Do you feel sad, despondent, worthless or tired for extended periods of time?

Do you feel asnger and anxiety?

Is it hard for you to concentrate, focus or make decisions?

Are these feelings accompanied by difficulty relaxing or sleeping?

Has your appetite changed, resulting in significant weight loss or weight gain?

Do you have recurring thoughts of death? Are you planning to attempt suicide?

 

 

All of us have felt "down" or discouraged at times in our lives when perhaps things were not going well. There are normal variations in our moods over time and even day-to-day. However, depression is a disturbance in our mood where we may feel particularly unhappy, discouraged, lonely, or negative towards ourselves

 

Depression may range from the very mild, moderate, to severe forms of this condition depending upon the symptoms associated with each condition and the extent the condition interferes with our everyday functioning. In the milder cases of depression, our down or depressed moods are usually brief in duration and may have little effect on following through on our everyday activities. Cases of depression that are more moderate to severe include symptoms that are stronger or more intense, last a longer duration of time, and tend to interfere more with our functioning in usual activities or in our relationships.

 

Some of the symptoms of depression include depressed mood, lack of interest or pleasure, hopelessness or thoughts of suicide, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, diminished motivation and ability to concentrate, and disturbances in sleep and/or appetite.

 

Depression Facts  

 

* More than 13 million Americans will experience a depressive disorder each year.

* 2 out of 3 students who suffer from depression never get help

* Treatments for depression are successful more than 80% of the time

* Depression is known to weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to physical illness.

* Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as men.

* In men, irritability, anger or discouragement may be indicators of depression.

* Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students

 

Symptoms of Depression

 

*Feelings of sadness or emptiness

*Inability to experience pleasure- even from activities that you used to enjoy

*Feeling worthless, guilty, or hopeless

*Isolating from others

*Physical ailments

*Fatigue

*Lack of motivation

*Irritability

*Indecisiveness

*Difficulty concentrating

*Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits

*Suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors

 

Why does someone become depressed?

 

Depression can be caused by biological, genetic or psychological factors. Common triggers for depression (especially for college students) include transitioning to a new environment, academic difficulties, family conflict, the loss of a significant relationship, or concerns about the future. Depressive episodes can occur without identifiable causes. Depression is not the result of personal failure or lack of will power.

 

Danger Signals of Suicide risk

• Depression: Most depressed people are not suicidal, but most suicidal people are depressed
• Talking about death or suicide: People who commit suicide often talk about it directly or indirectly. Be alert to statements like, “My family would be better off without me.” Sometimes those suicidal people talk as if they are saying goodbye
• Planning for suicide: Suicidal individuals often arrange to put their affairs in order. They give away articles they value and pay off debt

 

Treatment of Depression

 

It is important to remember that depression is treatable. If symptoms of depression are interfering in you ability to perform daily functions or are causing significant distress, you should consider seeing a professional. There are a variety of very successful interventions in the treatment of depression. Psychotherapy or medication are effective interventions for treating the majority of depressive illnesses. Research studies have found a combination of the two to be the most effective treatment available. The type of treatment that is appropriate for you will depend on your specific symptoms, history, situational factors, and personal preference. A professional can answer any questions or concerns you may have about treatment.

 

There is hope and there is help through The Denver Family Counseling center’s whole-person approach to depression treatment for your medical, physical, psychological, nutritional, spiritual and relaxation needs. The Denver Family Counseling center’s depression treatment program focuses on the individual, personalizing the experience so as to best address everyone’s unique circumstances, including the sources of anger and anxiety.

 

How counseling can help treat depression

 

• A counselor can help identify the life problems that are contributing to your depression and help you decide on changes. You may need help to set goals, see new options and learn new approaches to your problems.
• A counselor can help you identify distorted thought patterns that contribute to your feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, for example, self-defeating thoughts such as "I've always been a loser and I always will be."
• A counselor can help you to stop overgeneralizing and sending yourself negative messages.
• A counseling can help you regain a sense of control and pleasure in life.

 

 

We also have a Women's Depression Support Group that provides a safe place with an inviting atmosphere, free of criticism or judgment.  Topics discussed within the group will remain confidential and respected.

 

 

 

 

There are two ways to setup an appointment with one of our counselors:

1) Fill out the Contact Form and a counselor will call you with 24-hours; 2) Call our offices at 303-933-5800.