Depression

Depression

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Support for Depression in All Ages

Depression

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Support for Depression in All Ages

Depression2025-07-28T14:43:45-04:00

Understanding Depression

More than sadness, depression changes everything.

Depression can quietly reshape every part of life - your energy, your relationships, even your sense of self. At Lifegrowth, we understand that depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s often rooted in a mix of emotional, biological, and relational factors that deserve careful attention. Our team takes a thoughtful, whole-person approach to treatment - starting with a personalized evaluation to understand what’s beneath the surface. Whether you're an adult, teen, or parent of a struggling child, we offer the support and tools you need to move from surviving to thriving.

“What causes depression? How is depression treated in children and adolescents?”

“What causes depression? How is depression treated in children and adolescents?”

Depression is One of the Most Common Mental Health Challenges
Depression affects millions of people across all age groups, often significantly disrupting daily life. Research shows that depression impacts 4% of children, 20% of adolescents, and around 8% of adults, with higher rates reported among females. Among adolescents, nearly two in five experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and many struggle without receiving treatment. While symptoms vary, depression often presents as sadness, irritability, physical discomfort, sleep disturbances, and difficulty maintaining responsibilities or relationships.

Depression Looks Different for Everyone
Depression manifests in different ways depending on age and individual circumstances. For children, it may appear as frequent stomachaches, school refusal, or persistent feelings of worthlessness. Adolescents often experience deep fatigue, excessive sleep, or social withdrawal, sometimes accompanied by thoughts of hopelessness. In adults, depression can interfere with work, relationships, and motivation. No matter how it appears, depression is real, and addressing its causes is key to long-term recovery.

Depression is More Than Just an Emotional Struggle
Depression is not simply sadness—it can be linked to biological imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, unresolved emotional trauma, and relationship challenges. Identifying these contributing factors is critical to creating effective treatment plans.

How Does Lifegrowth Help?

At Lifegrowth, we focus on identifying the underlying factors contributing to depression, looking beneath the surface of thoughts and behaviors to determine what is fueling a person’s depression so that treatment can target the root of the issue.

Through personalized evaluations, we explore biological issues, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Our therapy approach is designed to help individuals gain control over their thoughts and emotions while addressing practical challenges like nutrition, stress management, and relationship health. Having a professional counselor who serves as an objective guide can be a turning point in reversing depression and restoring a sense of balance and hope.

Common depression symptoms we treat include:

  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness

  • Sleep disturbances, tiredness or lack of energy

  • Anxiety or restlessness

  • Recurring thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can teenagers recover from depression without medication?2025-05-09T12:13:31-04:00

Definitely! Research shows that expert therapy and nutritional support can be just as effective—if not more—than medication for treating depression in teenagers. With the right strategies, teens can build coping skills, address underlying issues, and find lasting relief without relying on medication.

How can a parent support a child with depression?2025-05-09T12:13:49-04:00

The most important thing you can do for a child struggling with depression is to take their feelings seriously. Trying to cheer them up or list reasons why they should be happy usually backfires, making them feel misunderstood. Instead, let them know you see their pain, you care, and you’re there to help them through it—no matter how long it takes.

Is there a connection between depression and anxiety?2025-07-11T08:23:32-04:00

Yes, anxiety and depression are often connected, though not always. When anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can cause someone to avoid situations in their life, leading to missed opportunities and a growing sense of loss. Over time, that feeling of helplessness can turn into depression, which can then create even more anxiety by making everyday challenges feel even harder to manage.

How can I tell if my child is depressed or just sad?2025-05-09T12:14:23-04:00

Every child feels sad sometimes, especially after something upsetting happens. But depression is different—it lingers, often without a clear cause, and can affect their energy, motivation, and overall outlook. If their sadness seems constant and isn’t improving, it could be more than just a passing emotion.

How do I know if I am depressed?2025-05-09T12:14:41-04:00

Depression can feel like life has lost its spark—things that used to bring joy just don’t seem to matter anymore. It often comes with feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and exhaustion, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It can stem from trauma, childhood experiences, nutritional issues, or medical conditions (like hypothyroidism). But the good news is that it’s treatable with the right support.

Our Trained Counselors

At Lifegrowth, our counselors are highly trained professionals with expertise in treating depression and anxiety across all age groups. They use evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, to help clients understand and manage their depression effectively. With ongoing training and a commitment to personalized care, our team provides tailored strategies to address each client’s unique needs, fostering resilience and confidence.

  • Courtney Cavett, LAPC

    Boyertown, PA Office

  • Jonathan Ambrose, LPC

    Boyertown, PA Office

  • Carla Bidwell, LPC

    Boyertown, PA Office

Resources for Depression

External Resources

Reading

  • The Omega-3 Connection by Dr. Andrew Stoll

  • How You Can Survive When They’re Depressed: Living and Coping with Depression Fallout by Anne Sheffield

Note: The resources and information on this page are meant for general information purposes only. Lifegrowth is not responsible for the information or claims made by these resources.

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