You’re not alone – therapy for depression works!

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, sad, irritable and isolated?  Do you find it difficult to get out of bed every day and just make it to work?  Does everything feel like you are weighed down or like it’s a chore? You may be struggling with depression.

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders.  It can vary in intensity (mild, moderate, and severe) and can result in suicide.  Over 280 million people worldwide have depression, with over 700,000 people completing suicide a year.  Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29 year olds (World Health Organization, 2021, para. 1).  Symptoms of depression include low energy, irritability, extreme sadness, crying bouts, poor concentration, feelings of guilt or shame, low self-worth, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, insomnia or other sleep disturbances, an increase in substance use, and changes in eating patterns for two weeks or longer.  Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon.  Symptoms can be debilitating, making it difficult to get out of bed or perform daily activities (i.e. working, school). Depression can affect every area of an individual’s life, including their physical health, oftentimes leading to disability.  The recent COVID-19 pandemic has also led to an increase in depression in both adults and youth and is reflected disproportionately in communities of color, Non-Hispanic Black adults (48%) and Hispanic or Latino adults (46%) more likely reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder than Non-Hispanic White adults (41%) (Panchal, Kamal, Cox and Garfield, 2021, para. 6). 

Self-care is extremely important at this time, in light of the added stress and pressure as a result of the pandemic.  Good nutrition, activities like yoga or walking, getting enough sleep, and taking care of any chronic medical conditions are all a part of this.  If you have struggled with depression, either chronically or just recently, finding a mental health therapist who you feel comfortable with can help you in feeling supported as well as in learning skills to change any unhealthy thinking patterns or behaviors.  Sometimes antidepressant medication may be needed in combination with therapy.  

If you would like to learn more or would like to schedule an appointment with me, call me today at 402-325-0117 x4 or book an appointment online. I am accepting new clients and am available weekdays, some evenings, and Saturdays. 

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or feel like you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 immediately.

Carla Hammer, M.S., PLMHP

1001 S. 70th Street, Suite #225
Lincoln, NE 68510
Ph:  402-325-0117 x4 

References

Panchal, N., Kamal, R., Cox, C., and Garfield, R. (2021, February 10).  The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use.  KFF.  https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/.

World Health Organization.  (2021, September 13). Depression.  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression.