depression

 The word “depression” can be confusing and scary! In simple terms, it means an overwhelming feeling of sadness or loss of interest that cause impairment in your life, almost every day, for a minimum of 2 weeks. This can include concentration difficulties, lack of energy, troubles with sleep (sleeping too much or not enough), and weight changes. You may also feel hopeless, guilty, or have suicidal thoughts. 

The most common treatment for depression include therapy, medication, and having a positive support system. 

To some extent, anxiety is an unavoidable part of life. We all become anxious before making decisions, if there is a conflict at work, or a math test. However, if you have anxiety, you may have intense worries and fears about everyday situations. You may feel nervous, tense, hyperventilate, trembling, feel weak/tired, have trouble concentrating or sleeping, have increased heart rate, a sense of impending danger, or experiencing gastrointestinal problems. 

The most common treatment for anxiety include therapy, medication, and self care. 

 Trauma is a psychological or emotional response to something that is distressing or disturbing to you.  It can impact you to varying degrees- from anger, sadness, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, feeling of guilt/shame, isolation, and/or hopelessness to name a few. 

Family, relationships and trauma all affect how we perceive ourselves, others and our world. 

Trauma and negative experiences unfortunately leads to changes in behaviors/mood/affect that can lead to anxiety, depression, anger, unhealthy relationships, addictions, etc.  The good news is that with new experiences, we can change those patterns!

The most common treatment for trauma with children is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (TFCBT).  The most common treatment for adults is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Exposure Therapy. Medication can also assist in conjunction with therapy.