Depression

In a society that promotes the idea that life is like a festive beer commercial, people who are dealing with depression can feel ashamed, misunderstood, and discounted.

Have you been told, or thought to yourself:

“Just snap out of it!”

“Look on the bright side. Count your blessings”

“What do you have to be depressed about?”

“You’re just tired, lazy, blue (fill in the blank). It’ll pass.”

So, how can you tell if what you are feeling is depression or simply a bad mood or fatigue from some other cause? <<hyperlink to depression screen document, attached: Click here>> to take the brief depression-screening questionnaire to help us better evaluate your needs.

If your feelings or symptoms are causing distress, continue after efforts to relieve them, or interfere with your ability to function in your job, personal care or relationships, please call our offices immediately for a consultation.

Many factors contribute to depression, including genetic predisposition, early trauma, significant or multiple losses (including deaths, moves, loss of job, friends, health, etc). Even some “positive changes”, such as becoming a parent, getting a promotion, or retirement can cause confusion and depression, leaving us feeling empty and blue and even guilty for not “appreciating how good we have it”.

The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and can also affected by outlying factors including gender, race, wealth, education and genetics. Some people may experience a few symptoms, while others may struggle daily with many.

Depression Symptoms from the National Institute of Mental Health:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms

There are a number of therapies effective at treating depression, whether short-term or chronic. At BeWell Counseling and Wellness, we will work with to identify and classify symptoms and the correct approach to treatment for each patient. It is well documented that medication can, and often does, help relieve the symptoms of depression. However, combining treatment with psychotherapy has more effective outcomes.

So, if you find yourself paralyzed, unable to do what brings you joy, or unable to feel joy or contentment regardless of the positive circumstances in your life, please call us to schedule an evaluation.