Depression

Understanding Symptoms of Depression

Depression can often feel like a deep fog that drains energy and contributions to a sense of being isolated. It can affect areas such as sleep, appetite, motivation, and relationships. Often, depression develops gradually. People may not realize how deeply they’ve been affected until symptoms become severe or life starts to feel unmanageable. Some depressive-like symptoms might include:

Persistent low mood or feelings of sadness
Loss of interest in activities you once found enjoyable
Lack of energy
Changes in appetite
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

Depression may also be connected to long-standing relationship patterns, emotional reactivity, or unresolved pain within the family system. We understand how depression can stem from complex emotional dynamics, and we work to help you explore and address those deeper layers of experience with compassion and care.

A stressed man with his hand on his forehead

Negative Thought Patterns

For many people, depression is fueled by a cycle of negative thought patterns that become automatic and deeply ingrained over time.

These thought patterns can include persistent self-criticism (“I’m not good enough”), hopelessness about the future (“Things will never get better”), black-and-white thinking (“If I’m not perfect, I’m a failure”), and mind reading (“They must think I’m a burden”). Left unchallenged, these patterns can intensify emotional pain and keep individuals stuck in a loop of sadness, anxiety, and low self-worth. Negative thoughts are not just “in your head”, they shape how you see yourself, how you relate to others, and how you interpret your world.

How New Life Can Help

At New Life, we have therapists who are specialized in helping individuals overcome depression, persistent sadness, and the weight of negative thoughts that can feel overwhelming and get caught in a cycle. There is much potential for transformation when one understands what goes into the negative thought cycles and how to interrupt the intensity. A trained therapist can coach you over time as you practice a whole new way of approaching negative thoughts.

We operate from a family system lens taking your family of origin into consideration and helping you to find flourishing in your relationship. In other psychological approaches, the effect of broken or distant relationships often goes unaddressed as a contribution to depressive symptoms. We want to help you move from feeling stuck in depression to having strength in the context of your relationships while utilizing Christianity as a resource if requested. We are able to see clients in Round Rock, Bee Cave, and the greater Austin area who are experiencing symptoms of depression.

A hiker sitting on a rock overlooking the ocean with his arm raised in praise

Take The Next Step

Schedule a consultation today and start breaking the cycle that keeps you stuck.

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