Classic Depression

Classic depression can be one of the most debilitating emotional conditions an individual can experience. Whether it is caused by an outside circumstance such as the death of a loved one, heredity, a chemical imbalance, or a combination of these, it can severely affect a person’s life.  While high-functioning anxiety and depression may appear as overachievement, perfectionism and busy-ness, classic depression symptoms appear differently.
 
When most people think of depression, they think of the classic symptoms of depression:

• Feeling sadness, hopelessness, numb or empty most of the day on most days
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Low energy or fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness or increased critical judgment of the self
• Difficulty concentrating
• Indecisiveness
• Increased thoughts of death

 
One of the trickiest things about classic depression is it steals the ability to take care of one’s self. One may know exactly which coping skills will help them to feel better and still not use them because depression robs them of the motivation to care for themselves. This can lead to increased self-judgment, which leads to increased depression and a vicious cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break. 
 
Depending on the severity of depression one is experiencing, even reaching out to another or calling a therapist to make an appointment can feel like too much work or not worth it. However, untreated depression can easily lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
 
Fortunately, depression IS treatable. The research has consistently shown that therapy and medication are effective in treating depression. In addition, the earlier treatment is started the more effective it can be.
 
If you are experiencing symptoms of classic depression, I encourage you to contact me to arrange for an initial consultation.
 
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for help.  ​