Persistent sadness or emptiness that doesn’t go away
Depression Treatment in Brooklyn, NY
Depression is more than just feeling sad or having an off day — it’s a complex mood disorder that can disrupt every aspect of daily life. If you’re struggling with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or fatigue, you don’t have to face it alone.
At Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care to help you manage depression and regain control of your life.
Symptoms of Depression
Many people generalize depression to be a lingering feeling of sadness, but depression can include many specific symptoms, such as:
Emotional Symptoms
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Irritability or restlessness
- Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks
- Increased sensitivity to criticism or rejection
- Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from others
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Chronic pain or aches (e.g., headaches, back pain) without a clear physical cause
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach pain, nausea, or changes in digestion
- Slowed physical movements or speech
- Increased agitation or restlessness
- Weakness or a general feeling of being physically unwell
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek help. Depression is treatable, and with the right care, you can begin to feel better.
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
This is one of the most common forms of depression, characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and significant disruptions to daily life. Individuals with MDD often experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep or appetite that persist for weeks or months.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
This chronic form of depression lasts for two years or more and involves a low-grade, ongoing sense of sadness or hopelessness. While less intense than MDD, it can significantly impact quality of life and make it difficult to find joy in everyday activities.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs during the colder, darker months of the year. Symptoms often include low energy, excessive sleep, weight gain, and feelings of sadness or isolation, which improve as the seasons change.
Postpartum Depression
This type of depression affects new mothers and can occur shortly after childbirth. Symptoms include intense sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that make it difficult to care for oneself or one’s baby. It’s more severe and longer-lasting than typical "baby blues."
Psychotic Depression
This severe form of depression is accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. Individuals with psychotic depression often experience a disconnect from reality in addition to feelings of hopelessness, and immediate treatment is critical.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no exact cause of depression, and this mood disorder may arise at any age. Most often, depression is first diagnosed in early adulthood and is often the result of a combination of factors, including:
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Chronic pain or aches (e.g., headaches, back pain) without a clear physical cause
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach pain, nausea, or changes in digestion
- Slowed physical movements or speech
- Increased agitation or restlessness
- Weakness or a general feeling of being physically unwell
Treatments for Depression
Just as symptoms can vary significantly between individuals with depression, so too can the recommended treatment options. At Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy, we work closely with each patient to create a plan that best fits their needs. Prescribed medications often provide relief and may be implemented alongside behavioral therapy to enhance effectiveness.
Our team continuously evaluates your progress and adjusts treatments as necessary. If initial solutions lose their effectiveness or if symptoms become more severe, we provide additional strategies to help you navigate these changes. Even in the most challenging cases, professional care can offer effective solutions and support.
Our treatments include:
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy to help you identify and address the root causes of your depression.
Medication Management
Collaborative care with medical professionals to ensure medications are effectively supporting emotional balance.
Lifestyle Interventions
Guidance on improving sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits to complement your treatment plan.
Ready to explore all our treatment options?
For a complete list of our therapeutic services, visit our Treatments Page.
Explore TherapiesFor a complete list of our therapeutic services, visit our Treatments Page.
When Should You Seek Treatment for an Depression?
If depression is impacting your daily life, relationships, or ability to function, it’s time to reach out for support. Here are some signs it may be time to seek help:
If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek emergency
treatment immediately.
Seek Help for Depression Today
Depression may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy, we believe in a compassionate, collaborative approach to mental health. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you find relief and reclaim your sense of joy and purpose.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future