Life doesn’t always get better. “Things fall apart; The center cannot hold,” Yeats wrote in his poem “The Second Coming.” Sometimes, bad things happen. Sometimes, good things don’t. This is true for everyone, but it might be even more true for people with a difficult condition like chronic depression. Since life doesn’t always get better, […]
Chronic Depression: Life Doesn’t Always Get Better, But We Do Read More »
“It will always be this way.” “Nothing works for depression.” “I’ve already tried everything.” “I can’t deal with this.” “No one can help me.” Most people who suffer from chronic depression have had thoughts like these. Many of us have them regularly. With Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), hopelessness isn’t a rare, situation-based feeling; it’s a
Depression and ADHD can look surprisingly similar. Difficulty concentrating, low motivation, forgetfulness, trouble completing tasks, and reduced productivity can occur with either condition. This overlap can make it difficult to understand what is really going on, and sometimes a person may experience both. Understanding the differences between depression vs ADHD can be an important first
The conversation about mental health has opened up in recent years, and that’s something to celebrate. Still, one topic continues to carry quiet shame and mixed feelings: psychiatric medication such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. Maybe you’ve asked yourself “Am I weak for needing medication?” or “Shouldn’t I be able to manage this on
Depression can affect far more than a person’s mood. It can influence how someone communicates, connects, handles conflict, and participates in everyday life. As a result, depression can have a significant impact on romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships. If you’ve noticed more distance, conflict, withdrawal, or misunderstandings in a relationship, you may be wondering
How Depression Affects Relationships: Signs, Challenges, and Ways to Cope Read More »
If you’ve been feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or emotionally drained, you might be wondering whether you’re experiencing burnout vs depression. While these experiences can feel similar, they are not the same, and understanding the difference can help you get the right kind of support. At Steffen Counseling Services, we often help clients navigate burnout and depression,
Burnout vs Depression: How to Tell the Difference Read More »
Mother’s Day is often portrayed as a time of gratitude, celebration, and connection. For many, it can be a meaningful opportunity to honor a loving relationship. But for others, Mother’s Day brings up something far more complicated, grief, ambivalence, resentment, longing, or even relief. If you’ve been wondering how to cope with complex feelings about
How to Cope With Complex Feelings About Mother’s Day Read More »
If you live in Seattle, you know how long winters can feel. Short days, gray skies, and a steady drizzle that makes staying inside (and in your head) a little too easy. By the time the city finally starts to green up again, many people are carrying an emotional residue that no one warned them
Emotional and Relational Spring Cleaning: Letting Go After Seattle’s Gray Winter Read More »
We’re excited to welcome Bree Mirus to Steffen Counseling Services as our newest clinical intern! Bree is passionate about working with neurodivergent clients, gamers, and couples across Washington State. She offers affordable therapy sessions (between $65–$85 per session) online and in Seattle to make specialized, supportive care accessible to everyone. Her work focuses on helping
Introducing Bree Mirus: New Intern at Steffen Counseling Services Read More »
Being a Gen-Z adult today means moving through a world that shifts quickly, feels uncertain, and demands a lot from you. You juggle social media, financial stress, family expectations, and nonstop news cycles while trying to sort out what you genuinely want from what everyone else pushes onto you. When anxiety, shutdown, or confusion about
Gen-Z Mental Health Therapy: Making Room for You Read More »
