Is your life controlled by constant sadness? Is it hard for you to get out of bed during the day? Are you having trouble sleeping at night? Do you feel achy all over? Do you feel like nothing in your world will ever feel right again? Do you feel unable to escape feelings of depression? Do you suffer from thoughts of harming yourself or others?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you might suffer from the symptoms of depression and could benefit from Depression Treatment.
What Should I Know About Depression?
Depression Differs From Daily Stress. For most people becoming stressed is a natural part of life. Work, family, friends, chores and finances can sometimes be hard to deal with. Conflicts revolving around these settings typically resolve themselves and the stress disappears. However, for individuals with depression the situations are resolved but the symptoms are not. Feelings of worthlessness, confusion, and frustration can often linger for days, weeks, months, and even years. Even the simplest tasks like getting out of bed, getting dressed in the morning or simply walking out the door to face the world takes enormous amount of effort. If you are someone who suffers from depression symptoms for more than two weeks, there is hope. You can feel better!
So How Can I Feel Better?
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Orange County. I have many years of experience specializing in treating depression for both long- and short-term sufferers. After determining the extent of your depression, I will help you understand the behaviors, emotions and ideas that contribute to your depression. Through my help, you will learn appropriate coping skills to fight your depression. You will also regain a sense of hope and control! You deserve to feel happiness again! You deserve to remember what it feels like to be yourself!
I’m afraid that seeking depression treatment will make me seem week.
Despite what the media tells you, depression is the most common reason people seek therapy and is highly treatable. Over 40 million people have suffered from depression at some point in their lives. Unless you attempt to hurt yourself or others, the requirement of hospitalization for seeking treatment for depression is rare. Isolating yourself only further fuels depression and makes you at a higher risk for suicide. Admitting that you need help requires a lot of bravery. Seeking help in understanding the cause of depression is the first step that will lead you to the path of recovery. Having a solid support system in your life will speed up your recovery. Feeling hopeless is a symptom of depression. It should not be your reality! Seeking depression treatment does not make you weak. In fact, it takes a great deal of courage to take control of your life. As a highly trained therapist, I will design a treatment plan that is right for you. Together we will make you strong!
What Do I Do When I Am Ready To Get Help?
Individuals who seek treatment vary in treatment needs and goals. The best way to treat depression is to become informed about the various treatment options that are right for you. It’s important for a therapist to determine whether your depression symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition and to what extent. The more severe the depression is the more intensive treatment you’re likely to need.
Seeking the right treatment will take time and commitment. It might feel overwhelming or frustratingly slow. This is normal. Depression treatment usually has its ups and downs and might take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you.
Don’t rely on medications alone. Although medication can relieve the symptoms of depression, it is not usually suitable for long-term use. If you do decide to try medication, remember that medication works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, such as therapy, healthy eating, and exercise.
Get social support. The more you develop your social connections, the more protected you are from depression. If you are feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to talk to trusted family members or friends, or seek out new connections at a depression support group, for example. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness and it won’t mean you’re a burden to others. Often, the simple act of talking to someone face-to-face can be an enormous help.
If you are ready to find relief from your depression and reclaim your life as your own, I am ready to help.
Please contact my office to set up a consultation for depression treatment. Together we will discuss the right treatment for you and get you on the right track to feeling better.