects Different Groups
In individual therapy sessions in Hermosa Beach, clients often learn how to:
Identify thought patterns that feed depression
Learn tools to manage emotional overwhelm
Reconnect with joy and self-worth
Set healthy boundaries and reduce stress
Shift from shame and self-blame to understanding and compassion
Couples therapy can also help if depression is impacting your relationship. Sometimes depression creates distance, tension, or communication breakdowns. Working together in therapy can strengthen the bond, clarify what’s happening, and create a more emotionally safe environment for healing.
Online Therapy for Depression in California
For those who can't make it to an office or prefer more flexibility, online therapy in California is a great option. You get the same support from the comfort of your own space. Whether you’re in a remote town or just prefer sessions from your couch, online therapy brings healing within reach.
You Don’t Have to Face Depression Alone
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed for the first time or you’ve been living with depression for years, support is available. You deserve care, compassion, and tools that help you move forward. Therapy in Hermosa Beach, as well as nearby cities like Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach, or virtually anywhere in California, can be the place where healing starts.
Don’t wait for things to get “bad enough.” Your well-being matters now. And reaching out for therapy is one of the bravest, most hopeful steps you can take.
