"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't" by John Green

Therapy can be highly effective in treating depression. Research shows that it can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Rates of anxiety and depression have significantly increased since the Covid 19 pandemic. We are dealing with a mental health crisis in America with an estimated 17 million adults dealing with depression. The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 264 million people dealing with depression worldwide. If you or someone you know are dealing with depression, Best Life Therapy may be able to help. New clients can schedule their first appointment online by clicking on the request an appointment link on page one of this website. If you are having thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek help right away. If you have serious thoughts of suicide, call 988, the suicide hotline number, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

There are several things that you can do to improve your mood. Be sure to engage in daily self-care. Your therapist can work with you and go over any tips that may be helpful specifically for you. General recommendations include getting outside, get in some physical activity, try to get a good amount of rest, avoid isolation, get out and socialize with people who care about you and try to strengthen your support system. Be sure to eat all the colors of the rainbow and drink plenty of fluids. Journaling can be especially helpful. Keeping a gratitude journal can help us reflect on what is going well. It is also a good idea to check in with your doctor to rule out any medical causes that could be contributing to how you are feeling. 

When we truly are depressed, simply getting out of bed and taking care of basic things such as hygiene and nutrition can be a challenge. Your therapist can help you identify negative thought patterns, work with you to identify any obstacles that might be getting in the way and help you learn to use healthy coping skills. Having a safe and supportive environment to explore your feelings with a trained professional can help. If you are a new client, be sure to use the request an appointment link on page one of this website to request your initial appointment. 

• Here is a video to help you better understand depression, https://youtu.be/XiCrniLQGYc?si=m5TMEsHhzomqDSPx
• "When Someone You Love is Depressed: How to Help your Loved One Without Losing Yourself" by Laura Epstein Rosen, PhD and Xavier Francisco Amador, PhD
• "Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength and Happiness" by Rick Hanson
• "The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: A step-by-Step Program" by William Knaus, EdD
• "The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive
• https://www.psychiatry.org - American Psychiatric Association
• https://www.va.gov/REACH/challenge/feelings-of-depression, Veterans Crisis Line - Dial 988 then Press 1 
• Resource to help children, adolescents and teens with anxiety and depression: https://trailstowellness - used in many schools, reaches children about mental health, CBT and mindfulness.
• https://depressioncenter.org 
• https://nimh.nih.gov - National Institute of Mental Health
• https://adaa.org - Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• Trevor Project Lifeline, 1-800-788-7386
• Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860
• LGBTQ National Hotline - 888-843-4564
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• NAMI Helpline, 1-800-950-NAMI
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• NAMI Helpline, 1-800-950-NAMI

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24. LGBTQ+ youth are almost 5 times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth and are 5 times more likely to need medical attention because of an attempt. In a national study, 40% of transgender adults report having had a serious suicide attempt and 92% of these attempts took place before the age of 25. CDC data shows that men account for 76% of suicide deaths each year. Suicide data in 2025 is showing that the United States has had a significant increase in suicide, 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people. We have not seen rates this high since 1947. We have had a 30% increase in suicide deaths over the past two decades. If you or someone you know is having active thoughts of suicide, go to the nearest emergency room, call 911 or 988, the suicide hotline number. 

If you are depressed and needing support or are seeking information to help support someone you love who is depressed, Best Life Therapy is here to help. New clients can request their initial appointment by clicking on the request an appointment button on the first page of our website.