Healing in Real Life: Understanding Depression with a Therapist Who Gets You – Doreatha Page, M.A, LPC Associate, LCDC Intern, NCC

A Journey Through the Fog: Understanding and Healing from Depression

It started with little things. Maya, once known for her infectious laugh and energy, began sleeping through her morning alarms. The projects she once loved now sat unfinished, untouched. Friends texted, but she couldn’t bring herself to respond. “I’m just tired,” she’d say. “It’s just stress.” But deep down, Maya knew it was something more.

She wasn’t just sad—she felt hollow. Like a light had dimmed inside her. Her world, once full of color and passion, now felt gray and heavy. What Maya was experiencing wasn’t just a rough patch. It was depression.

Recognizing the Storm

For many like Maya, depression creeps in quietly. It’s more than sadness—it’s a deep, persistent weight that affects the mind, body, and soul. She began feeling worthless, disconnected, even irritable. She stopped going to the gym, lost interest in her favorite books, and barely touched her meals. When she did sleep, it never felt like rest.

Maya didn’t know that depression can look different for everyone. Sometimes it’s not tears—but anger, exhaustion, or withdrawal. Learning the signs was the first light that broke through her fog.

Where It Comes From: The Hidden Roots

As Maya started opening up in therapy, she began piecing together how her depression had taken root. She had always struggled with self-doubt and perfectionism. When she lost her grandmother—her greatest cheerleader—it triggered something deeper. Her therapist, Doreatha Page, helped her understand that depression can be influenced by many factors: genetics, trauma, stress, and even environmental changes.

Doreatha took time to explore Maya’s history—not just the pain, but the strengths she carried too. She used a holistic approach, helping Maya reconnect with her story and see it through a compassionate lens.

When Everything Feels Hard

Depression had invaded every part of Maya’s life. She started missing deadlines at work and distancing herself from loved ones. She stopped taking care of herself—not because she didn’t care, but because it felt impossible. The more she isolated, the worse it got. Doreatha gently reminded her: depression thrives in silence, but healing happens in connection.

They talked about how important it was to name the struggles and explore their impact. In sessions, Maya found space to unpack the invisible weight she had carried alone for too long.

Finding a Path Forward

Therapy became a sanctuary. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Maya learned to challenge her inner critic. She began to notice the thoughts that fueled her hopelessness—and learned how to respond differently. Doreatha also introduced her to Mindfulness-Based Therapy, helping her slow down and simply be with her feelings without judgment.

Some days were still hard, but Maya wasn’t facing them alone. Therapy became a mirror and a map—showing her how far she’d come and where she could go next.

Small Steps, Big Wins

Doreatha encouraged Maya to start with what felt manageable: making her bed, taking a walk, journaling one line each day. Together, they set small goals that helped Maya feel capable again. These moments—though simple—became victories.

She began to understand that self-care wasn’t selfish. It was survival. It was healing. And it could look different every day.

No One Should Do This Alone

At one point, Maya asked, “Why couldn’t I just fix this myself?” Doreatha reminded her: depression isn’t a weakness—it’s a condition that deserves professional support, just like any physical illness. Through their work together, Maya discovered how powerful it was to be heard, validated, and seen without shame.

For those in the LGBTQ community, like Maya’s best friend Eli, therapy brought unique challenges. Together, they explored how identity, acceptance, and societal pressure can deepen depression. Doreatha created a safe, affirming space for that too—where all identities were honored, and no experience was too small to matter.

Reaching for the Light

Maya still has her tough days. But now, she also has tools, awareness, and hope. She’s no longer walking through the fog alone.

Her story reminds us that healing doesn’t always mean feeling “happy” all the time. Sometimes, it means learning how to keep going. How to speak your truth. How to reach out.

And most importantly—how to believe in the possibility of joy again.

A Message from Doreatha Page

Whether you’re like Maya or simply love someone who is struggling, know this: you are not alone. Depression is treatable. With support, self-compassion, and guidance, brighter days are possible.

If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here to walk with you.

Healing in Real Life: Understanding Depression with a Therapist Who Gets You – Doreatha Page, M.A, LPC Associate, LCDC Intern, NCC | Supervised by Tia Jennings, LPC-S