DEPRESSION COUNSELING

Do you feel sad, empty or hopeless? Have you lost interest in the things that once brought you joy? Have you ever considered suicide?

If these emotions sound painfully familiar, you may be one of the more than 14 million Americans who experience depression in their lifetime. As many as one in every 20 people have symptoms serious enough for them to be medically diagnosed with depression, and many more have periods when they feel down and disheartened. Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide in the elderly and suicide is the third most common cause of death among young people.

Symptoms of depression:

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Sadness, anxiety, hopelessness
• Loss of pleasure in your daily activities
• Crying spells
• Fatigue, restlessness or irritability
• Sleeping problems
• Suicide attempts. Thoughts of suicide or death
• Poor self-image
• Inability to concentrate. Memory loss. Difficulty making decisions
• Physical symptoms such as stomach complaints or body aches
• Losing or gaining weight
• Alcohol or drug abuse

Depression can be caused by a variety of different factors, including stress, hormonal changes, trauma and genetic influences. Medical conditions, such as heart disease or cancer, also can result in depression. People of all ages and backgrounds can be affected by depression, but it is twice as common in women as in men. The symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, with some patients experiencing such severe emotional pain that they contemplate suicide.

While some misguided people assume depression is a sign of weakness, the truth is that depression is an illness that can be cured with treatment. A doctor may be able to identify possible medical causes for your depression. Medication and therapy may be recommended to treat your symptoms. A counselor also may suggest beneficial lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition and relaxation.

Benefits of depression counseling:

• Identify the source of your depression so you can minimize your feelings of sadness
• Learn to adjust your thinking so you have a more optimistic outlook
• Help you to enjoy living again
• Increase your energy and decrease fatigue
• Improve your self-image

You don’t have to let depression deprive you of the happy life you desire. Licensed counselor Jamie Leonard can help you to evaluate your life and to identify the reasons you are feeling so sad. With counseling, you can banish the blues and begin to look at life in a more positive way.