Depression is a multifaceted condition. Sometimes it manifests physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. Sometimes underlying health conditions or nutritional deficiencies play a role. Other times a major loss or other traumatic event brings it out. More of than not, it's a result of a variety of factors.
I know what depression and anxiety are like because I've been there. While no two people's experiences with them are the same, there are some common themes and characteristics. Having been there, I can assure you that healing is possible.
People tend to suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in late fall. Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs or overeat as a way of coping, causing them to develop other medical problems. Depressed people are also at increased risk for addiction and self-harm.
Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:
- Apathy
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
Diagnosing depression involves a psychiatric evaluation and physical tests to determine whether a person’s symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. A person must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Art therapy
- Medication
- Addressing nutritional imbalances
- Acupuncture
- Meditation and/or Mindfulness-based practices
- Regular exercise
- Yoga and/or breath work
As an integrative therapist, I specialize in connecting the body, mind, and spirit to help provide relief and space from depression and anxiety. If you think I seem like someone you'd like to work with, please reach out today.