Is it the COVID Blues or Depression? Signs you May Need Depression Treatment

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

Owner, Heights Family Counseling

There’s a funny quote going around social media that states something like: “We are all doing the best we can'“ is my response to just about everything these day... Whether you told me you chugged a bottle of wine, had cereal for dinner, robbed a bank, or skipped a shower…” It’s funny because it is true. We are all a bit impacted by the Covid_19 pandemic. I know there was a time I found myself watching all my favorite 80’s movies all night while drinking my favorite wine, and snacking on Cheetos. Very uncharacteristic of me, as I usually work and exercise in the evenings, but all I had to say to my husband who curiously glanced over was “covid,” and we would just nod and carry about our unusual business.

Since we are all impacted by the sudden upheaval of our lives during this time, it can be hard to decipher whether this is normal covid blues or depression. The truth is, we could all probably use some extra support right now. There isn’t a person around that isn’t impacted by all of this. However, if you are wondering if your symptoms are starting to look a bit like depression, let’s review what the DSM-5 says are symptoms of depression:

1.     Depressed or lowered mood.

2.     Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day. For some, this feels like a “blah” feeling.

3.     Change in appetite or weight.

4.     A slow-down of thoughts and movement.

5.     Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.

6.     Feelings of worthlessness or feelings of guilt nearly every day.

7.     Difficulty concentrating

8.     Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

Five of these symptoms are needed to meet the criteria. For many, they do not realize they were depressed until they come out of the fog. Other people can assess their functioning and notice their social, work, or family life is being impacted. However, for those high functioning depressed individuals, they can fly under the radar.  Maybe they have low energy, motivation, and problems concentrating, but they knuckle down and grin and bear it to get the work done. Maybe they smile through social zoom calls, or they compensate by checking in on their friends. Whether you are suffering from depression or high functioning depression, the impact is the same. It’s all depression, and it’s hard.

We specialize in treating depression. We believe that life brings us many seasons, including the highs and lows, but that we can benefit from having someone in our corner to help with the lows. We use a humanistic approach to counseling while using empirically-based methods. Some of the methods we use include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A type of psychotherapy that helps provide tools to discover core beliefs that lead to maladaptive automatic thoughts and behaviors. We help discover unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns to help you feel more in control of your emotions and life 

Resilient Counseling: Resilient counseling uses a variety of techniques with the basic principle that the client has the strength and expertise to solve their own problems. Counseling can provide a safe place to discuss your struggles, but resilient therapy means counseling is also a place to recognize your strengths. 

Solution Focused Therapy: In using a solution-focused therapeutic approach to therapy, clients can discover more effective solutions to their problems. Through therapy, the client can shift from problem-focused to a solution-focused orientation.  

We often work with depression through a relationship lens. Depression doesn’t just impact the individual experiencing it, but all relationships can be impacted. The partner can sometimes be left with confusion and wondering if the relationship is falling apart. Through couples counseling, both partners can understand the impacts of depression, and begin to heal through their interactions with each other. We can provide tools to help support the partner experiencing depression, and also allow for validation, compassion, and empathy to be experienced.

Whether you are suffering through the covid blues (hell-o Cheetos and 80s movies) or genuinely feeling depressed, we are here. Life has changed abruptly. Many of us have lost our usual coping strategies, such as vacations and spending time with friends. Let us give you so support and relief. Read more about our depression therapy or contact us for more information.

Amy Rollo is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and owner at Heights Family Counseling. Additionally, she is able to practice psychology independently in the state of Texas as a Licensed Psychological Associate with Independent Status and is Licensed as a Specialist in School Psychology. Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Southern Methodist University. She is in the process of completing a doctorate degree, studying at Texas A&M University Commerce and Northcentral University, specializing in child and adolescent counseling and marriage and family therapy, respectively. In addition, Amy has additional training in IMAGO Relationship Therapy, doctoral training in sex therapy, and has completed the entire 3 levels of Gottman Couples Therapy, as well as the additional training intensive of Gottman Treating Affairs and Trauma. Amy holds three licenses in the state of Texas: Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Licensed Psychological Associate with Independent Status, and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, as well as a doctoral candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy- PhD(c).