WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

When people come to see me sometimes they are aware that they are depressed, other times they are experiencing symptoms that they don’t immediately associate with Clinical Depression. The predominate symptoms of Depression are:

• Depressed Mood
• Insomnia or Hypersomnia (sleeping more than usual)
• Feelings of Sadness, Crying often or easily
• Decreased Libido (Sex Drive)
• Loss of Energy
• Problems Concentrating
• Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
• Physical Aches and Pain for no physical reason
• Suicidal Ideation (thoughts of death or suicide, with or without a plan)
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in things that used to give you pleasure

Not everyone that is depressed experiences all of these symptoms. Some people notice that they have gained or lost weight since they have been feeling sad. Almost everyone experiences low self esteem and problems making decisions. Some people feel as though they want to sleep most of the day, while others find that they are tired but when they get into bed they either can’t fall asleep or they wake up many times during the night. Whatever your specific symptoms are, you are probably experiencing a few of them almost every day.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

There are many things that can cause or increase an individual’s risk for experiencing depression.  Past physical, sexual or emotional abuse (See PTSD), certain medications (beta blockers or Resperine), conflict with your family of origin, your partner or at your job can all contribute to becoming depressed. Individuals that have been diagnosed with a Chronic or Life Threatening Illness often become depressed because their life has turned out differently than they imagined. Individuals that are sick and have children worry about how to parent a child when they are exhausted and in pain. Suffering with pain day in and day out is another cause of Depression. Family History can also play a role in whether you are prone to Depression or Bipolar Disorder.

Any major event or change, good or bad, can cause you to become depressed. The loss of a Job, a Divorce, Moving or even things that are technically “happy events” such as Marriage or Graduation can stir up your emotions, and the new changes in your life or routine can cause you to become depressed.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT THAN TALKING TO A FRIEND AND WHAT EXACTLY DO WE DO?

My patients are individuals that are in pain – some are in a lot of pain, others are frustrated with some aspects of their life and need some support or guidance. Before coming to see me many of my patients went to their support system first.  You might even be able to relate to their dilema. Have you ever struggled with a problem or a decision and you have gone to family or friends for help? Perhaps you are the type of person that is always there for your friends when they are sad or confused. But when you go to them either they seemed to be distracted with their own issues or they didn’t say exactly “the right thing.” You may have even ended up talking to them about THEIR problems instead of your own! Perhaps you tried to gently guide the conversation back to your issue. Sometimes when we do this we are met with defensiveness or a response akin to, “What do YOU have to be depressed about any way!”

In therapy, YOU are my primary concern. For that 50 minute appointment, all of my issues, problems or concerns are not in the room. We are focused on you. And only you. This is your time.

During our “Clinical Hour” we talk, you express your feelings, and sometimes we use different creative techniques to find the emotions that are hidden deep within you. Outside of therapy I often suggest books, or what I call “Bibliotherapy,” that may help you on your journey. At the end of your first session I give you a composition book so that you can begin to start journaling your feelings, concerns, dreams, or memories. This is not for me, it is for you. Some patients, if they don’t quite have the words to express their feelings, will draw in the journal. You can paste pictures in it, write, or do use it in any way that will help you get your feelings out of your mind and onto the page.

If we feel it will benefit you, we can also work with a Sand Tray to describe and explore issues that you uncomfortable talking about.

Therapy is a Journey that we go on together. My office should be a safe place. You should feel that you can say, “No” or “Not Today” and feel respected and heard. All of these creative techniques help you to move from “thoughts in your head” to “feelings in your heart and

WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Some individuals find that they go through periods of deep depression and then suddenly for no reason they experience an abnormally and persistently elevated mood.This is called Mania.When individuals struggle with extreme mood shifts, with no middle ground it is called Bipolar Disorder (formerly called Manic-Depression).
Mood disorders, especially Bipolar Disorder, can require Medication in addition to therapy.  I have some patients with Depression that don’t want medication, they just want to work on their pain without “drugs.” Depending on how severe your symptoms are, psychotherapy can be an effective option for Depression. However, for Bipolar Disorder, medication plus therapy is optimum in most cases. Since I have a Ph.D. I cannot prescribe medication, but we have different options avaiable to you. If you have a GP or Internist, with your permission, I am happy to discuss psychopharmacological options for you. If you would prefer, I can refer you to a Psychiatrist for medication monitoring and you can continue to see me for therapy.

Right now, if you are reading this you are experiencing a lot of emotional pain. You may be frightened, angry, or confused. If any of the things I have described sound like how you feel then I encourage you to call me. As you begin to tell me your story we can work together to help you regain your power and self-esteem. Imagine life being the way that it used to be…You awaken in the morning wanting to get out of bed. You begin to desire to get back involved in the hobbies that you used to enjoy working on. Feeling exhausted, sad, and in pain is not how life should be lived.

You don’t have to pretend that everything in your life is good.  You no longer have to hold back the tears, or drag yourself to work or to your child’s activities. Call right now, and you are one day closer to feeling better physically and emotionally!