As a middle-aged woman, I found myself grappling with a question that had never plagued my mind before: “Am I Depressed?” In my own eyes, I had always considered myself emotionally resilient, capable of tackling life’s challenges head-on with a bright outlook. But gradually, I sensed a transformation occurring within me.

My enthusiasm for life waned. Fewer activities and interactions piqued my interest. Engaging in conversations became a daunting task, as my mind wandered, evading focus. I couldn’t help but ask myself if depression was knocking on my door, yet I swiftly dismissed the notion, fearing that labeling myself as “depressed” would be an overreaction.

After all, I still got out of bed every morning, diligently fulfilled my responsibilities at work and home. But deep within, a disquieting feeling lingered. Emotionally, I felt flat, even sullen at times. Friends and family who noticed this change in me probed, asking what was wrong and expressing concern about my altered demeanor.

This pattern persisted until I decided to delve into the root causes. Reflecting on the past year, I realized I had lost both my parents and felt an overwhelming concern for one of my children’s life choices. When I finally confided in my husband, his avoidance of emotional conversations left me feeling invalidated. His repeated assurance that “everything will be fine” only intensified my sense of isolation and inadequacy.

Eventually, I opened up to my best friend, who revealed her own positive experience with therapy at SamaraCare during a tough period in her life. She encouraged me to explore it, but my initial reaction was to resist. I believed I could handle this rough patch on my own. However, as weeks passed and restful sleep became a distant memory, the idea of self-resolution seemed increasingly elusive.

I took a chance on therapy, embarking on a journey to find healing. At SamaraCare, I discovered a compassionate therapist who validated my feelings. This alone provided a glimmer of relief. In her presence, I felt free to express myself without judgment or shame. She not only explained depression in a way I had never heard before but also helped me see its insidious impact on my life.

Through our sessions, my therapist guided me towards understanding how my current emotions and behaviors were normal responses to my challenging circumstances. We delved into my childhood, unraveling the implications of my mother’s lifelong battle with depression and how it had affected me.

While the therapeutic journey had its difficulties, it also brought comfort. Over time, my depressive symptoms gradually waned. My interests rekindled, and I regained my lost energy. Once again, I found solace in restful nights. I returned to savoring life’s moments, brimming with hope.

In the end, I am profoundly grateful to my therapist and SamaraCare for helping me rediscover my true self. I hope this story serves as a testament to the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit.