Depression is an overwhelming and isolating experience that can be very challenging to cope with. It involves more than just feeling sad or down; it can feel like you’re completely stuck without any light at the end of the tunnel.

If you’re depressed, you might be experiencing some of the following symptoms:

• Low self-worth

• Guilt

• Hopelessness

• Reduced appetite

• Sleep troubles & fatigue

• Lack of pleasure or interest in doing things you once enjoyed

• Self-isolation

• Excessive crying

• Weight loss or gain

• Feeling like no one understands you

A variety of factors can lead to depression, including biological and environmental influences, traumatic experiences, negative thought patterns/perspectives, poor lifestyle habits, major life transitions, and more. It’s not uncommon for teens and adults to go through at least one depressive episode in their lives.

As a student, athlete, teacher, or young professional, you likely face a great deal of pressure and demands that can cause you to become overwhelmed and feel inadequate or depressed.

You may be experiencing low self-esteem and reduced enjoyment in what you were once passionate about. For example, teachers and coaches juggle various roles, work long hours, and navigate a wide array of student needs that sometimes feel insurmountable. These are exhausting jobs that often don’t get compensated enough and can lead to burnout. If burnout is not addressed, it can further develop into depression.

Many students and athletes face difficult life transitions, such as starting high school, college, or pro leagues, joining new teams and extracurriculars, losing or making new friends, or transitioning out of sports. All of this takes time to adjust to and sometimes causes increased self-doubt. 

Additionally, most athletes experience at least one injury throughout their athletic careers. The pain, surgeries, physical therapy, and separation from the sport(s) you love can be extremely tough. You might experience a setback in your progress, making it harder to return to your previous level of athletic performance. For some athletes, injury may even force you to quit your sport altogether. This type of change can be heart-breaking, leading to feelings of grief and sometimes a crisis of identity as you’re trying to navigate new norms and cope with the loss.

In my decade of experience as a social worker and mental health therapist, I’ve counseled numerous clients through depression and low self-esteem. I’ve seen them climb out of the darkness by being willing to receive help, practicing better self-care, taking different perspectives, and learning new skills. Through the use of evidence-based treatment methods, such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I help clients achieve:

• Self-compassion

• Stronger self-care practices

• Improved self-esteem

• More energy and focus

• A sense of hope for the future

• Fulfillment in life, work, school, or sports

• Peace of mind

• Work-life balance