Affiliated COUNSELING AND REFERRAL SERVICES (ACRS)

 DR. Michael Shery, clinical psychology

  2615 Three Oaks Rd, Ste. 2A,  Cary, IL 60013

 www.carypsychology.com  847 275 8236 (24 Hrs);  drmike@carypsychology.com

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Everyone feels sad from time to time. For some, sadness is infrequent. For others, sadness comes all too often.Usually, sadness doesn't last long a few hours, maybe a day or two. If your sadness lasts longer, you may have depression.

Depression can affect your thoughts, feelings, health and actions. It can change the way you eat and sleep, cause memory problems, keep you from finishing activities, lower your energy and make you feel negative about life. It can cause problems with relationships and work. Left untreated, it can leave you feeling hopeless, worthless and, in some cases, feeling suicidal. The good news is depression can be treated.

People become depressed for many reasons:

• Stressful life events. Life is filled with change. Sometimes these changes are exciting, such as getting a promotion or getting married. Sometimes they are bitter, such as the end of a relationship or the loss of a job. Depending on your outlook and the personal support available to you, these stressful events can contribute to depression.
• Low self-esteem. Some people perceive themselves as not as good as others. They may think they are less successful, confident or attractive. This outlook can lead to depression.
• Brain chemistry. Many scientists believe changes in your mood may be related to the chemistry of your brain.
• Physical illness. Depression occurs in as many as 20 percent of people with chronic physical conditions. One reason may be the loss of independence that results from illness or injury.
• Drugs. Some medications have side effects that contribute to feeling blue.

Regardless of what caused your depression, the most important thing is what you can do about it. And, you can do something about depression.With treatment, depression symptoms can often be relieved in a matter of weeks (except in cases of chronic depression). There are three main types of treatment:

1. Antidepressant medications
2. Talk therapy
3. A combination of medication and therapy

These treatments are generally effective and can help you gain back control of your life. Once you start treatment, you're on the way to recovery. And, more than 80 percent of people with depression can be helped by appropriate treatment.

Perhaps the toughest part is taking that first step to get help. Admitting that you need help can be difficult. Many people think they should snap out of it on their own.

Considering the following statement may be helpful:

I want to feel better. I deserve to feel better. I deserve to get help.

If you have no energy and aren't motivated, you may find it hard to take action to get the help you need. Can you pick up the phone, call your doctor and make an appointment to see him or her today?

When you see your doctor or a mental-health professional, give as many examples of how your mood is affecting you as you can. If you're having trouble getting out of bed and getting to work on time, say so. If you used to love doing crossword puzzles, but no longer have the energy, say so. And if the people around you have noticed a change in your behavior and told you about it, share these insights, too.

You can use the following tips for living with depression:

Do:

• Break large tasks into small ones. Set priorities. Do what you can, as you can.
• Spend time with other people: It is often better than being alone. Use a support system (friends, family members, clergy).
• Take part in activities that make you feel better. You might try exercise, going to a movie or participating in religious and social activities.

Don't:

• Expect to snap out of your depression on your own. Seek help and support.
• Set difficult goals or take on a lot of responsibility. This could increase the feelings of failure that can lead to depression.
• Overdo it or get upset if your mood is not greatly improved right away. Feeling better takes time.

And above all: Don't blame yourself.

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