Depression

If you’re experiencing feelings of deep sadness or a lack of enthusiasm towards daily tasks, you may be suffering from depression. This mood disorder can often leave people feeling unhappy or miserable for reasons they can’t identify. At Healing Moon in Northfield, New Jersey, Paulina Gastelum, LCSW, is dedicated to offering compassionate care. In addition to medication management, she focuses on a broad, integrated approach for depression. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is depression?

While it is normal to experience sadness after a traumatic event, loss, or situation, people suffering from depression often have severe symptoms for a prolonged time. 

With depression, you may be unable to figure out the reason for your sadness. Seeking treatment is important to prevent symptoms from becoming more serious. 

If you have depression, you may experience symptoms such as: 

• Anxiety
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Lack of confidence 
• Lack of energy
• Emotional outbursts 
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much 
• Overeating or undereating 
• Headaches or body aches

You may also experience issues with thinking clearly, memory, or time management.

What are the causes of depression?

People of all ages can suffer from depression, but certain factors can contribute to the likelihood of developing depression, including:  

• Family history 
• Death of a loved one
• Pre-existing mental health conditions 
• Physical health conditions, such as obesity
• Sexual, verbal, or physical abuse
• Certain medications

In addition, changes in your social or family life, such as financial instability, can increase your risk of depression.

How is depression treated?

Paulina is committed to helping you manage your depression. Using a broad, integrated approach, she explores the causes that lead to your feelings of sadness and apprehension to provide practical and affordable solutions. 

Therapy can help to identify specific factors contributing to depression. Paulina provides psychotherapy services to help you manage daily stress, increase your confidence, and navigate day-to-day challenges. 

Additionally, Paulina offers genetic testing to help with medication management. With this information, she can prescribe the most appropriate medication to provide effective relief from your symptoms.  

No matter the severity of your symptoms, Paulina can help you on a path to a clear, healthy mindset. To schedule an appointment, call Healing Moon or book one online today.