Major Depressive Disorder: Finding Hope and Healing

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder:

MDD is characterized by a persistent low mood and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can affect your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical health. Common symptoms include:

• Emotional: Persistent sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, irritability, anxiety.

• Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, indecisiveness, negative thoughts, feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

• Behavioral: Withdrawal from social activities, neglect of responsibilities, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, agitation or slowed movements.

• Physical: Headaches, digestive problems, body aches, fatigue.

How ACT Helps with Depression:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a unique approach to managing depression by helping you:

• Develop mindful awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment, noticing them as they arise without getting carried away by them.

• Defuse from negative thoughts: Learn to recognize that your thoughts are not facts. This creates distance between you and negative thinking patterns that fuel depression.

• Accept difficult emotions: Instead of struggling to eliminate sadness or other difficult emotions, ACT teaches you to accept them as a natural part of life.

• Clarify your values: Identify what truly matters to you and use your values as a guide for your actions.

• Take committed action: Engage in activities that align with your values, even when you're feeling down or unmotivated. This helps you break free from inertia and build a meaningful life.

Benefits of ACT for Major Depressive Disorder:

• Reduced depressive symptoms: Experience greater emotional balance and fewer episodes of intense sadness or hopelessness.

• Improved coping skills: Develop effective strategies for managing difficult emotions and challenging situations.

• Increased engagement in life: Participate in activities you enjoy and pursue your goals with renewed energy and motivation.

• Enhanced self-compassion: Cultivate a kinder, more accepting relationship with yourself.

• Greater resilience: Develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks and navigate life's challenges with greater strength.

Find Hope and Healing at New Horizons:

If you're struggling with Major Depressive Disorder, New Horizons Therapy NY offers a supportive and empowering environment to help you find hope and healing. Our experienced therapists will guide you on a journey towards greater emotional well-being and a life filled with meaning and purpose.