Connected Family Therapy

Recognizing the Signs of Depression and When to Seek Help

By S. Abigail McCarrel, LCSW, DCSW

Depression therapy loneliness Parenting | Support Neurodivergent Families | Brain-Based Parenting | Online Therapy in California | Trauma-Informed Parenting

Posted: May 12, 2026

If you've tried everything and nothing seems to stick, you're not failing — you're parenting a child with a vulnerable nervous system who needs something different. In this post, I break down why traditional parenting advice falls short for kids with ADHD, autism, giftedness, and developmental trauma, and what actually shifts things. It starts with understanding whether your child's owl brain is online — or whether their watchdog has taken over.

Is Depression a Disability?

Depression

Posted: January 6, 2025

In many cases, yes, depression can be considered a disability. According to Section 12102(1)(A) of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , a person can be disabled if they have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Under...

4 Common Types of Depression

Depression

Posted: August 15, 2024

Many people are familiar with depression, but only some are aware that there are actually numerous different forms of it. Below, we explore four of the most common types of depression. 1. Major Depressive Disorder For someone to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, they...

Overcoming Depression: Practical Steps

By S. Abigail McCarrel

Depression

Posted: November 20, 2023

Do you experience persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt? Are you feeling fatigued, anxious, restless, or like you can’t focus? Have you lost interest in the activities you once enjoyed, or have your coworkers or loved ones noticed that you’ve been more...