Depression is a condition that affects your mind, emotions and body.

Depression can give you feelings of unhappiness, lethargy, profound sadness, low self-esteem and anxiety, as well as thoughts of hopelessness, helplessness and thoughts of suicide.

Depression usually includes a lack of pleasure and lack of energy. You may feel irritable or agitated. Sleep, appetite and concentration are often effected.

Therapy for Depression

Depression can be a common response to human experience and prolonged stress.

A qualified therapist will help a person suffering from depression to deal more effectively with the challenges they face in personal, family or work situations.

The Causes of Depression

As uncomfortable as it is, humans generally tolerate short term emergencies or stress better than chronic or ongoing stress in which they feel "trapped".

Some experts believe depression this is a form of coping or self-protection which relies on "giving up" or "shutting down" to avoid greater emotional risk or pain. Otheres focus on biochemical changes that occur in the brain.

Research shows that some people may be more predisposed than others to develop depression. The familial inheritance identified in depression is both genetic and learned. Whether one is predisposed to depression or not, there is nonetheless a great benefit in addressing depression with therapy.

Depression and Different Stages of Life

Depression should not be confused with normal grief after a major loss although extended grief may lead to clinical depression.

Depression may manifest itself differently based on age or cultural factors.

For instance, adolescents tend to show an irritable and agitated depression. Older adults may or may not be irritable and often go undiagnosed and untreated.

Some cultural groups may mask their feeling to varying degrees. Women are known to be more likely to admit to depression than men.

Depression is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy, and a frequent underlying reason for visits to family physicians.

Depression's Effect on Your Body

Depression often includes intense fatigue. Depression may involve back pain, muscle aches, nausea, headaches, and sleep and appetite disturbances.

Depression may lead to sudden tearfulness for no apparent reason. Difficulty concentrating can impair productivity at work.

Many people experiencing severe depression have great difficulty mustering the energy necessary for even the most basic tasks.

Getting out bed, preparing food, bathing, and other daily activities most people take for granted are almost impossible for some people suffering from depression to manage.

Depressive Thoughts

Depression includes intensely negative thoughts. Individuals who are depressed may feel that "I'm no good," "no one cares about me," "life is pointless," or "I'll never feel better."

People with depression may experience intense guilt or shame.

Worries are frequently present and thoughts of suicide may occur.

Relationships and Depression

Depression commonly impedes a person's ability to interact with others.

A person who is depressed may be unable to receive comfort from others, believing they do not deserve it or it is insincere.

Lethargy and irritability may make it difficult to give love as well.

Depressed people often isolate but also may be overly dependent, attached, or needy.

There is hope for treating depression ...

Whatever the cause, the condition can be improved, if not resolved completely, with therapy.

Working with your physician, if needed, I'll help you develop new thinking and behavior for a better life.

I have daytime and early evening appointments available. Please call (641) 423-4724 or use my convenient appointment form for availability.