Depression
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that approximately 17 million American adults suffer from depression each year. Often called the "common-cold" of mental illness, depression is characterized by extreme sadness or feelings of despair. These feelings interfere with one's ability to engage in daily life—activities such as working, eating, sleeping, and interacting with others are difficult and often avoided. Depression keeps you from fully engaging in life and with those that you love, but it also deprives those close to you (e.g., your children and spouse) from the connection with you that they want and need. Sadly, those suffering with depression feel hopeless and overwhelmed while also feeling guilty and inadequate for not being able to overcome their depressed state on their own.
The good news is that much can be done about depression! In treatment, we can explore the psychological, behavioral, interpersonal and situational factors that may contribute to your depression. Difficult circumstances and habits of thinking about those circumstances may encourage or maintain your depression. Behavioral and relational habits can also sustain your depressive feelings. In our work together, you will learn new patterns of thinking and behaving that will open up possibilities for you and alleviate feelings of hopelessness, as well as improve mental and physical health. Beyond these interventions, we can also explore the possibility of medication to manage depressive symptoms enough to allow you to benefit from psychotherapy.
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