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Depression

It may seem as if you will never "climb out of the black hole" but I know there is hope for depression. I have seen many clients wake up from their long sleep; relief may take time but recovery from depression is possible. I've had the great honor to work with clients who have pushed themselves out of the hole with baby steps and embraced life again.

TREATMENT

In general, individual psychotherapy without medication is appropriate for mild to moderate depression, particularly if the depression is a reaction to a troubling life circumstance. If there are bi-polar (mania and depression) patterns or substance abuse issues or more severe depression, the combination of talk therapy and medications is always recommended.

Cognitive therapy, has proven to be very effective based on 20 years of research and involves changing the client’s thoughts, expectations and beliefs that led to depression.

Interpersonal psychotherapy is recommended to clients with difficulties within the mind or personality that cause them repetitive life problems. Treatment is often multifaceted.

Depression is the LEADING cause of disability in the United States and abroad for persons over the age of 5.This illness is difficult to define but these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks are the basis for the diagnosis of depression:

  • Feelings of sadness or emptiness, hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, helplessness or worthlessness

  • Unable to make decisions, unable to concentrate and remember

  • Loss of interest in ordinary activities like talking on the phone or playing a sport

  • Problems with school and family than normally occur

  • Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or getting up

  • Appetite problems, losing or gaining weight

  • Headaches, stomach aches, or chronic aches in joints and muscles

  • Sudden behavior change

  • Restlessness, irritability, isolation

  • Skipping classes or missing work

  • Drinking heavily or taking drugs

  • Talking about death or suicide

3% of Americans, 19 million suffer from chronic depression and more than 2 million are children

Bi-polar disorder or manic - depressive disorder is a mental illness that is defined by a period of depression and a distinct period when the mood is persistently elevated, expansive or irritable and affects about 2.3MILLION people

Illnesses from heart disease to alcoholism may mask depression

15% of depressed people will eventually commit suicide

Men are less likely than women to seek help

12% of women are diagnosed with depression vs.7% of men