Can Depression be treated?

Absolutely. Depression is highly treatable when an individual receives competent care. Licensed therapists are highly trained mental health professionals with years of experience studying depression and helping patients recover from it.

There is still some stigma or reluctance associated with seeking help for emotional and mental health problems, including depression. Unfortunately, feelings of depression often are viewed as a sign of weakness rather than as a signal that something is out of balance. The fact is that people with depression cannot simply “snap out of it” and feel better spontaneously.

People with depression who do not seek help suffer needlessly. Unexpressed feelings and concerns accompanied by a sense of isolation can worsen depression. Getting quality treatment is crucial. If depression goes untreated, it can last for a long time and even worsen other illnesses.

Perhaps the most important feature of my online therapy is that it solves the “stigma” problem. Our sessions are completely confidential. We meet at a time that is convenient for you, and you can be anywhere that has an internet connection. I want you to know that you are not alone. I encourage you to take the next step by contacting me today.

Tell me your story.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

One of the most common symptoms of depression is a constant and overwhelming feeling of sadness. You may also just feel empty, apathetic. Anxiety often accompanies depression. It may be intense, as though one is in great danger. In the case of anxiety associated with depression, that state of tension may persist for no apparent reason.

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

When you are in a depression, you may not be able to see your way out. It may feel as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel. You may begin to lose all hope for things improving, for life getting any better.

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

You may think t hat it’s your own personal failing, that it’s your fault that you aren’t happier or more productive. The fact is that those feelings are direct symptoms of the illness.

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

You may lose interest in everything around you. You may not want to do anything or see anyone. Things that would bring you pleasure before are now just one burden to deal with. Most people even lose interest in sex; others use it as an escape, like alcohol or drugs.

Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”

Your thinking may be slower, your reactions slower, even your movements may become slower, or seem slower. The slowness is further complicated by fatigue, by feeling overwhelming tired a lot or even all the time.

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Depression can affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, perform complicated tasks, concentrate, and remember things. You may feel that you don’t remember things that you did before, that you cannot focus on your work, or that you are unable to make decisions.

Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Sleep disturbances are common symptoms of depression. A “good night’s sleep” becomes virtually impossible. Many people complain of waking up in the middle of the night with their mind racing, wondering how they are going to overcome all of the obstacles before them. Others do little other than sleep but never feel rested. In both cases, the built up fatigue can aggravate every other aspect of depression.

Appetite and/or weight changes

Depression affects the appetite in one way or another. Often, you just lose interest in eating because the food has no taste. When anxiety is high, you may not be able to eat. In some cases, however, people will overeat out of frustration or misery.

Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

When you suffer from depression, thoughts of suicide are often common. If there is no relief over a long period of time, suicide can feel like the only way to end the pain.

Restlessness, irritability

You can never relax, and you never feel rested. It’s not surprising that you would feel angry, irritable, and never peaceful. People may manifest that irritability by lashing out at the people around them, having a volatile temper, not being able to sit still, and perhaps even feeling angry at themselves for not being able to pull out of it on their own.

Persistent physical symptoms

The stress, tension and fatigue of depression can often manifest themselves as physical symptoms. People may experience stomachaches, indigestion, constant headaches, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, etc. It is always possible that these symptoms indicate another medical condition so it is important in either case that you consult a physician. The symptoms are real and need to be treated.