Depression
First, I want you to take note of the picture that shows depression as happening in the brain, something that is real. Depression is not a choice. If you know someone with depression be patient; if you are depressed be patient, kind, and loving to yourself. The best thing to know is that you are not alone. Depression is one of the most destructive disorders in the United States with around 40 million adults meeting criteria for depression each year (WHO, 2017). Also know, if you or someone you care about is experiencing depression there are things that you can do to help yourself now. You are likely on my site because you are looking for counseling, however, without adding addition things into your life, along with counseling, treatment will either take longer or be less effective. Getting out of your house, out of your bed, and beginning to socialize is a great way to begin to fight back when depression hits. Eating a healthy diet [primarily vegetable plant based diet ()], sleeping the right amount of hours [8-9 hours ()], exercising [30 minutes a day {)], and even taking time to laugh are needed steps to implementing a recovery program with counseling. When, however, you are doing all these things and depression continues to exist for you then sometimes seeing a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner can be helpful. Medication and therapy are an excellent combination for those who need that extra support during the difficult bouts of depression (Dimidjian et al., 2006; Emory Health Sciences, 2017).
References
Dimidjian, S., Hollon, S. D., Dobson, K. S., Schmaling, K. B., Kohlenberg, R. J., Addis, M. E., . . . Jacobson, N. S. (2006). Randomized trial of behavioral activation, cognitive therapy, and antidepressant medication in the acute treatment of adults with major depression. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(4), 658-670. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.74.4.658
Emory Health Sciences. (2017, March 24). Brain scans may help clinicians choose talk therapy or medication treatment for depression. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 30, 2017 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170324083023.htm
World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Depression. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/