Dr. Ron Rice
Licensed Psychologist
Over 25 years of experience
Real Problems 
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Dr. Ron Rice Real Problems |
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Depression
Are you depressed?
Down in the dumps?  We can help! There is probably no greater problem that comes to the attention of psychologists and psychiatrists than depression. Depression affects individuals with various backgrounds. Whether you are rich or poor, male or female depression does not discriminate. People of various races or ethnic backgrounds are equally affected. We have all had periods of being "down in the dumps" when we have a "bad day" or are faced with a variety of stresses. Generally these feeling last at most a couple of days or so and we are going to move on with our life. Being "down in the dumps" becomes depression with a variety of symptoms of a severe nature when these symptoms interfere with our lives and last a long time. We will now discuss not only what depression is but the many ways it is present in our lives. Causes of depression will also be explored. A man comes to my office and explains in the background interview that he just cannot understand what is happening to him. He goes on to say that he has a good job, is happily married with wonderful children, makes more than a sufficient income, has many close friends, and up until recently was quite active. Further inquiry suggests the following symptoms which seem to have appeared suddenly. He has difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, has a diminished appetite, has problems sleeping, and has no energy to go to work or spend time with friends. This example of depression is not as common as other forms but in this case the cause is clear. Without any situational stresses in the person's life, it is very likely that his symptoms are being caused by a biochemical imbalance in brain chemistry. I would refer this person directly to a psychiatrist for an evaluation of whether some anti-depressant medication could be helpful. I would also follow this up with some supportive counseling. Let's discuss another incidence of depression. A woman client describes many if not all of the same symptoms as the person described above but in this situation the woman has just lost her husband through death. In this case however, it would be more understandable and obvious why such a person would feel so depressed. This person might benefit from medication, but intervention would be most effective if a professional psychologist would assist her in going through her grief process. The grief process has a series of stages and this would need to be explained to the client so they would know what to expect. Above all, this person would need a lot of reassurance that ultimately they will move through these stages of grief and that life will move on even when the person states emphatically that "things will never be the same." Life probably won't be the same, but life will still have the power to be good, rewarding, and meaningful once again in the future. In summary the most extreme cases of depression involve either a chemical imbalance or a significant loss. The loss might include divorce, diminished health, a lost job, etc. In all these situations, psychotherapy will in virtually all cases be productive and effective. There are however a multitude of stresses in life that give rise to depression. These involve both positive and negative changes. Some of the most common stressors that can propel you headlong into depression could include the following:
Any one of these problems can thrust a person into depression, with it being compounded when you experience multiple stressors at the same time. Depression can cause many symptoms. People who are depressed may:
Most people feel down from time to time. It is a natural response to stress and tension. But with depression these feelings are severe or long lasting. Symptoms of depression vary from person to person. The two key signs are loss of interest in things you like to do and sadness or irritability. Additional signs include: Changes in Feelings, such as:
Changes in behavior and attitude, such as:
Physical complaints, such as:
The most important thing to learn about depression is that it is treatable in all cases! Treatment usually includes psychotherapy and medication if needed. Medication: Antidepressants can help ease the symptoms of a depression and return a person to normal functioning. This must be determined by a physician, usually a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy: This can help many depressed people understand themselves and cope with their problem. Interpersonal therapy works to change relationships that affect depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people change negative thinking and behavior patterns. |
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Real Problems Call or email Dr. Ron Rice to make an appointment, to ask Ron Rice, PHD • Licensed Psychologist • (248) 626-2056 |