DEPRESSSION:

Depression needs to be evaluated carefully. Having worked exclusively with moderately to severely depressed individuals at University Hospitals Mood Disorder Program in Cleveland, OH, I learned to differentiate between a situational depression that comes on suddenly and is related to a life event and more long term, chronic depression that can require a combination of anti depressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Depression can often be expressed differently in men than in women. Men tend to become increasingly angry and irritable and act out. In contrast, women often withdraw and appear "down" exhibiting more familiar signs of depression.

Initially, we will explore the duration of your Depression, the number of lifetime episodes of Depression, family history of depression, and associated life traumas including: loss of a loved one; abuse history; job loss; divorce, or any number of negative life events.

There are also some events that are often considered "good" that can trigger a depression including: marriage; birth of a child; or job change to name a few. Often, it is a matter of learning to become resilient to stresses so that you can deal with them more effectively and prevent them from leading to a depression. Cognitive Behavioral techniques including: thought records, activity scheduling and a 5 area life assessment will be done to help you start the road to a life worth living and increasing your moments of happiness.

If we determine together that you may benefit from anti-depressant medication, I can refer you for a psychiatric evaluation. While I cannot prescribe medication, I can refer you to several competent psychiatrists in the area.

Depression is treatable. Please do not suffer unnecessarily. Contact me today and learn some effective ways to manage your mood.

Other Mood Disorders Treated:

• Bipolar I Disorder
• Bipolar II Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder