Depression is a mental illness which should not be confused with short-term emotional distress, anxiety attacks, or feeling low which are also constituents of depression. Anyone can feel low for a brief period of time, or have anxiety attacks once in a while, but that does not mean they are suffering from depression. Depression is much more serious than that. Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness, loneliness, grief, hopelessness, and emotional pain. If left untreated, it can lead to suicidal thoughts or other thoughts of self harm.
Depression is treatable and there are many effective treatments available. Cognitive Behavior Therapy has been very effective in the treatment of depression and is a modality which we utilize along with other therapeutic interventions.
Referrals for medication support services are available for those whose symptomatology may indicate that medication is appropriate for interim treatment.