Do you ever feel down? Does it last more than just a few hours? Do you lose interest in things you normally enjoy? Does it affect your appetite, either decreasing or increasing it? Are you sad more than any given situation would warrant? Do you disconnect from people close to you?

 

Depression can be very debilitating. You may have a slight feeling of depressed mood or a heavy feeling of hopelessness. Depression affects your mood, enjoyment of life, work and/or school, appetite, relationships, general functioning, and ability to take control of your life. It can even lead to suicidal thoughts.

 

My treatment model for depression includes:

        -   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Developing a schedule, as structure improves functioning and mood;

        -   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Cognitive behavior therapy;

        -   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Guided imagery;

        -   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Aerobic exercise;

        -   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Diet;

        -   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Relaxation exercises and yoga;

​​        -   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Processing life experiences that may be at the root of the depression.