Kasia Ciszewski, LPC

11/01/2025

https://calmcharleston.com/blog/general/can-you-be-depressed-without-a-reason/

While discussing mental health problems has long held a stigma, they are incredibly prevalent in our society. Depression is a common disorder that impacts more than 264 million people (Source: WHO). As one of the leading disorders among all disabilities, many people experience depression for “no reason,” meaning beyond life experience and family history.

There will always be a cause of depression, whether that be medical or external factors that have triggered symptoms. With many intersecting causes that are often unknown to us, it can feel like depression occurs without a reason or explanation. Understanding that depression is a medical condition rather than a response or choice is necessary for growth.

Rather than looking at reasons that may explain your depression, reframing the conversation to focus on causes and treatment is more beneficial. Being depressed without reason may suggest medical differences or external factors that need to be examined. Depression does not require reasons to seek resources and is not a personal reflection on someone.

Click the link above to read the article.

While discussing mental health problems has long held a stigma, they are incredibly prevalent in our society. Depression is a common disorder that impacts more than 264 million people (Source: WHO). As one of the leading disorders among all disabilities, many people experience depression for “no r...

11/08/2024

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHcDY6sBWu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

10/17/2024

True belonging is being authentic to one self. 💛

10/02/2024

Do you know the differences between a therapy, a service and an emotional support animal? Here's a quick chart to help you out and an article to give you a better understanding.

I receive this question a lot. As the owner of this animal, you are responsible for understanding the laws and knowing your rights.  Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the difference between “Assistance Animals” and “Service Animals.”  The 3 types of Assistance Animals are ...

08/02/2024

I would love to hear all of your tips on how you've learned to help a child with anxiety. We can all learn from one another. In the post below, you'll find several I have found to be highly effective.

Young boy feeling distressed and holding his face.

07/02/2024

5 tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle when living alone. Let me know if you have any to add to the list.

I’m a therapist in Charleston, SC, advocating for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. How does someone create accountability for themselves when they live alone and do not receive support from friends and family or pressure from a parent or partner? I hope you find these helpful. I’m happy to elab...

06/26/2024

"Everything you say to them matters."

Nobody is perfect and we all have said things that we regret in a moment of anger, intense frustration, grief, etc. but don't let those be the only moments your kids see you "show" emotion. Invite them to see your moments of joy, curiosity and excitement.

Remind them of their strengths often so when they're struggling with a challenge, they can hear an echo of your motivational voice rather than your disappointed voice in their heads.

Words hold a lot of meaning. Take the time to make sure you understand each other, as well. Though each word has a general definition, they could have been interpreted by an individual differently because of their life experiences. Listen to what the person is trying to say even when they are using perhaps in your opinion, the wrong words to describe what they are feeling.

Language is a powerful thing and if we approach conversations with willingness and curiosity, we could learn something new whether that be from an 80-year-old or 8-year-old.

Let's make conversations feel safe again.

“Everything we say to them matters.”

05/02/2024

The mind is a powerful thing.

Positive thinking has an incredible amount of health benefits such as an increased life span, lower levels of distress, better coping skills during times of stress, and lower rates of depression. It’s still unclear as to why the achievement of positive thinking leads to positive health benefits. S...

03/02/2024

Breaking up with a friend is terrible. Please know that you're not alone.

I’m a licensed therapist in the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area, who works with individuals of all ages and demographics. I want to share with you some tips for moving on from a friendship breakup. It doesn’t matter how old you are, when you break off ties with someone you had cared for, it h...

02/02/2024

5 Reasons Grief Comes in Waves (And How to Deal with it)

Grieving is a lengthy process. In the beginning, it is all-encompassing. With time, it lessens and will come on in smaller bouts. It is very much like waves when it comes on, and you must ride that wave until the next break. Just know there will be a break. Grief is different for everyone. It ... Re...

01/28/2024

We are learning more and more about the many different survival/trauma responses every day. Here is an interesting infographic describing the differences between freeze and collapse/shutdown trauma responses which can resemble each other but very different things are actually happening to the person's brain, body and nervous system.

Here's a free infographic which helps break down the difference between the freeze and shutdown defensive responses.

01/12/2024