Adults, teens & kids · In-person in Idaho Falls · Telehealth for all Idahoans

Depression Therapy in Idaho Falls

Depression can improve, whatever is driving it

Low energy. Nothing feels worth it. You can't seem to get yourself to do things, even things you used to enjoy. Depression is uncomfortable low energy, and it's distressing. But it can get better.

I'm Mark Bennett, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Idaho Falls. I help adults, teens, and kids with depression:

Understand what's really driving your depression
Change the thinking patterns that keep you stuck
Get your energy, motivation, and hope back

Book an Appointment now!

We accept most insurances

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Portrait of Mark Bennett, LCSW family therapist

Understanding depression

Depression and anxiety: brakes and gas pedal

Many people confuse depression and anxiety. Anxiety is a kind of high energy that's uncomfortable. Depression is a low energy that's uncomfortable. Both are distressing.

In my experience, about 80% of depression is caused by high anxiety or stressful life circumstances. Anxiety and stress are exhausting, so the mind and body cope by trying to shut things down, or by convincing us we can't do anything, or that nothing is worth it. Depression is the brakes that shut anxiety down. Anxiety is the gas pedal that tries to rescue us from depression. Many people cycle between these extremes without realizing it, because they're just used to it. Some people feel intense depression and anxiety at the same time, competing for control.

Other depression seems to come out of the blue. Either way, depression can improve.

Signs depression may be affecting you:

Low energy, fatigue, or feeling heavy
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Feeling like you can't do anything, or nothing is worth it
Hopelessness about yourself or your future
Sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people
Swinging between exhausted and anxious

My approach

How I help with depression

I like to work on the cause of depression, which is often a combination of thinking patterns, beliefs about yourself, your future, and life in general, stressful life experiences, and anxiety. Together we'll work on:

CBT to change the thinking patterns that keep you stuck
Trying out new behaviors that are incompatible with depression
Internal Family Systems to explore what in your mind, or what experiences, may be contributing
Addressing the anxiety and stress underneath

The depression-anxiety cycle

Anxiety: high energy that's uncomfortable (the gas pedal)
Depression: low energy that's uncomfortable (the brakes)
Stress exhausts you, so the mind shuts things down
Many people cycle between the two without realizing it

Depression is the brakes that shut anxiety down. Anxiety is the gas pedal that tries to rescue us from depression. Therapy can help you get off the rollercoaster.

Who I Work With

Depression help for all ages

Depression looks different in a child, a teenager, and an adult. Here's how I help each.

Adults

For adults running on empty, stuck, or cycling between exhaustion and anxiety.

Low energy and motivation
Hopelessness and self-criticism
Depression mixed with anxiety

Parents & Families

I help parents respond to a withdrawn or discouraged child with patience and encouragement.

Validating feelings before giving advice
Motivating with hope instead of pressure
School coordination and accommodation recommendations

Kids & Teens

In kids and teens, depression often looks like irritability, boredom, or pulling away rather than sadness.

Low mood, irritability, or boredom
Pulling away from friends and family
School stress and negative self-talk

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about depression

Answers to what people often wonder before starting.

Is it depression or anxiety?

Often both. Anxiety is uncomfortable high energy, and depression is uncomfortable low energy. Many people cycle between them, and we can work on both at once.

What causes depression?

In my experience, most depression grows out of high anxiety or stressful life circumstances. Thinking patterns and beliefs about yourself and your future play a big role too. Some depression comes out of the blue. Either way, it can improve.

What if I've felt this way for years?

Many people have gotten so used to depression, or to cycling between depression and anxiety, that it feels normal. It can still improve, even after a long time.

Do you work with kids and teens?

Yes. I work with children, teens, and adults, and I involve parents so they can support their child's progress at home.

Getting started

What to expect when you start

In-person in Idaho Falls or telehealth anywhere in Idaho. I accept most insurance plans.

Step 1

Free consultation

An optional free 20-minute phone consultation. Specifically ask for it. Default is a regular appointment. We'll talk about what's going on and whether I'm a good fit.

Step 2

Assessment & plan

We'll look at what's driving your depression, including stress, anxiety, and thinking patterns, and set clear goals together.

Step 3

Weekly practice

We'll try out new behaviors between sessions and build energy and hope, week by week.

Schedule Your Appointment

Depression can improve

Whether your depression grew out of stress and anxiety or came out of the blue, you don't have to stay stuck. Reach out to schedule an appointment or a free consultation.