Read through the Quick Assessment Below. As you do, how many are you experiencing now, or have in the recent past? If you answered “Yes” to several of these challenges, it is very likely you are experiencing a depressive mood disorder.
Quick Assessment
- Sad or Empty Mood
- Loss of Pleasure in Activities You Normally Enjoy
- Unwanted Weight Loss or Weight Gain
- Change in Appetite
- Sleep Difficulties, Too Much or Too Little Sleep
- Feelings of Restlessness or Being Slowed Down
- Fatigue or Loss of Energy
- Feelings of Worthlessness
- Guilt
- Indecisiveness
- Diminished Ability to Think or Concentrate
- Thoughts of Death or Suicide
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) survey in 2014 determined:
6.6 percent of adults aged 18 or older (15.7 million people) had at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year, and 4.3 percent of adults (10.2 million people) had an MDE with severe impairment in the past year. These data indicate nearly 2/3 of the adults with an MDE experienced severe impairment as the result.
This data, however, only counts adults who met all the criteria for an MDE, not those who only had a few symptoms of depression. It is estimated that by 2020, depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease. The effects of depressive symptoms clearly impact functioning, yet many do not seek treatment until they can no longer “take it” instead. If you had the flu for 3 months, you would probably do to the doctor. With depression, though, treatment is seldom sought until forced. Its likely 80% of depressed individuals are not receiving treatment, and probably don’t even realize depression is causing the symptoms they experience.
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Common complaints include a general lack of energy or motivation and significant changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns. Some eat and sleep more, some eat and sleep less, and others combine these in different ways. Pervasive feelings of sadness and guilt often occur and may be accompanied by sudden periods of crying or irritability. Sexual interest is often impacted by depressive symptoms and occasionally this is what leads to seeking treatment. Activities the individual has enjoyed are either no longer enjoyable or not a much joy is experienced when engaged in them. Depression can also be a somewhat chronic sense of boredom, dullness or low energy, and not even seem like depression. What is important to note, though, is the fact that treatment is available, even for mild symptoms. If treatment is sought sooner, the road back can be shorter, and easier. There can also be a chemical imbalance that contributes to clinical depression symptoms.
You and your counselor can work together to determine whether counseling alone or counseling with medication is the most effective treatment. Many who experience much less severe symptoms make great progress with their therapist. Typically you work with your counselor to determine the causes and effects of your depression symptoms. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help change ineffective habits of thinking, feeling and acting. There are several techniques that can be employed with great effectiveness.
Our staff is trained to help you determine if depression is at the root of the way you feel. Once this determination is made, a plan to help you change the way you feel is the next step. You deserve to feel able to face each day with hope.
We have locations in Sycamore, Oregon, Elgin, Bartlett, Geneva, and Rochelle.
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