Depression
A blood-sucking parasite of mind, body, and soul…
It’s all a mess. You’re a mess. A shower is too much trouble. When was the last time you brushed your teeth? Your hair? Changed your underwear?
Does a dark cloud hang over every part of your life? Are you “living in dark gray” at work or school… with family and friends?
Are you “blah” about everything? Have you lost interest in the things you used to enjoy: People? Food? Activities?
Trouble sleeping… or sleeping all day?
Are you sad or in a down much of the time, crying easily or on the verge of spilling tears?
Not eating much… or eating all the time?
Perhaps you’re having trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions. No matter what you do, you just can’t seem to shake the cobwebs out of your head.
Is your movement “off” – like you can’t sit still, stop pacing, wringing your hands, or notice that it feels like you’re moving underwater??
Are you saying these things to yourself?
If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms above for at least two weeks, you might be depressed. And you wouldn’t be alone. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), “Depression affects an estimated 1 in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And 1 in 6 people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life.”
And if you’re saying things like…
I am a speck of nothing. Useless!
I can’t do this anymore. Why bother living? Death seems like the only way out.
I’m a couch potato, but I don’t care. It’s too much work to press the remote, so I’ll just stare.
Then you should get help for it because it’s a serious medical illness.
Depression is different from grieving a loss.
The death of a loved one, loss of a job, or end of a relationship is painful. You are human, and you are supposed to have emotions, so feelings of sadness or grief should be there. You might say you are “depressed,” but it’s different from natural grieving.
Grief is like depression in that it may involve intense sadness and withdrawal from life. When we grieve, the painful feelings come in waves as memories of the deceased crash over us.
But they’re different in that you feel like you’re drowning when you’re depressed – like you’re trying to come up for air. We feel like we are drowning. And with depression, feelings of worthlessness and self-hate often enter the picture.
And depression is an “equal-opportunity employer.”
Depression can affect anyone, even a person who “has it all.”
Your biology and genetics… your sociology and environment… and your mental make-up and psychology can all play a role in depression.
Your brain biochemistry can cause depression.
Even your personality might contribute to it. If you struggle with self-esteem, get easily overwhelmed, are more negative than most, or see the world as a hostile place, you are more likely to experience depression.
Did you know that medical conditions like thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, brain disease, and vitamin deficiencies can create symptoms of depression? So, don’t rule out general medical causes. Visit your doctor ASAP.
Finally, our choices of food and drink can worsen the symptoms of depression. Pay attention to what you’re putting in that body!
Fortunately, depression is treatable.
According to the APA, most people (80% to 90%) with depression respond well to treatment.
Nearly everyone experiences some relief when treated with medicine and psychotherapy. The “psychotherapy” is where I come in.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for mild depression. It’s a form of therapy focused on problem-solving in the present and directing your attention to distorted (stinking!) thinking.
With CBT, you can change your thoughts and behaviors and lean into your challenges with courage and competence. We’ll build the kinds of habits, attitudes, and behaviors that will help you grow the strength, resilience, and trust you’ll need to handle whatever life brings your way.
You will have work to do, but I’ll be right there beside you.
I’m patient, and I’ll encourage you to reach your goals… step by step.
Suffering is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to define your life… and you don’t have to run away from it.
Let me give you the tools and techniques you need to live each day with hope, gratitude, and openness.
It’s time for you to enjoy life and your smile again. If you can imagine it, we can create it!
Pick up the phone and call for a complimentary 30-minute consultation: (949) 933-1242.