Depression Depression has become such a vague term that it really is generic at this point. Depression ranges from the loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities to complete despair. According to our DSM-IV TR Depression has several different categories. The Major Depressive Disorder; Single Episode or Recurrent. Dysthymic Disorder and Depressive Disorder-Unspecified. It is important not to confuse this with Bipolar Disorder which we will talk about on another page. The good news about depression is that it is treatable. Psychotherapy and medications help to relieve most symptoms. The therapist will more than likely teach you Cognive Therapy Techniques. Cognitive therapy essentially helps us to look at our irrational thought and fears and to examine new ways of coping with them. A good therapist will also help you look at your needs and help you to see new ways of meeting your needs in less negative ways.

Depression is when you have at least 5 or more of the following symptoms. 1) Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day. (In children and Adolescents it can be an irritable mood). 2) Markedly diminshed interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities, most of the day, almost every day. 3) Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain. A decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.  4) Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.  5) Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day. 6) Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day. 7) Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive and inappropriate guilt nearly every day. 8) Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness nearly every day. 9) Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide with or without a specific plan.  It also must be noted that the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

One of the questions that I will often times ask my patients is to look at this picture and ask yourself HOW DO THEY DO THAT ? And More importantly how do they do that with out being burned or blistered? Think about that there is no physiological response. I dont know about you but usually when I just touch the stove on accident I not only feel it I blister right up. Quite simply, it is the power of the mind. Amazing!!!!!!! Although we dont make you walk on Hot Coals, we do teach you the same cognitive techniques. Depression is very treatable. Just call the office and make an appointment with me. You and I will then work together to help you overcome your depression, using the most powerfull and proven theraputic techniques.