The unbearable weight of “should”

Living with depression can feel like trekking through a snowstorm. Maybe you experience emotional pain that stings like hail. Or perhaps you feel a dull numbness that overwhelms you like hypothermia. You know that you should see your friends, hit the gym, and care about work. But just getting out of bed feels like slogging through a snowdrift - and simultaneously carrying the weight of “should” feels like you’re being crushed by guilt and self-criticism.

You aren’t alone

In a warm and judgement-free environment, we’ll explore the causes of your depressive symptoms on three fronts: 

• Your Past: Negative experiences and chronic stressors are cumulative, like snowfall on a branch. Each individual snowflake may not seem like a big deal but, if there are enough of them, then the branch eventually snaps. We’ll examine the flurries and blizzards of your history and prioritize reprocessing any unresolved trauma. 

• Your Present: When you’re caught in a mental whiteout, it’s impossible to clearly see the landscape of your life. Depression can be a signal that your current path is misaligned with your values. We’ll check your internal compass to determine if you’ve wandered off course and recalibrate to ensure that you’re heading in the right direction. 

• Your Future: We’ll identify small, manageable actions to help you unfreeze. These aren’t grand life changes. They’re tactical, daily shifts designed to move you out of the squall.

Experiencing depression can feel like being caught in a snowstorm. But there can be sunnier days ahead. Fill out the form below, email me at sue@suebedfordpsychotherapy.com or click here to book a session.