Reviewed by Lauren Vilar, LCSW, LCAS — trauma and addiction therapist with 12+ years of clinical experience
The feelings of low motivation and low energy that characterize depression make it especially hard to take care of yourself and pull yourself out of your slump. Fortunately, even small but consistent efforts toward recovery can yield a significant improvement in your symptoms faster than you might expect.
Key points
- Depression is the most commonly occurring mood disorder, affecting between 5-10% of adults in the US
- Depression saps your enjoyment in life and affects your ability to function effectively at work and at home, and impacts your relationships
- Even small improvements to your lifestyle can yield noticeable improvements in your symptoms
- Professional help is available, and highly effective in treating depression
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Overview
Depression is the most commonly occurring mood disorder, affecting between 5 and 10% of adults in the US. Depression saps your enjoyment in life and affects your ability to function effectively at work and maintain healthy relationships. Fortunately, depression tends to respond well to treatment, often without needing medication.
Symptoms of depression
- Low moods, feeling sad or gloomy without a specific reason, lasting at least two weeks
- Low motivation and difficulty completing even basic tasks
- Feeling tired or lethargic even when you get enough sleep
- Difficulty getting adequate nutrition and gaining/ losing weight from not eating enough or making poor food choices
- Reduced pleasure from activities you usually enjoy
- Withdrawal from social activities
Causes
Depression can develop for a wide variety of reasons—biology, chronic stress, unresolved trauma, relationship strain, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. While there is no single cause, many people in Wilmington, NC notice that symptoms of depression tend to intensify during times of transition. Major life changes such as divorce, losing a loved one, job loss or career shifts, becoming a parent, or adjusting to an empty nest can disrupt your sense of identity and stability. Without adequate support, these transitions can feel heavier and harder to navigate, increasing the likelihood of depressive symptoms. LMV Counseling offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help you move through both everyday challenges and significant life changes with resilience.
Risk factors for depression
You may be more likely to develop depression if you have:
- Genetic and biological influences – Depression often runs in families, and certain physical health conditions (such as thyroid issues, autoimmune illness, chronic pain, or hormonal changes) can increase vulnerability. Some medications can also affect mood.
- Environmental stressors – Trauma, long-term stress, financial insecurity, political instability, unstable housing, or other ongoing life stress can make it harder for the brain and body to stay regulated.
- Social and relational experiences – Limited support, conflict in relationships, social isolation, grief, or feeling disconnected from others can contribute to depression or make symptoms more intense.
Types of depression
Depression can take different forms, and treatment often depends on the type:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Depression that develops during certain seasons, often in colder, darker months.
- Postpartum depression – Depression that occurs after giving birth.
- Depression with co-occurring mental health conditions – Depression that appears alongside another mental health diagnosis.
- Depression caused by a medical condition – Depression linked to an underlying physical health issue.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have depression, it’s important to see a qualified healthcare provider for a full evaluation. They will assess your symptoms, medical history, family history, and any contributing factors. In some cases, bloodwork or other tests may be recommended to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Once medical causes are ruled out, your provider may refer you to a mental health professional—such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist—for further evaluation and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Treatment for depression
Depression is highly treatable, though the right approach depends on your specific symptoms, underlying causes, and how depression is showing up in your life. Whether your experience feels mild and persistent or heavy and overwhelming, there are effective ways to find relief and reconnect with hope.
Therapy is often a key part of treatment, providing a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions while learning new ways to cope. Common therapeutic approaches for depression include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression, replacing them with healthier, more realistic perspectives.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship effectiveness—especially helpful if depression is accompanied by mood instability or interpersonal conflict.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages individuals to engage with their emotions mindfully, align with personal values, and take meaningful action even in the face of difficult feelings.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships and communication patterns, which can play a significant role in both the development and resolution of depressive symptoms.
- Psychodynamic therapy explores underlying emotional conflicts, past experiences, and recurring patterns that may contribute to feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or disconnection.
- Somatic and body-based therapies help address depression through nervous system regulation, body awareness, and the mind-body connection.
- Trauma-informed approaches, such as EMDR or IFS, may be used when depression is linked to unresolved trauma or chronic emotional wounds.
For some people, medication can provide important support—especially if symptoms are severe or persistent. Antidepressants may help regulate mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns, making it easier to engage in therapy and daily life. Medication is often most effective when combined with psychotherapy.
Additional supports like nutritional counseling, exercise, mindfulness practices, and spiritual care can also be beneficial, depending on your needs and values.
You don’t need to face depression alone. With the right support, it’s possible to find relief, reconnect with yourself and others, and move toward a more fulfilling, balanced life—one small step at a time.
Depression and other mental health challenges
Depression often doesn’t appear on its own. Many people experience it alongside anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or chronic stress. It can be connected to trauma, grief, the end of a significant relationship, or other major life changes. Sleep issues are also one of the strongest contributors to depression. When you’re not getting restorative sleep, your mood, energy, and ability to cope can quickly decline, creating a cycle that becomes harder to interrupt. It’s also common for people to lean on alcohol or other short-term coping strategies, which may provide temporary relief but often make symptoms worse over time.
With the support of a trained mental health professional, you can begin to untangle these overlapping influences and gain a clearer understanding of what’s fueling your depression. Together, you can develop a personalized plan to improve sleep, strengthen coping skills, reduce distress, and build a life that feels more grounded, stable, and fulfilling.
Reach out today
If you’re struggling with depression, you’re not alone. At LMV Counseling, we offer personalized therapy to help you regain balance, restore motivation, and find relief. With both in-person sessions in Wilmington, NC, and online therapy across North Carolina, our compassionate team is here to support you. Contact us today to take the first step toward healing and create a life filled with clarity and purpose.
We accept BlueCross BlueShield and other major insurance plans
Using your insurance for therapy shouldn’t feel complicated. If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield, there’s a strong chance your sessions are covered at your plan’s contracted rate.
We’re in-network with:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
- NC State Health Plan
Not sure what your plan covers? We’re happy to help you understand your options so you can move forward with clarity.
Reviewed by Lauren Vilar, LCSW, LCAS
Lauren is the founder of LMV Counseling and Go Inward. Her advanced training includes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and MDMA-assisted therapy through MAPS, Fluence, and Polaris Insight Center.