Depression

We all experience feeling down or "blue" at some point in our lives. Clinical depression is more persistent and should not be considered a weakness. Depression is comparable to a dark cloud that comes over one's life without reason. Sadness, an inability to feel pleasure, feeling low or down, and a lack of motivation or energy characterize depression. There are different types of depression, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Although many report a similar combination of depressive symptoms, each person's experience is unique. 

Some symptoms include:

• Loss of pleasure in most activities that were once pleasurable
• Feeling sad or low most of the time.
• Significant weight loss or weight gain; or decreased or increased appetite
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Irritability
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Poor concentration
• Pessimism or hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of death

Many treatments help cope with depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), meditation, and medication. Medication management may alleviate depressive symptoms, but CBT helps change negative thinking patterns that may prevent future depressive episodes. In my practice, I utilize CBT to help you recognize and change negative thinking patterns. Helping clients identifying and changing their thinking patterns may impact the way they feel and act.