Susan Drysdale, PhD

Depression

Symptoms of depression include the following:

• feelings of emptiness and sadness

• eating more or less than usual

• sleeping more or less than usual

• low energy or fatigue

• increased agitation or irritability

• increased self-criticism or lowered self-esteem

• difficulty making decisions

• poor concentration

• feelings of hopelessness

• feelings of failure, guilt, or worthlessness

• little pleasure from activities you used to enjoy

• recurrent thoughts of death

• thoughts of hurting yourself

Symptoms of depression are one of the main reasons people seek therapy. In many cases, depression is an appropriate response to the life events we are experiencing. It is important to consider how long the episodes last, how frequent they are, and if they are causing significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

It is important to consider how long the episodes last, how frequent they are, and if they are causing significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

If these symptoms are happening continuously, if you do not know why they are happening, if they are causing considerable distress, or if you do not feel you have the necessary skills to alleviate the symptoms, therapeutic treatment is important. Let's work together to solve your problems.

With counseling, present day events and family of origin work can help you understand why you are feeling as you do. With this knowledge in hand, you can learn techniques to change behaviors and attitudes.

Medication can be a useful additional tool when counseling alone does not bring the needed relief.