Footsteps Counseling

10/28/2026

Depression & Self-Care

When you’re experiencing depression, even everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Self-care isn’t about “fixing” depression or simply telling yourself to feel better. It’s about taking small, manageable steps to care for yourself while you work toward feeling better.

Self-care can look different for everyone. It might mean:

🌿 Getting some fresh air or spending a few minutes outside
💧 Drinking water and having a nourishing meal
😴 Creating a consistent sleep routine
📱 Reaching out to someone you trust
🚶 Taking a short walk or moving your body
🎵 Making time for something you enjoy
🧠 Giving yourself permission to rest
💬 Talking with a mental health professional when you need support

When you’re struggling, small steps still count. You don’t have to do everything at once, and you don't have to navigate depression alone.

Be patient with yourself. Give yourself grace. And remember that seeking professional help is also a form of self-care. What are you doing for self-care today?💙

10/27/2026

Teen depression can be easy to overlook.

The teenage years can bring many emotional changes, but ongoing sadness, irritability, withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, loss of interest, or difficulty keeping up with everyday activities may be signs that a teen is struggling with more than typical ups and downs.

Every teen is different, and depression doesn’t always look the way we expect. Taking the time to notice changes, listen without judgment, and let teens know they are supported can make a meaningful difference.

If you’re concerned about a teen, don’t be afraid to start the conversation. Sometimes, simply letting them know you’re there can be the first step toward getting help.

10/23/2026

Do You Need Help?

Take a moment to consider how your symptoms impact your daily life.

Have you had mild symptoms for less than 2 weeks?
Feeling sad, stressed, or worried but still able to care for yourself and others
Feeling tired or low energy but still able to complete your tasks and activities
Feeling less interested in things you typically enjoy
Having some trouble sleeping
These activities may help you feel better:
Regularly exercising, eating healthy, and getting 7–9 hours of sleep
Spending time with loved ones
Practicing meditation or breathing exercises
Making time for low-stress activities you enjoy
Volunteering to help others
If these activities do not help or symptoms worsen, talk to a health care provider.

Have you had severe symptoms for 2 weeks or more?
Feeling sad, tearful, or hopeless
Feeling irritable or frustrated
Feeling worthless or guilty
Feeling tired or low energy
Losing interest in things you typically enjoy
Difficulty concentrating or making simple decisions
Trouble completing your tasks and activities
Changes in appetite, weight, sleep, or s*x drive
Seek professional help.
There are ways to help you feel better. Common treatment options include therapy and medication. Learn more about getting help.

If you are having thoughts of su***de or urges to hurt yourself, get immediate help.
Call or text the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support. Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

10/22/2026

Depression is a serious mood disorder with unique impacts on women. Here's 4 things to know about depression in women:

1. Depression is a medical condition.
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

All people can feel depressed, but the disorder is especially common among women due to unique biological, hormonal, and social experiences.

Depression is not brought on by anything a woman has or has not done, and it is not something she can “snap out” of. Most women need treatment to feel better.

2. Depression has signs and symptoms to look out for.
Sadness is only one part of depression. Other common symptoms include:

-Anxiety or irritability
-Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or helplessness
-Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
-Fatigue, lack of energy, or feeling slowed down
-Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
-Changes in sleep or appetite
-Physical aches or pains that do not have a clear physical cause
-Thoughts of death or su***de or su***de attempts

These symptoms can make it hard to think, work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. Talk to a health care provider if you experience symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. Depression does not look the same for everyone; some women may experience many symptoms, and others may experience only a few.

Communicating well with a health care provider can improve your care. Learn about ways to get help and find a health care provider or access treatment. Find tips for talking with a health care provider to improve your care and get the most out of your visit.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of su***de, call or text the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.

3. Certain types of depression are unique to women.
Certain types of depression occur at specific stages of a woman’s life. Pregnancy, the postpartum period, the menstrual cycle, and perimenopause are associated with physical and hormonal changes that can bring on a depressive episode in some women.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, that occurs in the weeks before menstruation. The disorder causes severe symptoms, such as depressed mood, anger or irritability, suicidal thoughts, appetite changes, bloating, breast tenderness, and joint or muscle pain.
Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. It is more than the “baby blues” many new moms experience after giving birth. Women with perinatal depression feel extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that may make it difficult to carry out daily tasks, including caring for themselves or others.

Perimenopausal depression affects some women during the transition to menopause. Whereas abnormal periods, problems sleeping, mood swings, and hot flashes are common during the menopause transition, more extreme feelings of irritability, anxiety, sadness, or loss of enjoyment may be signs of depression.

4. You can get help for depression.
Even the most severe depression can be treated. Common treatments are antidepressant medication, talk therapy (virtual or in person), or a combination of medication and therapy.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” for treatment. It may take trial and error to find the best one for you. A health care provider can explain the different options and help you choose the best treatment based on your symptoms. With help, you can feel better.

10/22/2026

Counseling and therapy in Aberdeen, South Dakota for Individuals, couples, family and group therapy. Footsteps offers Court ordered groups like anger management, domestic violence and MRT.

10/21/2026

💙 Depression Is Not a Sign of Weakness

Well-meaning friends or family members may tell someone with depression to “snap out of it” or “just be positive.” But depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. Most people with depression need treatment and support to get better.

Depression is a real health condition, and asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Instead of telling someone how they should feel, try listening, showing compassion, and reminding them that they don’t have to face it alone. Sometimes, a simple “I’m here for you” can mean more than we realize.

Let’s work together to replace judgment with understanding and make it easier for people to reach out for the support they deserve. 💙

10/20/2026

WHAT DOES A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP LOOK LIKE?

Domestic violence awareness isn't only about recognizing what is unhealthy. It's also about understanding what healthy, respectful relationships look like.

A healthy relationship includes:

💜 Respect — You can be yourself without fear of being put down, controlled, or humiliated.

💜 Trust — Partners don't need to constantly monitor, check up on, or control each other.

💜 Communication — Both people can express their feelings, concerns, and needs without fear.

💜 Boundaries — “No” is respected, and each person has the right to their own space, friendships, interests, and decisions.

💜 Equality — Decisions are made together, and neither person has power over the other.

💜 Accountability — Mistakes are acknowledged, apologized for, and followed by changed behavior.

💜 Safety — Home and relationships should be places where you feel safe—not places where you feel afraid.

💜 Support — Partners encourage each other's goals, growth, friendships, and independence.

Love should not require fear.
Love should not require control.
Love should not require giving up who you are.

Everyone deserves a relationship built on respect, trust, safety, and equality. 💜

10/19/2026

💜 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES IN THE ABERDEEN COMMUNITY 💜

As we continue recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want to make sure our community knows that help, support, and resources are available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or s*xual assault, you do not have to navigate it alone.

🟣 SAFE HARBOR
24-Hour Help Line:
📞 605-226-1212
📞 888-290-2935

📍 2005 S. Merton St.
Aberdeen, SD 57401

Safe Harbor provides support and resources to victims of s*xual assault and domestic abuse throughout Northeast South Dakota.

Services include:

Emergency shelter

Safety planning

Monitored child visits

Protection orders

Support groups

Accompaniment during medical appointments and legal hearings

Additional referrals and community resources

🌐 Website: https://safeharborsd.org/

🟣 BROWN COUNTY CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE
📞 605-626-7130

📍 22 Court St., Suite 2
Aberdeen, SD 57401

Located within the Brown County State Attorney's Office, Crime Victim Assistance supports victims as they navigate the criminal justice system from arrest through prosecution.

They can assist with:

Understanding court dates and the criminal justice process

Understanding criminal charges

Applying for South Dakota Crime Victim's Compensation

Communicating needs, wishes, and restitution requests

Connecting victims with counseling and other community services

Referrals for food, shelter, legal services, and other assistance

Connecting victims with Safe Harbor and additional resources

Accompaniment and support throughout the process

💜 YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Reaching out for help can be difficult, but asking for support is a strength—not a weakness.

If you don't need these resources yourself, consider saving and sharing this post. Someone in our community may need this information today, tomorrow, or someday in the future.

Let's continue building an Aberdeen community where survivors are believed, supported, and connected to the resources they need.

🟣 Know the resources. Share the resources. Be the support.

10/19/2026

Lauren provides compassionate, culturally inclusive mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults. She supports individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, mood disorders, ADHD, anger, and alcohol or substance use concerns. Please contact our office to get scheduled with Lauren today! Call 605-725-2155 to get your appointment scheduled.

Counseling and therapy in Aberdeen, South Dakota for Individuals, couples, family and group therapy. Footsteps offers Court ordered groups like anger management, domestic violence and MRT.