UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION & MOOD DISORDERS

Depression can look like low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, brain fog, appetite or sleep changes, and feelings of guilt or hopelessness. Mood disorders also include persistent depressive disorder (longer-lasting, lower-intensity symptoms) and bipolar spectrum conditions (depressive episodes with hypomanic/manic shifts). We help you map patterns, protect sleep, rebuild routines, and reconnect with motivation—without pushing past your limits.

• Common experiences: heaviness, slowed thinking, irritability, withdrawing, “nothing feels good.”
• Impact: work/relationship strain, stalled projects, inconsistent self-care, disrupted sleep.
• Hope: targeted skills + right-sized actions restore energy and a sense of traction.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION? (PSYCHOEDUCATION)

• Behavioral loop: low mood → less activity → fewer positive cues → lower mood. We break this with paced, meaningful actions.
• Cognitive triad: negative views of self, world, and future; we train realistic, flexible thinking (not toxic positivity).
• Rumination: repetitive problem-thinking increases distress; we replace it with problem-solving and mindful disengagement.
• Circadian & sleep: mood is tightly linked to sleep timing, light, and routine—small shifts have outsized effects.
• Bipolar spectrum: for those with mood elevation episodes, we focus on sleep protection, early warning signs, and collaboration with prescribers.

THERAPY OPTIONS AT ASTUTE

Behavioral Activation (BA)

Right-sized activities tied to your values to reboot motivation and pleasure.

CBT / ACT

Update unhelpful thoughts, build flexible self-talk, and move toward what matters even when mood lags.

DBT-Informed Skills

Emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness you can use immediately.

Sleep & Routine Reset

Light exposure, wind-downs, and rhythms that stabilize energy and mood.

Collaborative Care for Bipolar Spectrum

Monitor sleep and triggers, set safety plans, and coordinate with prescribers on mood stabilization.

COORDINATED SUPPORT

• Collaboration with primary care and psychiatry when helpful
• Documentation for work/education accommodations as appropriate
• Connections to groups, classes, and community resources

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Map: clarify symptom patterns, sleep, stressors, and goals.
2. Plan: right-sized actions, thought tools, and routine supports.
3. Practice: in-session reps + real-life experiments; measure what works.
4. Maintain: relapse-prevention, early warning signs, and supports.

WHY CHOOSE ASTUTE

• Adult-focused (18+), inclusive, trauma-informed care
• Evidence-based therapy with practical, measurable steps
• Integrated mind–body options onsite
• In-person (Lakeview, Chicago) and telehealth for Illinois adults