Women's Counseling Network

Depression is a common experience for all people. Infact, 10% of childbearing age women experience depression. Even children get depressed and may show it in problem behaviors. Fortunately, depression is very responsive to psychotherapy and medications.

Depression often goes unrecognized and untreated. However, depression reduces the quality of life, and overall life satisfaction. It has a significant impact on a spouse, and children suffer more with a depressed parent than with any other parental problem. Depression affects job performance making us not want to go to work and less able to concentrate and focus when we are there. It even affects our overall health and reduces our longevity.

Signs of depression include any of the following: a lack of interest in usual activities, disturbance in sleep patterns, profound fatigue, difficulties concentrating, loss of pleasure, thoughts of death, tearfulness and depressed mood, irritability, difficulties making decisions, aches and pains that don’t seem to have a cause.

There are many reasons for depression: loss of a relationship or a job; death of a loved one or lack of love; past and present abuse; biochemical imbalances and hormonal changes; lowered self-esteem; health problems or a miscarriage; moving and loss of friends and resources; divorce and marital conflict; loss of goals or dreams; developmental transitions; new babies; or menopause - to name a few.

Depression often brings loneliness, a lack of energy, social isolation, feelings of hopelessness, and low self-worth. No wonder depression affects our job performance and our family members. Psychotherapy with medication is successful in bringing relief from depression in a relatively short period of time. If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, call a mental health professional today!