People often contact me because they are depressed. If you think you may be depressed, it is important to know that depression is not a sign of weakness. Depression in fact is an illness and there are actual symptoms. Here are some of them:

• Loss of interest in things that used to bring enjoyment
• Sleep difficulties: trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, excessive sleeping, difficulty getting up in the morning
• Experiencing frequent or random anger
• Feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Difficulty making decisions, procrastination
• Desire to isolate from others
• Thoughts of death
• Difficulty eating or excessive eating
• Physical symptoms of depression including: fatigue, frequent headaches, vague aches and pains, and significant weight changes.

If you feel that some of these symptoms describe you or the struggles you might be having, you may be depressed.

The first thing I can do to begin to help you deal with your depression is to create a safe and supportive space. As we begin to work together, hopefully you will begin to feel less alone. I will ask you a lot of questions about when the depression began, how it is manifesting itself in your life and what caused you to come for help right now. I will be trying to distinguish if your depression is coming from a particular situation you are dealing with or from internal thoughts and beliefs you have had about yourself for a long time. Some of your depression may be a reaction to childhood trauma, or frustrations you are having in your life today.

Whatever the reason for the depression, my goal is to help you discover and deal with the causes of your depression so that you can access your true and authentic self. This involves beginning to get in touch with your feelings and sharing them. Depression often occurs when feelings, especially anger, hurt or fear, are held in.

I begin working with you by exploring your issues and helping you to access and share your feelings. This may be done with just you and me. Sometimes meeting in a group with others helps you to realize you are not alone. It also gives you a place to see others expressing feelings and to learn how to express them yourself. Sometimes referring you for medication evaluation can be helpful. Whatever it is that you need, I welcome the opportunity to help you feel better. Please feel free to call or email me.