Key points

The first challenge of a therapist when meeting with a severely depressed patient is resurrecting hope.

A patient may not recognize things are better until symptoms are far back in the rearview mirror.

With successful treatment, love, belief, and confidence in oneself grow.

Breaking old patterns, finding satisfaction, setting boundaries, and pursuing dreams are all possible.

We all know the saying, “it ain’t over until it’s over.” People who are depressed often think, “It’s over.” Yet over and over, my patients see that, with treatment, their lives are not over at all.

Instead, they discover that meaning and purpose are within their grasp. Love, belief, and confidence in themselves grow. They have a newfound ability to make healthy decisions, exert agency over their live

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