Depression and Life's Transitions

A marriage is coming or maybe a new baby into the family or a move up to a bigger and better job; these are all things that make us happy and give us fulfillment, right? Well, it turns out that any transition can be difficult for people. There are people who are comfortable with change and do not miss a beat when there is a shift in the routine, however, those people are few and far between.

Although it is the norm to experience some challenges during times of transition, we rarely talk about it. It is expected that we handle these times with ease and look forward to the new challenge. Although that may be a part of what someone feels in those situations, there are often other feelings that go along with change as well.

Depression is a very common emotion felt during any normal life transition. It is expected to feel some depression after a death or job loss but after a new marriage? It can take people by surprise. How would you feel if your partner admitted to feeling depressed after marrying you? It is common for people to not understand what they are feeling because they simply do not associate depression with transition that are suppose to be happy.

Depression is not necessarily feeling sad or being unable to get out of bed and function, although those can be part of the symptoms. The most common symptoms of depression are a lack of motivation, a loss of interest in things that one normally enjoys, a feeling of melancholy, and social isolation. I often hear clients say, “I am just not happy and I don’t know why”.

If you would like to learn more, call me at 925.323.0515. Thank you.

Therapy for Depression

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Most people have felt sad or depressed at one time or another in their lives. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. It can be triggered by events that we believe should make us happy - like being newly married

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Online Therapy!

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I am pleased to offer video therapy to people who find it more convenient than in-person sessions. As a result of COVID 19 and being pushed into the virtual world, I have found it very rewarding and easier for some people, so I have made the decision to keep this as part of the therapy tools I offer.

Lic #Psy 19808 | 925.323.0515 | drsaradenman@gmail.com

Member American Psychological Association | California Psychological Association | Contra Costa Psychological Association

Dr. Sara Denman sees patients from the Danville, Blackhawk, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Alamo, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Concord - Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Therapies address divorce survival, life changes, trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders and self-esteem challenges.
Therapy techniques include Psychodynamic approaches such as Object-Relations, Self-Psychology, Relational therapies, Cognitive-Behavioral approaches, Mindfulness and Neuropsychology.