Depression is more than a bad day or a few low days. For weeks, life may feel drained of color, things you used to enjoy may feel pointless, and even getting out of bed can be hard. Many people describe it as living behind frosted glass.
Depression can affect sleep, appetite, concentration and relationships, and is sometimes accompanied by guilt or feelings of worthlessness. For people living far from family and home, loneliness and the strain of migration can make it heavier. The good news is that depression is treatable, and talking with a professional is often an effective first step.
Something else may fit better if…
Therapy for depression usually begins by understanding the thought and behavior patterns that keep your mood low. In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you learn to notice automatic negative thoughts, test them and find a more balanced view.
Behavioral activation helps you gradually return to meaningful and enjoyable activities, even before motivation comes back. Approaches such as interpersonal therapy focus on relationships, major life changes and grief.
If needed, your therapist may suggest that a psychiatrist also sees you to assess whether medication may help. Therapy and medication often work well together.
Sessions take place online in Persian, so you can join from home or any private space. In the first sessions, your therapist asks about your current situation, history and goals so you can build a plan together.
Many people notice small changes within a few weeks, but every path is different. Therapy often lasts a few months, and you may have simple exercises to try between sessions.
Examples are fictional and illustrative.
Maryam moved to Germany for work two years ago. Dark winters and distance from family slowly isolated her, and she stopped wanting to see friends. In sessions, she and her therapist built a small plan of daily activities. She learned to take her low mood seriously without blaming herself.
Ali always told himself he was not good enough. After losing his job, that voice grew louder and he stayed home almost all day. With his therapist, he learned to write these thoughts down and look at the evidence for and against them. Gradually he started job hunting again.
After her son was born, Sara felt no joy and was ashamed of it. Her therapist helped her talk about this feeling without judgment. She was also encouraged to consult her doctor. Her partner's support became part of the plan.
These therapists list this on their profile. All sessions are online and in Persian.
If sadness, low motivation or exhaustion has lasted more than two weeks and is affecting daily life, it is a good idea to talk with a professional. Diagnosis is the professional's job, and you do not need the exact label before starting.
For many people, online sessions are as helpful as in-person ones. A good relationship with your therapist and staying with the process often matter more than the format.
Not necessarily. Many people improve with therapy alone. If symptoms are severe, a psychiatrist can assess whether medication may help.
Please do not wait for a session. Contact local emergency services or a crisis line in your country now, or go to the nearest hospital. You are not alone, and urgent help is available.
This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency services. Urgent help
