1. Understanding Depression

2. According to the National Institutes of Health, in 2014, an estimated
10.2 million adults
aged 18 or older in the United States had at least one major depressive episode.

3. What is Depression?
Sadness is a perfectly normal and healthy reaction to certain situations and events. When feelings of sadness spiral out of control and become chronic, however, they can lead to hopelessness, apathy, thoughts of suicide, etc. which are characteristics of what is known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder.

4. How Do I know If I Have Depression?
Prolonged sadness, apathy, or lack of pleasure
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Decreased self-esteem
Changes in appetite; weight gain or loss
Thoughts of suicide
Trouble concentrating
Clinical depression is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as a period of sadness or loss of pleasure that lasts for at least 2 weeks which is accompanied by several other symptoms that indicate a change in function; a few common symptoms of depression are listed here.
If you are experiencing some/all of these symptoms, consider reaching out to a professional to discuss a possible diagnosis and treatment. Note that this list is not exhaustive, and that such symptoms can also manifest themselves in the absence of clinical depression. This list is not a substitute for a diagnosis by a medical professional.

5. Debunking Depression Myths
Truth
Being depressed is a choice
A person with depression can’t simply “snap out of it” and choose to instantly become happy again. Depression is a serious mental illness that requires time an effort to treat, and the depressed individual is not to blame.
Depressed people are just lazy
Some common symptoms of depression are apathy, lack of motivation, and excessive sleeping. Individuals with depression are often stigmatized as “lazy,” but this is far from true. Have patience with yourself or your loved one as they work towards recovery.
You can’t be depressed if you have a good life
Depression can be caused by situational factors, but it can also be caused by genetics or by chemical imbalances in the brain, even in the absence of a trigger. The reasoning that “others have it worse” does not invalidate one’s experiences with depression.

6. Should I Seek Treatment for Depression?
If you believe that you are depressed or have been diagnosed with clinical depression and are debating whether or not to seek treatment, take a few minutes to consider the following:
There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, it takes courage and strength to reach out. By taking the steps to seek treatment, you are taking the first steps to improve your well-being and quality of life.
There is always hope for change. Depression often makes individuals feel hopeless and apathetic, such that they are unable to picture feeling better. However, this is an illusion that attempts to keep you in a dark place; with time and guidance, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Being depressed does not mean that something is “wrong” with you. While the thought of being diagnosed with a disorder may seem intimidating, realize that having depression is nothing to be ashamed of; similar to physical illnesses, mental illness can be caused by a variety of external factors including genetic predisposition, trauma, and other environmental factors which may be outside of your control.
We highly encourage anybody who is struggling with depression or suicidal thinking to reach out to medical professionals and consider treatment options such as therapy.

7. What Can Riverwalk Counseling Offer Me?
Therapy
Workshops
One type of therapy that is often used in treating anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses on identifying, challenging, and neutralizing the unconstructive thoughts and actions that fuel depression and can also be useful in reducing self-harming behavior. Other self-help practices such as meditation, which can help reduce feelings of hopelessness, may also be taught. Schedule a therapy session here.
If you don’t feel ready to disclose personal information to a counselor or want something to supplement personal sessions, consider signing up for a workshop. There, you can learn more about mental health and well-being, learn about various self-help practices, and learn to respond to symptoms of depression in a group setting that does not require your direct participation. Sign up for a workshop here.

8. Therapy and Confidentiality
Therapy is confidential. All information you share, whether it is information in our records about you or even the fact that you have come to see us, cannot be shared with others. No one outside our office will have access to your records without your prior written permission. However, if presented with evidence that you or someone else is in immediate danger, for example in the case of suicide, it may be necessary to report information as required by Washington State law. Though such instances are rare, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.

9. Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, reach out to one of the resources below
24 Hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline;
Trans Lifeline (LGBTQ+ friendly), 7am to1am PST;
For Spanish Speakers;
For Deaf/Hard of Hearing Individuals; chat online or use a video relay service or voice/caption phone at
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to dial 911 for help

10. Other Resources
Help Guide – Advice on helping a loved one with depression
The National Institute of Mental Health – For more information and statistics on clinical depression and other depressive disorders.
If you have further questions or want to know more about counseling and workshop options, feel free to visit our FAQ page or to reach out and contact us at or to leave a message at (509)