Depression is one of the most overwhelming experiences a person faces. It is a common and serious mental illness that is often not well understood. Like other mental health illnesses, depression can negative affect how you feel, the way you think, and what you or how you act. Depression is more than just feelings of sadness, and while lethargy and feelings of apathy can certainly be a part of depression, its has many other faces, such as:
- Decreased desire or motivation at work and in relationships
- Decreased, or no, interest in recreation or formerly pleasurable activities
- Loss of sexual drive
- Self-harming thoughts or behaviors
- Difficulty sleeping
- A desire to sleep all the time
- A hopeless or negative outlook on life
- Social isolation
- Substantial changes in appetite and weight loss or gain
- Chronic body aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Difficulty concentrating
Clearly, depression and any of its symptoms must be taken seriously and meeting with a therapist for depression counseling is a great place to start.
The good news is that, rather than living in quiet suffering, those experiencing these symptoms can take pro-active steps towards a different reality.
Clinically defined depression and its milder forms can be treated in depression counseling, and often with great success. The therapeutic models I employ, which can be found under the therapeutic modalities page, involves an uncovering of root issues, honest conversations about what is driving your depression, and creating strategies for new ways of living. We will also look into ways of increasing positive experiences and feelings in order to assist with decreasing depression. My hope is that our work together will enable you to understand depression, create a more positive life experience, and then emerge into a new life that is full and enriched.