Depression impacts over 18 million people a year according to National Institute of Mental Health statistics. Often an individual feels low energy and loss of interest in activities that they used to find enjoyable. A sense of loss of purpose and often joyless existence prevails. During most of the day there is a sense of sadness or anxiety. More often than not the individual believes it is a character flaw. The individual then indicates they will "try harder" and "get with it" after all they have a "good life"and "should be happy". This makes it more difficult for the individual to recover because it is "their fault". Filled with "should?s and ought's", they dig in their heels and keep going it alone. After all, what if someone knew how they felt? They may isolate themselves from the world. Dark thoughts then enter in and the person feels that the world would be better without them. If you know someone who feels this way or you feel this way, make the call.

The first and most difficult step in dealing with depression is to admit that they need help. They need not go it alone, and they can get help and relief from the symptoms of depression. They should talk with a trusted adult, friend, counselor, minister or doctor. Often a medication combined with therapy will relieve symptoms within 3-4 weeks. Therapy provides an objective person to talk to who has a different perspective. The client may begin to feel relief and to for the first time begin to talk about some of their concerns. Additional therapy may be needed to get at the more troubling aspects and to untangle the patterns that may have increased the depression. They then are ready to make a commitment to take care of them and to change thoughts and behaviors that have not been working for them in the past.

Teen and childhood depression often looks differently from adult depression. Your child may be talking back more, wanting to ditch school, change groups of friends, and in general be less cooperative. While you may think they are going through a hard time and will "get over it" or ?they are demonstrating teen behaviors or just being a kid", it may help to bring them to a professional who can recommend parenting strategies as well as coping strategies for your teen or child.

How do I work with people through the symptoms of depression? I begin with a history of those in your family that also experience depression and a self-test to determine your level of depression. You determine what specific goals you want help with and we will work together to help you meet your goals. It is a safe and nonjudgmental approach to help you feel more empowered in your daily life to meet the challenges. With children and teens the approach is through games and some talking to help them feel more comfortable. Listening, providing empathy and compassion by offering a different perspective helps to provide relief from the symptoms.

Some Books on the Subject:

The Feel Good Handbook by David Burns

Mind over Mood by