SOUTH TAMPA THERAPY FREE RESOURCES BLOG
Why Do I Feel This Way? Making Sense of Depression and What You Can DoAbout It
Feeling disconnected or weighed down emotionally? Learn how depression shows up, where it
might be coming from, and how therapy can help you feel like yourself again.
“I Don’t Know What’s Wrong... I Just Don’t Feel Like Myself.”
If you’ve been feeling low, off, or emotionally stuck but can’t quite explain why, you’re not
alone. I hear this often from clients: “I have a good life. I should feel okay, but I don’t.” There’s a
kind of quiet exhaustion that can creep in, and it’s not always easy to put into words.
By South Tampa Therapy | Remy Francis, MHCI
Description:
Feeling disconnected or weighed down emotionally? Learn how depression shows up, where it
might be coming from, and how therapy can help you feel like yourself again.
“I Don’t Know What’s Wrong... I Just Don’t Feel Like Myself.”
If you’ve been feeling low, off, or emotionally stuck but can’t quite explain why, you’re not
alone. I hear this often from clients: “I have a good life. I should feel okay, but I don’t.” There’s a
kind of quiet exhaustion that can creep in, and it’s not always easy to put into words.
Depression doesn’t always look like lying in bed all day. Sometimes it looks like going through
the motions, showing up for others, keeping it together on the outside, while feeling
overwhelmed, numb, or hopeless on the inside.
And if that’s where you are right now, it’s okay. There’s space for that here.
What Depression Can Look Like (Even If You Don’t Call It That)
Depression is different for everyone. For some, it’s sadness or constant fatigue. For others, it’s
irritability, disconnection, or the sense that life just feels “flat.”
You might notice:
● Feeling emotionally drained or checked out
● Losing interest in things you used to care about
● Trouble sleeping or sleeping way more than usual
● Feeling worthless, guilty, or like you’re “not enough”
● Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or staying motivated
● Wanting to withdraw, even from people you love
● That inner voice that says, “What’s the point?”
So... Why Do I Feel This Way?
That’s often the hardest question—and one we can unpack together. Depression usually doesn’t
come from just one place. It’s layered. Some of the most common roots I see in therapy include:
Old wounds that never got a chance to heal.
Whether it’s childhood pain, a toxic relationship, or loss, unprocessed emotions have a way of
showing up in the present.
The pressure to be everything to everyone.
Many of us push ourselves to the brink, especially if we grew up feeling like love had to be
earned or performance was the only way to feel safe.
Isolation or feeling unseen.
Even if you’re surrounded by people, it’s possible to feel deeply alone, especially if you don’t
feel fully known or accepted for who you are.
Chronic stress or burnout.
When you’ve been in survival mode for too long, your system can crash. Depression can be your
body’s way of saying, “I can’t keep doing this.”
Biology and brain chemistry.
Sometimes depression is linked to genetics, hormonal changes, or neurological patterns. This
isn’t your fault, and it doesn’t make you weak.
Therapy Isn’t About Fixing You—It’s About Coming Home to Yourself
If you’re feeling lost, therapy can offer a grounded space to get curious, not critical, about what’s
really going on. Together, we can:
● Explore how your past might still be echoing in the present
● Gently notice and shift patterns that aren’t serving you
● Learn tools to navigate the inner chaos with more compassion and clarity
● Reconnect with the parts of you that feel buried or forgotten
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Whether we’re using mindfulness to help you
reconnect with the present moment or digging deeper to make sense of early life experiences, the
process is always shaped around you.
One Last Thing (That Matters a Lot)
Depression often tricks us into believing we have to carry everything alone—or that we’re too
much for others. That’s simply not true.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to wait until you “deserve” support. If
you’re hurting, that’s reason enough to reach out.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
If any part of this resonates, and you’re ready to explore what healing could look like for you, I’d
be honored to walk alongside you. Reach out to schedule a free consultation or ask any
questions. No pressure, just a conversation.
You don’t have to stay stuck. Things can shift.
Book with Remy: 813-240-3237 SouthTampaTherapy@gmail.com
Just Breathe: How to Navigate Stress and Anxiety (Bloom- Tampa TV Interview)
Ari Leal, MA, MPA, CMHCI
Ari embraces an integrative approach to counseling, combining biological, psychological, social, and spiritual insights to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs. His approach is built on the core principles of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. Ari’s work is characterized by a commitment to Pragmatic Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, other innovative, evidence-based modalities and practices, and a multicultural worldview.
His practice focuses on addressing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and trauma, fostering empowerment among adult individuals, couples, and minority populations. Understanding the unique identities, intersectionalities, challenges, and strengths within these communities drives his specialization. As an engaged member of the American Counseling Association, among other professional bodies, Ari is dedicated to ongoing professional development, ensuring that the latest research and advancements in mental health inform his therapeutic practice.
Ari’s holistic approach recognizes the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health and well-being and is deeply committed to providing a nurturing space that encourages open exploration and personal growth. Ari embraces a commitment to reflection and self-awareness as crucial for facilitating healing in others. This principle informs every counseling session, allowing him to create a respectful, safe, and confidential environment where individuals and couples can confront challenges and pursue meaningful change.
In addition to clinical interests, Ari’s approach to counseling is enriched by a broad range of personal interests, including a passion for reading, travel, exploring diverse cultures, and holistic wellness practices such as yoga and mindfulness.
Ari Leal, MHCI, a South Tampa Therapy team therapist, recently appeared on Gayle Guyardo's wellness show, Bloom, to discuss effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Ari Leal, MHCI emphasized the importance of seeking help and shared simple coping techniques. During the segment, Leal also provided clarity on the distinctions between stress and anxiety, as well as their respective triggers.
Book a session with Ari: https://southtampacounselor.com/bookappointment
Therapy for Anxiety & Depression in Tampa
Seeking therapy for Anxiety & Depression? Consider Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) offered by Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney, a South Tampa Counselor and Therapist specializing in these concerns. We use this in combination with several other evidence based approaches.
Depression and Anxiety often coexist, and they stem from different focuses. Depression dwells on the past, fostering thoughts of regret and helplessness. Anxiety, on the other hand, fixates on the future, causing worries and stress.
Seeking therapy for Anxiety & Depression?
Consider Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) offered by Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney, a South Tampa Counselor and Therapist specializing in these concerns. We use this in combination with several other evidence based approaches.
Depression and Anxiety often coexist, and they stem from different focuses. Depression dwells on the past, fostering thoughts of regret and helplessness. Anxiety, on the other hand, fixates on the future, causing worries and stress.
Both conditions share a commonality: they pull attention away from the present moment. Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present, can shift this focus.
By dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, you miss the beauty of the present. Mindfulness is about anchoring yourself in the here and now, appreciating life's moments.
I'm here to guide you away from fixating on past regrets or future worries and lead you toward embracing the present moment.
Contact/ Text me at (813) 240-3237, and together, let's alleviate Anxiety and Depression from your life.
Book a session here: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/initialintake