Is your life these days more than you can handle? You are not alone.

• Depression is the most commonly treated mental health issue after anxiety
• 1 in 6 Americans will experience clinical depression at some point in his or her life
• By 2020, depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease

Going through life depressed, is like going through life with a chronic case of the flu—yet 80% of depressed individuals are not receiving treatment, and likely don't even realize they are depressed.

Depressed individuals commonly report a general lack of energy or motivation, along with significant changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns. Pervasive feelings of sadness and guilt are often experienced, sometimes accompanied by sudden fits of crying or irritability. The libido is often affected by an episode of depression, temporarily diminishing the individual's desire and even ability to have sex, which may fuel the need for couples counseling. Activities the individual has usually enjoyed, such as hobbies or other special interests, are experienced as somewhat flat and less fulfilling while depressed. Not all of these symptoms are necessarily experienced by a depressed person, nor do they necessarily interfere with that individual's daily life in a dramatic way. Many individuals, in fact, may experience a somewhat chronic sense of boredom, dullness or low energy, without even realizing they are likely suffering from some form of depression.

There is often a neurochemical (brain chemistry) component to clinical depression. When appropriate, treatment may make use of both psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. Many individuals, however, suffer much less severe depressive symptoms, and antidepressants are not necessarily essential to the treatment process in these cases. In such situations, the patient works with the therapist to examine the causes and effects of his or her symptoms and patterns. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help the individual reprogram unwated habits of thinking, feeling and doing. CBT provides clear, structured action steps to help the client move past old depressive patterns. Psychodynamic therapy is also useful in working through depression, as this process encourages clients to better understand unresolved family issues that may be contributing to negative thoughts and feelings. 

Chronic pain is often closely linked to depression, as is anxiety and panic.

Schedule an initial consultation if you would like to be formally evaluated for depression by a trained expert.