Depression can show up in many ways. For some, it’s a short season. For others, it lingers for months or even years. You might find yourself sleeping too much—or not at all. Maybe food feels like your only comfort, or nothing sounds appetizing. Some people cry for days. Others manage to hold it together in public but feel numb inside. And for many, there are no visible signs at all.

One common thread? Shame.

• Shame about what caused it.

• Shame about how you’re handling it.

• Shame about feeling depressed in the first place.

You know what doesn’t help? Well-meaning people saying things like, “It’s not that bad” or “Snap out of it.” (Would they tell someone with asthma to just “breathe harder?” Probably not.)

Here’s the truth:

• Depression is not your fault.

• It’s not a weakness.

• You’re not broken.

Think of it this way—depression is your brain saying, “I need help breathing right now.” And there’s no shame in that.

At Next Stage Therapy, our goal is simple: to create a safe space where you can exhale. Together, we’ll work toward helping you feel—emotionally—like you can breathe a little easier.