Does life feel overwhelming to you?
Do you find that you're not enjoying activities which used to give you pleasure?
Do you feel hopeless about the future?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from depression.

ABOUT DEPRESSION

Depression is a medical illness that involves both the mind and the body. It affects your thoughts, feelings and behavior. Depression is a more common disorder than many people realize, in fact depression has been referred to as the "common cold" of mental illness. About 12% of men and 20% of women will experience a major depressive episode in their life-times. Additionally, 50% of people who have experienced one depressive episode are vulnerable to experiencing another. Symptoms of depression vary from one person to another and include: sadness, irritability, a sense of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, loss of pleasure, negative thinking, difficulty sleeping and fatigue. If you are feeling depressed, the world can seem dark and gloomy. You may experience difficulty getting out of bed and have trouble doing normal day to day activities. When depression becomes severe, it can even cause you to feel that life isn't worth living.

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

While the exact cause of depression is not known, researchers believe that it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Some people seem to be vulnerable to depression because of their genetic make-up. In addition, stressful life events, such as the loss of a job, divorce, or loss of a loved one can trigger a depressive episode. Depression usually results from a combination of factors. It is important to keep in mind that depression is not a weakness, but a sign that there is an imbalance in your life. It is a serious medical condition, not just a "bad mood" that you can snap out of spontaneously. It is very important to take steps to reduce your risk for depression and to find good treatment when depression occurs.

TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION

Research consistently shows that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression. In addition, other techniques can help reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. One of the most common approaches is medication. However, for those who are concerned about medication side effects, a number of medication-free alternatives are available. For example neurofeedback, biofeedback, and mindfulness/stress reduction approaches can be used alone or in combination with each other and with psychotherapy to address depressive symptoms. Although I do not prescribe medication, if you would like to discuss medication options with a professional, I will be happy to refer you to a psychiatrist who can help with this aspect of treatment.