Depression

Do you feel “low” most days and struggle with lack of motivation? Or maybe you feel hopeless and helpless more times than not. If so, you could be struggling with depression.

Individuals that suffer from depression tend to find it very difficult to function and even carry out the simplest task such as academic, work, or home life task. As a result of this, individuals may find that they no longer enjoy activities and other things that they once enjoyed. Not only do individuals find it difficult to enjoy things that they once appreciated, but they may also feel exhausted most days-getting through the day may sometimes be a challenge for them.

When an individual suffers from depression it not only affects the way they feel but may impact other areas of their life such as their relationship with loved ones, romantic relationship with their partners, work, or school performance. Individuals that struggle with managing depression symptoms tend to feel like they have little to any energy to engage in most task and activities.

There are many factors that could be playing a role in why an individual is struggling with depression. Studies have shown that the following can lead to depression symptoms.

· Childhood trauma-sexual or emotional abuse, or neglect or physical abuse

· Experiencing a traumatic event in adulthood-Sexual assault, experiencing abuse in a relationship with a partner or loved one, losing a loved one.

· Family dynamic issues- Dysfunction within one’s family-unhealthy relationships with loved one’s families.

· Work or school issues-losing a job, experiencing financial issues, ADD or ADHD symptoms impacting academic performance

· Unhealthy thought patterns- low self-esteem about body image/self, negative thinking about others, etc

· Family history- Research has found that there are certain individuals who will inherit certain genes from their parents that makes them more susceptible to experiencing depression symptoms.

· Medications-Depression can be a side effect of many medication

· Recreational drugs and alcohol- Alcohol and other substances can intensify depression symptoms or lead to depression symptoms manifesting

· Other mental health issues- There are studies that suggest that if you are experience one mental health disorder, its common to experience another, such as depression.

Common symptoms of depression include-but not limited to:

· Low mood or sadness most days/more times than not

· Feeling hopeless/helpless

· Low self esteem

· Tearfulness

· Lack of motivation

· Difficulty with finding pleasure in things that you once enjoyed

· Withdrawing from family and friends

· Irritability

· Finding it difficult to make decisions

· Thoughts of harming your self

· Disturbed sleep

· Low sex drive

· Change in appetite

· Weight loss or weight gain

Feeling down from time to time is normal and something that we all must cope with at some point in our lives. However, if any of the above depression symptoms continue for any length of time, then it’s time to engage in treatment to learn the underlying cause of your depression symptoms, and to learn to manage your depression symptoms.

We assist individuals that are experiencing depression by conducting a thorough mental health assessment-assessing for clinical depression symptoms as well as other mental health symptoms. We then determine a treatment plan/approach to take with individuals based off assessment results. Take the first step with getting your life back on track by reaching out!