Depression is a condition that affects millions of people. Many people think depression is just being sad or “down in the dumps” but this is not the case. Depression is a chronic condition with symptoms that can vary between different people. Depression affects the way you live your life, and you will seem like a different person than you once were. Some common symptoms of depression are:

• Constantly feeling sad
• Feeling worthless
• Apathy
• Loss of appetite or inability to control eating
• Weight gain or loss
• Lack of interest in things you once enjoyed
• Lack of desire to socialize or interact with others
• Inability to concentrate on small tasks
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts (if you are contemplating suicide please call us or 1-800-273-8255 to speak with someone immediately)

Depression can be brought on by dramatic changes in your life. The loss of a loved one, loss of your job, moving to a new, unfamiliar place and many other factors can cause you to become depressed. There are anti-depressant medications available to help, but sometimes the best help can be to discuss your feelings. Therapy provides an outlet for you to discuss what is bothering you and try to find a solution or release to improve your state of mind. Discussing your feelings can help to give reasons for why you are feeling a certain way. This can allow you to manage and balance your emotions and find ways to effectively deal with them.

When you are depressed you should attempt to surround yourself with things and people that make you happy. Feelings of gratification can give you a sense of accomplishment and improve your mood. Showing yourself that you can accomplish goals can have a huge impact on your self-worth and emotional well-being.

If you feel you are depressed or may be at risk for depression please call us. We can help you overcome your feelings of depression and help you enjoy all of the things that once made you happy again.