How do I know if I am depressed and not just feeling down?
The difference between the two is when the feelings affect one’s daily life. Symptoms vary from person to person and it’s usually a general physician who makes the diagnosis of depression. Some common symptoms are: insomnia, irritability or restlessness, feeling of worthlessness, thoughts of self-harm, and feelings of hopelessness.
Anxiety is defined as a state of uneasiness or apprehension about the future. A state of uncertainty and fear resulting from anticipation of a real or imagined threat/event/situation which often impairs both psychological and physiological functioning. We all feel anxious at times-this is normal. Anxiety becomes a problem when it disrupts normal functioning/lifestyle.
Eventually, we all experience a loss – a beloved family pet, a partner, child, or aging parent.
We all react differently to losses and another’s experience will likely be different than yours. People/friends will try to help but you might find their methods just don’t fit for you.
When you find that you are not getting over your grief or loss and your life seems dominated by the emotions of sadness and despair, it is time to seek a therapist. I can be objective about your experience/feelings and provide guidance so you can process your grief or loss.
You might feel anger, grief-stricken, numb, or in denial that the loss has occurred. Together we will find ways for you to become stronger and able to cope and heal.
We go through 100’s of transitions in our lives and most are hardly noticeable.
The death of a loved one, separation, retirement, career issues-losing a job or starting in a new position, going from elementary to high school–and there are others–that STOP us in our tracks. The ones that stop us can be difficult to manage.
We can get overwhelmed with feelings of fear, confusion, and grief and we are unsure of how to get moving forward in life.
I can assist you by helping you to focus on your strengths and abilities which can get lost in the chaos. This process usually requires someone with objectivity to be able to assess where you are getting stuck in order to help you move on. To manage the transition I get clients to identify what they are experiencing and how it is getting in the way of living the life they desire.