DEPRESSION

​The effects of difficult childhood experiences show up in multiple ways including depression which is one of the most common mental health issues in the US. 7% of the population is likely to experience it. Depression can be so debilitating that it is a major cause of disability. Women are 2 to 3 times more likely than men to be diagnosed. The LGBTQ community are 3 times more likely than the general population to experience mental health challenges such as depression.

Depression affects how someone feels, thinks and behaves. Unlike chronic physical illnesses such as diabetes, people struggling with depression may also have to deal with the impact of stigma and the attitude that someone should “just get over it”. 

To be diagnosed with depression, someone feels sad, empty or hopeless for at least two weeks and regularly experiences some of the following:

• Being easily irritated or angry, feeling worthless or guilty, being very self-critical
• Losing interest or pleasure in normal activities
• Sleeping too little or too much, feeling tired and lacking energy
• Decreased appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
• Either feeling restless or anxious, or moving or talking more slowly
• Difficulty thinking, remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
• Having suicidal thoughts, or attempting suicide
• Experiencing unexplained aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems

CAUSES
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is likely to be caused by a number of factors including genetics, neurobiological makeup, gut bacteria, family history, personality and psychological factors, environment, and social factors while growing up.
 
RISK FACTORS

• When you have low self-esteem, a harsh inner critic, or are very pessimistic
• When you experience a significant loss, are struggling in a relationship, or experience some kind of trauma

• When you have a family history of either depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or suicide
• When you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or intersex and do not have support
• When you have experienced difficulties with anxiety, eating disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder, or with alcohol or drugs
• When you have a serious medical illness such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease or Parkinson’s disease.
• When you are taking certain medications

Depression can occur at any age but more frequently impacts adults. Depression is treatable and the earlier you seek out support, the better.
 
Therapy can help...

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for depression, but when the depression relates to difficult childhood experiences, or to traumatic or stressful situations, the approaches I use such as EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy or Internal Family Systems can make a big difference.

CALL (650) 492-1876
OR EMAIL: ​[email protected]
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