Depression

We've all heard the word used when people are feeling sad. Depression. We can be sad and depressed at the same time, but depression is an illness that is as real as any physical illness. Clinical depression is a set of very painful symptoms that differ from person to person, but signs of depression can include: 

• sadness that doesn't go away for 2 weeks or more
• anxiety
• loss of interest in things that usually are enjoyable
• difficulty concentrating
• problems with memory
• indecisiveness
• fatigue
• low energy
• difficulty sleeping or difficulty staying awake
• not wanting to eat or overeating
• irritability
• restlessness
• feeling worthless, helpless
• thoughts of death or suicide
• self harm
• overwhelm at the thought of doing routine tasks
• not wanting to leave the house

So what do we do about it? That will be different for everyone, but just talking to a professional helps. I hear very often from new clients that they were scared to start counseling, but to their surprise, that first session actually made them feel better. Getting what's happening off your chest is valuable. Doing that with a professional who can listen without judgment is more valuable. Working together with that professional to figure out what you need is what I am here for. I can look at problems with you, have a fresh perspective, and offer insights that you can't see right now. It's very hard to have perspective when we are in a depression, and it's hard to hear those kinds of ideas from friends and family members. And that's just for starters. 

Don't expect yourself to "just snap out of it" when you have a depression. Don't think you have to "pull yourself up by the bootstraps". It's not just okay to ask for help, it's wise. Depression is very treatable, but 35% of adults receive no treatment, according to the Substance Abuse Services and Mental Health Administration. Aubrey Counseling is near Little Elm, Prosper, Frisco, Denton, DFW, Dallas, Prosper, and Celina in Cross Roads, Texas