Depression

Teens and Adults

By far the most common reason for seeing a mental health professional is because of depression. A serious and potentially fatal emotional disorder, depression can be caused by a devastating personal loss such as the death of a loved one, divorce, unemployment, retirement, or loss of physical health due to major illness. Depression can also occur as a result of a biochemical disturbance in the brain. However, it is caused, the person experiences life as increasingly hopeless. There may be serious disturbances in sleeping and eating patterns, loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable, loss of concentration and energy and morbid thoughts. Persons may turn to alcohol or drugs to relieve the emotional pain -- they may have uncontrollable crying spells, or they may even be unable to get out of bed. Persons frequently consider ending their lives and may acto out a plan to do so. Depression is entirely treatable. You do not have to deal with your feelings alone.