Taking Depression Seriously
As a therapist in the South Bay, I work with a lot of clients who struggle with depression or depressive symptoms. From teens and young adults to those in their 60s or 70s, depression affects people of all ages. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of depression for the first time or depression has been a chronic struggle throughout your life, it’s important for you to have the right support in place. My role as your therapist is not only to provide you with a safe space to express and explore the emotional difficulties you are experiencing, but to help you overcome the often debilitating effects of depression so that you can once again live the life that you want to be living.
What Really Is Depression?
While most of us will feel sad, depressed, or lonely at various points in our life, depression is defined as a mental illness which causes a person to experience constant feelings of despondency or dejection for at least two weeks. Depression negatively affects the way a person thinks, feels, and acts. It is a common mental illness and according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 14.8 million adults will suffer from major depression each year.
Symptoms of Depression
Some of the more common signs of depression include the following symptoms:
- Irritability
- Fatigue or a loss of energy
- Insomnia
- Constant aches and pains
- Weight gain or weight loss (overeating or undereating)
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
While many of these symptoms may be experienced by people without chronic depression, the greater the number of these symptoms that a client suffers from, the more likely it is that he or she is suffering from clinical depression.
Why This Needs to Be Taken Very Seriously
Depression carries a high risk of suicide. If you or anyone you know is showing any signs of depression, it is very important that you or your loved one seeks help and support from a mental health professional as soon as possible. A mental health professional will be able to evaluate the symptoms and provide treatment as necessary.
How To Treat Depression
Depression often does not go away on it’s own. That is why seeking the support of a professional is so important. If you believe that you are suffering from depression, please contact me at (310) 892-2572 or contact me online so we can begin the process towards enhanced mental health.