Is it Depression?

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            Clinical depression isn’t just a bad mood and it’s not something you can just “snap out of.” Although we all feel down sometimes, you may want to seek the assistance of a professional if you answer “yes” to four or more of the following questions:

  •    Do you feel sad, “empty,” or “down” much of the time?

  •    Have you lost interest in activities that used to be fun?

  •    Do you have difficulty concentrating or making decisions?

  •   Have you gained or lost weight recently?

  •   Do you experience a low level of energy?

  •   Do you feel tired much of the time?

  •   Do you have difficulty sleeping or do you sleep too much (more than eight hours per night)?

  •   Do you experience feelings or worthlessness or excessive guilt?

  •   Do you have frequent thoughts about death or suicide?

 

THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO TREAT DEPRESSION

Talk Therapy:  I provide several types of therapy that can be beneficial to a person suffering from depression. Insight-oriented therapy can help someone accurately identify the source of their problems. Talking about stressors provides relief and is a healthy way to let go of uncomfortable feelings. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help a person reduce their symptoms without necessarily working on deeper issues. I’ve helped many depressed clients to change thoughts, actions and feelings that contribute to their condition. This leads to a more optimistic outlook and a greater sense of personal mastery which, in turn, lead to a healthier mood.

Medication: Drugs such as Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and others work with the brain’s chemistry to produce the chemicals necessary for a healthy mood. These medications are not “happy pills” and are not addictive. They don’t produce a “high” or keep someone from  experiencing a normal range of moods. Within weeks of beginning these medications, many patients begin to experience improved sleep, appetite, energy level and mood. A psychiatrist or your family physician can talk with you about whether medication is appropriate to treat your symptoms.

              Medication and Talk Therapy: Studies show that a  combination of both these methods is the most effective way of treating depression.

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Peggy Aronson LICSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

225 Lindvig Way #6 (thru doors of main building)

Poulsbo, WA 98370

peggy@evergreencounselingclinic.com

360.779.3125

 

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