Depression

There are many different types of depression. Depression often co-exists with other mental or physical illnesses. Substance abuse, anxiety disorders and eating disorders are particularly common conditions that may be worsened by depression, and it is important that the depression and each co-occurring illness be understood and treated. Substance use disorders (abuse or dependence) also frequently co-occur with depression.

Children / Adolescents

Depression may have a slightly different set of symptoms when a child or teen has it. Children and adolescents may be more likely to have symptoms like unexplained aches and pains, irritability and social withdrawal. On the other hand, symptoms more likely to affect adults include slowed speech and activity, sleeping too much and believing things that aren’t true.

Older Adults

Depression is not a normal part of growing older. Older adults may be going through changes such as children moving away, illness, moving to assisted living facilities or the death of loved ones. All of these things can cause feelings of sadness or grief. But when feelings of sadness last for a significant length of time and keep older adults from enjoying life the way they used to, it may be a sign that they should seek treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

  • Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
  • Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
  • Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
  • Pessimism, indifference
  • Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
  • Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
  • Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Impacts of Depression

Depression can rob us of our energy and desire to live. It reduces our life to simple survival and often even endangers our ability to survive. While it is normal to go through short periods of disappointment or sadness, prolonged experiences of depression are not normal and should not be experience without support. It is often initiated by a life event such as a divorce, a death or a serious change in health. But it is possible to remain engaged and optimistic, even in the face of serious challenges. If you find you are unable to adjust, bounce back or return to a more optimistic view of your life, exploring the issues around depression may be very important for you. You deserve to feel good about yourself and your life.

How I can help

A person with depression needs to find a safe haven, someone experienced in psychotherapy who can be a trusted partner in unraveling the issues and trauma that underlie their depression. It’s my belief that if you can understand someone’s life experiences, their current issues, whether depression, anxiety or any other challenges, always make perfect sense. Everyone is doing the best they can to cope with overwhelming emotional and physical experiences.
I have worked with clients who were initially experiencing suicidal ideation or attempted suicide in the past. I have great respect for the level of suffering that drives someone to these kinds of thoughts or actions. In addition, I am experienced in a number of body centered therapies such as EMDR and Sensorimotor Therapy that can quickly help you discover strategies to not only manage depression but also reduce it significantly. Working directly with your body’s autonomic nervous system is the fast track to finding relief from anxiety and rediscovering your passion and joy for life.

Free phone consult

It’s understandable that sometimes couples put therapy off until their relationship is at the breaking point.  However, it’s a lot easier to optimize a relationship when the problems are smaller and less emotionally charged.  Therapy can still be of value when couples are in crisis; however, it requires that both partners commit to taking the time to sort things out and being willing to continue to tolerate painful and difficult feelings.

Even though therapy offers a chance to make long-lasting positive changes in your life, I know that starting therapy is often a difficult decision. I invite you to contact me to assess your needs at no cost by phone. There are no forms or paperwork to fill out.  Why wait?  Call today and start feeling better.