Depression

If you've come to think that you’re depressed, the reality is that you've most likely been stuck in depression much longer than you realize. People who are diagnosed with depression must show symptoms of the condition for at least two consecutive weeks. Most, however, have shown intermittent signs for years. Sadly, though, many are reluctant to get professional help despite suspecting they have a problem. Do you fall into this category? If so, please understand that you really do need a therapist to help with your depression. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Why? It’s because depression is a sign that [...]

If you suffer from or have ever suffered from depression, you know first-hand just how difficult it can make daily living. Depression is a mental illness, but it impacts nearly every aspect of your life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Symptoms of depression include: Fatigue and tiredness Apathy Loss of interest in activities, hobbies, or socializing Change in appetite—eating too much or too little Feelings of sadness, despair, or hopelessness Irritability Mood swings Withdrawal from friends, family, and other loved ones If depression symptoms are persistent or long-term, it can be classified as major depression. And when it is intense enough, everyday tasks [...]

  There are signs of depression you shouldn't ignore Depression symptoms aren’t always obvious, especially if you are already depressed. You might not realize that you are struggling, let alone think to ask if are you depressed or not. Life feels so hard, and you just don’t care. Yet, it doesn’t have to be this way. Your life can be richer and more rewarding. However, it starts by recognizing that something’s wrong. Depression isn’t impossible to solve at all, and it's well worth the effort to resolve if it means having a life you deserve. Here then are signs of depression you shouldn’t [...]

Depression can feel like such a lonely struggle. Not everyone has struggled with depression. Sometimes, we have to help our loved ones with understanding depression symptoms This is true even if you are surrounded by people who care deeply about you. It’s because your family and friends may fail in understanding your depression symptoms and the effects that they can have. That's not necessarily your loved ones’ fault. Rather, they just don’t have the perspective you do when it comes to depression. They might see you and think, “He/She is perfectly fine! What’s the problem?” If you want to help loved [...]

"I need alternative depression therapy. I couldn't find my happiness, peace of mind or joy at the bottom of my pill bottle!". Sound familiar?  Said as a wisecrack, this a quote that has stuck with me for a few years now. One of my former depression therapy clients, Susanna (not her real name) said it to me in our first phone call. As we talked more, she went on to share details with me that showed me that her use of these drugs had not been without steep cost to her. Susanna told me about how she had suffered with a [...]

When you’re battling severe depression, it can be a long road towards recovering. You feel so alone and that nobody can possibly understand what you’re going through. It's like walking down a long, dark road by yourself. And the obstacles that you must face on this journey can be overwhelming. It’s not just the depression. There’s also shame and guilt, and even substance abuse issues, as you try to numb the pain caused by your severe depression through drugs or alcohol. Plus, the relationships you once treasured may now lie in ruins. Is there any hope at all? Is it possible [...]

There are steps you can take to overcome depression and steps you can take which will keep you stuck. A How- To Article on How Not to Overcome Depression? Why would I do that? It feels awful to be depressed. Why wouldn't I write about how depression feels awful and what you can do to feel relief?  Well the reason I decided to write this is because sometimes it's very helpful to know that you are doing that is keeping you depressed. It's important to understand the steps you take to get and stay depressed, and sometimes we can see ourselves [...]

The problem with depression isn’t just that you are feeling down or sad. It's that depression has the power to affect how you perceive yourself.  Depression and feeling worthless often go hand in hand. Depression changes your outlook. It alters how you interact with the world, and can actually cause you to redefine who you are as a person. This altered outlook is no longer based on uplifting beliefs about yourself, but around feeling such as powerlessness, shame, and hopelessness. And that creates a link between depression and low self-worth. It's the root sense of powerlessness and shame which impacts many [...]

You’ve read enough blog posts and articles to know the common symptoms of depression. For instance, there’s the person that feels sad all the time. Or the one who has trouble feeling motivated to do the things they used to really enjoy. However, there are many overlooked signs of depression that are connected with the condition. Why do they get overlooked? Because these depression symptoms can get confused for other problems. Consider seven signs of depression that are often overlooked. 1. Difficulty Making Decisions Indecisiveness is one of the overlooked signs of depression that could be present. Even making basic decisions, [...]

When depression hits, it can hit hard. It might arrive suddenly out of the blue, or it can slowly sneak up on you over days or weeks. One day you are feeling o.k., and then you notice that your mood has slipped. You might find yourself with: Low motivation Irritability Feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness Sleep problems Poor concentration What should you do if you start to realize that you are feeling depressed? Here are some practical tips. I hope they help you feel better. :)   When Depression Hits, Focus First On Actions and Behaviors Depression saps motivation. For example, [...]