Depression

We have all experienced some form of sadness and have continued to function adequately in life, but when sadness becomes depression, ability to function and cope in day to day life becomes difficult. I work with depressed men and woman who often report a sense of not feeling themselves. They describe depression as a feeling of fatigue, a loss of joy and pleasure, loss of willpower and drive. Sadness and depression become the proverbial black cloud that casts a dark shadow over every day life. Through empathy and compassion in my work with people coping with depression I first endeavor to understand the current feelings and experiences presented. I work with individuals to identify the thoughts and behaviors that could be contributing to the sadness. I examine early relationships and experiences that may continue to have an effect on present day mood. I also work with people to strategize ways to cope with sad moods when they occur and change lifestyle patterns and midsets that could bring about more feelings of hope and joy. Depression is hard to cope with, and the reasons why it exists are different in every person. It is my hope that patients in my practice feel as though they are not alone as they navigate their feelings and search for their contentment and calm.