Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems that affect children, teenagers, and adults.  Twenty to twenty five percent of people may suffer from major depression at some point in their life. Common causes of depression are grief or losing a loved one, major life changes, and isolation.  Some common symptoms of depression are:

• Sense of hopelessness, despair, worthlessness, or guilt (in children or teenagers this may appear as irritability)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy consists of helping the person participate in positive daily activities to combat lack of motivation. Therapy for depression also focuses on negative thoughts that are very common in depression.  Understanding that these thoughts may not be 100% accurate and developing more realistic ways of thinking can help to alleviate symptoms and deal with depression.