Depression
I explain depression to my clients as a state of helplessness, loss of pleasure and sadness that is persistent or cyclical. Depressed clients often report feeling depleted and incapable of going about regular life.
Situations that may cause depression include:
Experiencing a significant life change that is stressful in nature
Experiencing or witnessing trauma
Major change in an intimate relationship (breakup/divorce/death)
Distressing loss (job/money)
Feeling alone/unloved
It is important to distinguish between depression and grief. The overwhelming feeling of sadness associated with grief is a normal and important part of regaining equilibrium after a loss. Depression however tends to be more persistent and prolonged, and symptoms are less prone to decrease with time.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?
Depression’s symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and may even change throughout the course of the depression. Symptoms may also vary depending on an individual’s gender, culture, or age.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
Frequent crying and overwhelming feelings of sadness
Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
Changes in sleep such as excessive sleeping or the inability to sleep
Anxiety
Anger
Difficulty enjoying previously-enjoyed activities
Unexplained physical ailments such as headaches or muscle pain
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in weight or eating habits
CONTACT US
Resources
Addiction/Abuse
www.aa.org
www.al-anon.org
www.na.org
Eating Disorders
www.oa.org
www.anad.org
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Codependency
www.mentalhealthamerica.net
www.coda.org
www.recovery.org
Book Recommendations
Eating Disorders:
When Food is Love—–Geneen Roth
Fat is a Family Affiar—–Judi Hollis
Food for Love—– Janet Greesen
Binge No More—–Joyce Nash
Love to Eat- Hate to Eat—–Elyse Fitzpatrick
Codependency:
Codependent No More—–Melody Beattie
Beyond Codependency—–Melody Beattie
Facing Codependency—- Pia Mellody
Relationships/Marriage:
The 5 Love Languages—– Gary Chapman
The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work—-John Gottman
Surviving Infidelity—–R. Subotnik and G. Harris
His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage—–Willard F. Jr. Harley
Boundaries in Marriage—–Henry Cloud John Townsend