Depression can look like insomnia (trouble sleeping), worrying, inability to focus or concentrate, weight loss or gain or change in appetite. Depression can appear in many different forms. Post-partum depression can occur anytime in the first year after giving birth. Depression is a serious yet treatable illness.
Other symptoms of depression can be:
· Feeling hopeless and helpless
· Feeling worthless, empty, guilty, or persistent sadness
· Difficulty making decisions
· Persistent and unresolved grief, causing feelings of pessimism
· Decreased energy, exhaustion, or lack of motivation, despite a state of physical health
· Depression can appear as physical ailments like chronic headaches or digestive problems
Depression is a very prevalent illness, yet it can be subtle and hard to identify for the person suffering from it. Or, it can be devastating to the person’ functioning, making them unable to get out of bed, or do the simplest tasks, like taking a shower or getting dressed, or causing thoughts of suicide. Post-partum depression can interfere with your ability to care for your baby, or may make you feel like you don’t even want to be a parent. It may make you question your ability to love your child.
Depression has an uncanny ability to make us think negative thoughts, and to actually believe them at times. Counseling can help you identify these dark thoughts and begin to shift them. I can teach you techniques to help you get relief from the negative thoughts and begin to find peace again.
If you feel that you have no refuge from negative thoughts and feelings, that you are listless and unmotivated in your life, or that you sometimes feel like you are in a fog and cannot think clearly, then counseling for depression can be extremely helpful. If your problems are more severe, like having suicidal thoughts, or if you are unable to perform your normal tasks of daily living, or if you suffer from Bi-Polar disorder or severe insomnia, then I can also refer you to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation to go along with psychotherapy.
I will work with you at whatever pace is needed, to resolve your issues, drawing on your own strengths and insights to develop solutions. I will support you to work through feelings, which you maybe had to push away in the past, and this will enrich your life. Counseling can be brief or long-term, depending on your needs.
Counseling for depression often consists of:
· An assessment to determine the nature of the problem
· Helping you identify your negative thoughts and feelings and teaching you skills to be able to decrease their intensity and control over your life
· Developing positive thoughts and cultivating your strengths
· Resolving loss, anger and grief issues
· Learning new skills which develop confidence and optimism. The integration of tools such as meditation, guided imagery, breathing exercises, and yoga are extremely beneficial.
Call TODAY to start feeling better.
Heidi Behr, LCSW 407-252-8035
