Why is Everyone so Depressed?

Written by Amy Rollo, M.A., LPA, LSSP, LPC-S

Founder, Heights Family Counseling

“How are you doing,” I commonly ask clients, and the response is “I’m okay…” The okays are sounding different these days. Heavier. There is a lot of hope as of late. Vaccines have been a game changer for many, as many are able to re-enter society after a “lost” year. However, there is still a heaviness. I’ve been talking to lots of people lately and listening to what feels heavy right now and why feelings of depression might be lingering.

1.     Going back to normal is scary. Many people talk about how they once yearned for normalcy, for life to be pre-pandemic normal again. Yet, now they feel scared. They note that as scary as it was to go into lockdown, they feel just as scared to enter into normalcy. Some say that maybe their pre-pandemic life wasn’t as good as they previously thought. The grueling schedule no longer feels right. Others note that change is difficult, and they just became accustomed to this new life.

2.      Your meaning and purpose might have shifted. Maybe pre-pandemic life, work goals, life goals, or something else gave you drive and purpose. However, you find yourself disoriented with these goals now and aren’t sure what you want your new goals or purpose to be. This can lead to a feeling of blah and/or depression. This is a time that I love meeting people in therapy to help align and center again.

3.     Your social life looks different now. Many people report staying in a bubble the last year while others continued with their life. They note that they don’t feel as connected to their social group as before and are lonely. They state that they thought the ending of the pandemic would be the end of their loneliness, but they feel more isolated than ever before.

4.     People falsely think they can no longer talk about their problems. I hear so often, “but in the grand scheme of things, it’s selfish for me to talk about my small problems.” People incorrectly assume that since there is tragedy happening around the globe that they don’t have a place to process their own emotions. It’s leading to people feeling depressed, as they no longer have emotional supports and a place to process those emotions. Yes, there is tragedy right now, and we need to speak of it, do whatever we can to help, and honor their story. AND we are allowed to feel things that are not as big. There is room for both, and when we shut out our own problems because they seem too small, we are actually making those feelings get bigger as they are begging to be heard.

5.     We were all impacted by the last year. Someone recently asked me how I fared last year, and I started talking about how I emotionally handled it. I asked the same back to her and she replied, “we had a few deaths in the family, but we are coping.” My face reddened, as I shamed myself for my response. I hadn’t even thought of the grief and loss that so many have endured. In truth, I experienced my own loss and death in my family this last year because of the pandemic. I had forgotten my own grief when she asked and forgot so many others’ grief. Talking to clients, I have so many who have lost grandparents, parents, and loved ones during this pandemic. The grief leads to difficulty moving on and can lead to feelings of depression, and anhedonioa. While we have fewer covid cases and the risks are lower, we are still suffering and processing the losses and grief of the past year.

There is so much hope going forward, but don’t feel frustrated if a part of you is still feeling depressed. You have every right and reason to experience these emotions. We would love to be part of your journey to help you process, heal, and feel connected while you work through all that you have experienced.

Consider Depression Therapy:

If you're struggling, counseling is a great way to heal from depression and discover new coping skills. A skilled therapist can help you find meaning and purpose, improve your mood, and achieve goals. At Heights Family Counseling, we offer online and in-person counseling. So, you feel comfortable receiving services during the pandemic. You can work with a therapist from the comfort of your surroundings at a time that works well for you.

BEGIN DEPRESSION THERAPY AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING IN HOUSTON, TX: 

Our team of skilled therapists are passionate about helping you build the life you are searching for. We are value-driven and help people navigate life to make sense of their story and ensure they are creating meaning and purpose in their lives. We would be honored to work with you. Follow these steps to begin counseling in Houston, TX or online therapy in Texas:

1.    Contact our counseling clinic to set up a free phone consultation

2.    Meet with one of our  therapists

3.    Begin depression therapy