Counseling for Depression
Depression Disorders
Depression is an issue that may impact as many as one out of three individuals during their lifetime. It is a complex illness with numerous diverse etiologies and symptoms.
Alterations in daily routines such as sleeping or eating patterns, difficulty concentrating, increased irritability often compounded by overpowering emotions of despair and/or sadness are often the very first signs of depressive disorders.
Many victims become emotionally detached from those around them and withdraw from normal social interaction. Some explain it like being in a prison with no windows or doors, which can alienate close friends and also relatives, increasing the isolation.
Symptoms may include:
- Alteration in sleeping patterns; broken night's sleep or over-sleeping
- Changes in eating patterns: loss of appetite or overeating
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
- Tiredness and loss of energy
- Headaches, stomach upsets or chronic pain without medical cause
- Thoughts of suicide or self harm
When is the right time to seek assistance?
If a clinically significant depressed mood has lasted for more than two weeks and/or is starting to interfere with your home, social or work life it may be time to seek assistance. Sadly, feelings that this is self induced and a personal weakness have been attached to depression and that usually increases the distress as well as isolation of those suffering from depressive disorders. Depression is an illness (often recurrent in nature) as real as any physical ailment such as diabetes or a broken arm.
If the above symptoms persist, talking to an experienced therapist can make a real difference not so much in a ‘quick cure’ but in coping mechanisms and an understanding of the etiology as well as coping and behavioural changes that may assist.
Medical Assistance as Well as Treatment:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is currently seen as the most successful in treating mild to moderate depression, and is often generally combined with medication.
Understanding depressive disorder and its' triggers can be helpful for patients looking to ameliorate the condition. Counseling can also assist in addressing such causes as low self-esteem, or relationship concerns or persistent negative thinking.
