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    Is Depression a Disability?

    October 10, 2024

    In many cases, yes, depression can be considered a disability. According to Section 12102(1)(A) of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a person can be disabled if they have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Under this standard, depression will generally be considered a disability if it […]

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    Is Depression a Disability?

    October 10, 2024

    In many cases, yes, depression can be considered a disability. According to Section 12102(1)(A) of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a person can be disabled if they have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Under this standard, depression will generally be considered a disability if it substantially affects a person’s daily life. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

    Common Symptoms of Depression

    Depression symptoms can vary from one person to another but often include:

    • Feeling sad, empty, worthless, guilty, hopeless, anxious, restless, or irritable
    • Being tearful
    • Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
    • Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
    • Having a reduced appetite or increased food cravings (along with respective weight loss or gain)
    • Thinking, speaking, or moving more slowly
    • Having trouble focusing, making decisions, and remembering things
    • Having recurring thoughts of death

    When someone is in a depressive episode, they typically experience symptoms like these most of the day, almost every day. While some individuals only go through depression once, many people have numerous episodes throughout the course of their lives.

    Offering Help for Individuals With Depression

    If you’ve been diagnosed with depression or you’re experiencing the symptoms described above, we can help. Our therapists are highly experienced in treating depression and can provide you with the customized, compassionate care you deserve. Contact us today to get started—one of our knowledgeable team members will tell you more about our approach to treating depression, answer your questions, and arrange a time for you to attend an initial consultation.

    Filed Under: Depression

    The Link Between Diet & Depression

    January 4, 2024

    You’ve probably heard about the many benefits that nutritious foods can offer for your physical health—for example, eating a healthy diet can strengthen your bones, support your immune system, and lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and various other conditions. But did you know that your diet can also affect your mental health? […]

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    The Link Between Diet & Depression

    January 4, 2024

    You’ve probably heard about the many benefits that nutritious foods can offer for your physical health—for example, eating a healthy diet can strengthen your bones, support your immune system, and lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and various other conditions. But did you know that your diet can also affect your mental health? Below, we discuss how your diet can impact you mentally, and we also explore which foods to eat to avoid depression.

    How Does Your Diet Impact Your Mental Health?

    Certain nutrients have been shown to reduce the risk of depression. For example, antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body—thereby lowering the chances of developing anxiety and depression—and vitamins B-12 and B-9 support the brain and the nervous system. Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, protein, selenium, and zinc can also improve the symptoms of depression.

    What to Eat to Lower Your Risk of Depression

    Many studies suggest that eating a diet rich in the following foods may help prevent depression:

    • Fish
    • Fruits
    • Low-fat dairy products
    • Nuts
    • Olive oil
    • Seeds
    • Vegetables
    • Whole grains

    You should also take care to avoid eating the following foods on a regular basis (moderation is key):

    • Fried foods
    • High-fat dairy products
    • Potatoes
    • Processed meat
    • Red meat
    • Refined grains
    • Sweets

    Get Help With Your Depression

    If you’re struggling with depression, we can help. We have extensive experience treating this condition, and in addition to discussing the link between diet and depression, we can offer tips on other lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your symptoms. Contact us today to get started.

    Filed Under: Depression, diet

    Overcoming Depression: Practical Steps

    September 6, 2023

    Do you experience persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt? Are you feeling fatigued, anxious, restless, or like you can’t focus? Have you lost interest in the activities you once enjoyed, or have your coworkers or loved ones noticed that you’ve been more irritable than usual? If this sounds familiar, you might have […]

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    Overcoming Depression: Practical Steps

    September 6, 2023

    Do you experience persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt? Are you feeling fatigued, anxious, restless, or like you can’t focus? Have you lost interest in the activities you once enjoyed, or have your coworkers or loved ones noticed that you’ve been more irritable than usual?

    If this sounds familiar, you might have depression, a common but serious mood disorder. You should schedule an appointment with a therapist as soon as possible, but in the meantime, here are some practical steps you can take to help manage your depression:

    • Eat a nutritious diet.
    • Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week (but be sure to consult with a doctor before beginning a new workout regimen).
    • Get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day.
    • Schedule time for a fun activity each day, even if it’s only for 30 minutes.
    • Spend time with loved ones and limit the amount of interaction you have with individuals who bring you down.
    • Give back to your community (for example, by volunteering at a local nonprofit organization).
    • Set attainable goals for yourself (for instance, rather than saying that you’ll clean the entire house, commit to washing the dishes in the sink).

    Get Help Managing Your Depression

    Are you having trouble overcoming sadness? We can help you take the first step toward conquering your depression and improving your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session.

    Filed Under: Depression

    Am I Sad or Depressed?

    April 28, 2023

    Into each life a little rain must fall is a way of saying every one of us will experience sadness in our lifetime. It is completely normal and natural. But there are some people who feel something deeper and darker than sadness, and they may feel this way despite there being no triggering event such […]

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    Am I Sad or Depressed?

    April 28, 2023

    Into each life a little rain must fall is a way of saying every one of us will experience sadness in our lifetime. It is completely normal and natural. But there are some people who feel something deeper and darker than sadness, and they may feel this way despite there being no triggering event such as the loss of a loved one. 

    So how can we tell the difference between sadness and depression?

    Sadness versus Depression: The Real Difference?

    As I just mentioned, sadness is a normal reaction to a difficult event in our life. We may feel sad because of a breakup or from losing a loved one or from leaving our friends after graduation. In other words, we feel sadness about something.

    Depression, on the other hand, affects not only our emotions but also how we act and perceive the world. Depression does not require a triggering event. In fact, when we’re depressed, we tend to feel upset about any- and everything.

    Depression clouds our entire lives. When we’re depressed, nothing feels as enjoyable or worthwhile as it once did. In short, we simply feel less alive.

    Symptoms of Depression

    To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must be diagnosed with at least five of the following common symptoms for a continual duration of at least two weeks:

    • An irritable or depressed mood 
    • A decreased interest in once enjoyable activities
    • Changes in weight or appetite
    • Changes in our sleep patterns
    • Feeling sluggish most days; having a lack of energy and motivation
    • Feelings of worthlessness
    • Trouble focusing or concentrating
    • Suicidal ideation

    If you or a loved one are experiencing depressed, it is very important to reach out for help from a trained mental health therapist. Depression robs you of your life, purpose and happiness, but there are strategies to break free and find joy once again.

    I would be happy to discuss some treatment options with you. Please give my office a call.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-vs-sadness

    https://screening.mhanational.org/content/am-i-depressed-or-just-sad/

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201510/the-important-difference-between-sadness-and-depression

    Filed Under: Depression, sadness

    Get Ahead of Your Seasonal Depression this Year

    December 9, 2022

    If you live in a colder climate, you know it can be challenging dealing with a lack of sunlight and being stuck inside due to frigid temps during winter months. It is for these reasons many people experience what is called “the winter blues.” But seasonal depression goes much deeper than this. Also known as […]

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    Get Ahead of Your Seasonal Depression this Year

    December 9, 2022

    If you live in a colder climate, you know it can be challenging dealing with a lack of sunlight and being stuck inside due to frigid temps during winter months. It is for these reasons many people experience what is called “the winter blues.”

    But seasonal depression goes much deeper than this. Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder – or SAD – seasonal depression results in fatigue, a loss of interest in socializing and activities, weight gain and more. Symptoms usually begin to present in the fall and last until the sunnier, warmer days of spring.

    If you suffer from seasonal depression, there are things you can do to stop it in its tracks this year:

    Use a Light Box

    When winter comes, the light goes. It gets darker earlier and we simply can’t spend as much time in the sun. To combat this, it is recommended those with seasonal depression use a light therapy box. And best to start using it each year in the beginning of fall, before your SAD symptoms even have a chance to take hold.

    Eat a Proper Diet

    When it’s cold and nasty out and we’re feeling sad and depressed, most of us will reach for those comfort foods that are laden with processed sugars and trans fats. But these foods will usually make us feel even more tired and depressed. To add insult to injury, eating bad foods only helps us to gain weight, which can make us feel more depressed. Best to stick to a diet consisting of whole foods rich in healthy fats and carbs, some quality protein and vitamins and minerals.

    Be Social

    People with seasonal depression tend to isolate themselves during the winter months, and this can, again, exacerbate the depression. Do your best to stay involved with your social circle. Friends can be a great support during this challenging time.

    You may also want to speak with someone about how you’re feeling. A therapist can offer tools and advice that will help you navigate your feelings. If you’d like more information about how counseling can help with seasonal depression, please give my office a call!

    SOURCES:

    https://www.mytransformations.com/post/12-things-you-can-do-today-to-get-ahead-of-your-seasonal-depression-this-year

    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression

    https://www.dailydoseofluxury.com/single-post/2021/11/12/7-ways-to-get-ahead-of-seasonal-depression

    Filed Under: Depression, seasonal affective disorder

    Self-Care: Holding Onto Good Mental Health After The Seasonal Depression

    June 17, 2022

    Seasonal depression, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), refers to a type of depression that relates to changes in the seasons. Most people with SAD feel symptoms come on in the fall and generally feel them all through the winter. Symptoms, which include lethargy, sadness, and general depression, usually dissipate once spring arrives.  […]

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    Self-Care: Holding Onto Good Mental Health After The Seasonal Depression

    June 17, 2022

    Seasonal depression, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), refers to a type of depression that relates to changes in the seasons. Most people with SAD feel symptoms come on in the fall and generally feel them all through the winter. Symptoms, which include lethargy, sadness, and general depression, usually dissipate once spring arrives. 

    With the warmer months here, it’s a great time to get into some healthy mental habits, so you’ll be ready to fight the blues come fall. Here are some ways you can hold onto your good mental health all year long: 

    Stay Physically Active 

    Inactivity can definitely worsen depression symptoms. And several recent studies suggest people who exercise regularly have better mental health than those who do not. One of the best habits to get into is to ensure you move your body every day, even if that means going for a walk around the neighborhood. 

    If you live in an area of the country that experiences cold, snowy winters, think about taking up a fun activity like skiing or snowshoeing. If that’s just not your thing, consider getting a treadmill, stationary bike or mini trampoline for your home. 

    Reduce Social Media Use 

    Social media is fun once in a while and a way for us to stay connected to others. But too much social media use has been shown to cause mental health issues. Be sure to limit your social media use to only 30 – 60 minutes a day. 

    Take Up a Hobby 

    Doing something you really enjoy is obviously great for your mental health. But so many people feel they are too busy with work and family responsibilities. Make time! Learn to paint or play an instrument. Take salsa lessons or start writing that novel you’ve always dreamed about. 

    Relax More Often 

    Chronic stress is a killer. It can cause the development of diseases such as heart disease and cancer. At the very least, chronic stress will dysregulate your nervous system, which will then cause a depression. 

    Take time every week to check out and destress. Get a massage, take a long hot bath, sit in a sauna, or just lie in the hammock in your backyard. 

    You may also want to consider working with a mental health specialist so you always have someone to freely talk with about whatever’s bothering you. If you find your therapist now, you will have formed a relationship come fall when the blues tend to settle back in. 

    If you’d like to learn more about treatment options, please feel free to reach out to me. 

    SOURCES: 

    • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 
    • https://www.powerofpositivity.com/improve-mental-health-habits/ 
    • https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health 

    Filed Under: Depression

    The Importance of Community for Your Mental Health

    April 20, 2022

    Our mental health significantly impacts our quality of life, so it makes sense that we would want to do all we can to improve it. This may include things like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough quality sleep each night.  But there is something else that greatly influences our mental health and that is […]

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    The Importance of Community for Your Mental Health

    April 20, 2022

    Our mental health significantly impacts our quality of life, so it makes sense that we would want to do all we can to improve it. This may include things like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough quality sleep each night. 

    But there is something else that greatly influences our mental health and that is a community and a sense of belonging. Human beings are wired for connection. When we feel connected to others, we feel loved and supported. Friends can often help alleviate the stress in our life because our friends are there for us to lean on.

    If you have been feeling alone and isolated, here are some ways you can find your own community and begin to connect with others:

    Go with What Interests You

    What activities and hobbies do you have? You may want to join a book club or take a painting lesson. If you’re athletic or used to playing a sport in school, maybe you could join a local team. You’ll no doubt find it easier to connect with others who enjoy doing the same things you do.

    Volunteer

    Being of service to others is highly rewarding, and volunteering is also a great way to connect with others who share similar values. What causes do you feel passionate about? What charities do you support? Check out their website or give them a call to see what volunteering opportunities they may have available.

    Connect with Something Bigger Than Yourself

    Do you have a particular religion or spiritual practice you connect with? Maybe it’s time to get back to your church or try taking that meditation class you’ve been thinking about. Is there a political cause that speaks to your heart? Helping others reach a meaningful goal can be a great way to find purpose in your own life.

    Humans are not meant to be alone. We need to socialize. If you have been feeling down, now’s the time to go out and make some new connections.

    And if you’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety for some time and could use someone to talk to, please give me a call.

    SOURCES:

    • https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2019/The-Importance-of-Community-and-Mental-Health
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-mild-cognitive-impairment/201606/the-health-benefits-socializing
    • https://dailylife.com/article/7-ways-your-friendships-improve-your-mental-health

    Filed Under: Depression

    The Healing Power of Nature

    January 12, 2022

    One only needs to read a few lines from poets such as Frost, Wordsworth, and Thoreau to recognize the love for and connection to nature human beings have always had. Nature stirs our souls and imagination and brings beauty to our everyday lives. But it turns out, nature also brings a slew of benefits to […]

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    The Healing Power of Nature

    January 12, 2022

    One only needs to read a few lines from poets such as Frost, Wordsworth, and Thoreau to recognize the love for and connection to nature human beings have always had. Nature stirs our souls and imagination and brings beauty to our everyday lives. But it turns out, nature also brings a slew of benefits to our mental and physical health.

    The Many Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

    Research is now clearly indicating that spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on our health. Whether you bike, hike, or simply sit under a tree enjoying the sights and sounds, time in nature has shown to reduce stress, slow heart rate, improve pain, lower cortisol, and stimulate the immune system by boosting the production of natural killer cells that fight disease and infection.

    In addition, time outside means time in the sun, and THAT means getting a nice boost of vitamin D, which can do everything from preventing disease, make our bones and teeth stronger, and improve our mood.

    Give Ecotherapy a Try

    Ecotherapy, which is also sometimes referred to as nature therapy, is a practice in the emerging field of ecopsychology. The idea behind this practice is that many modern people, whether they are aware of it or not, feel a massive disconnect from the natural world. When you think about it, our ancestors spent hundreds of thousands of years living WITH nature, feeling it under their bare feet, being outside, ebbing and flowing with the shifts in seasons.

    But today, most of us are only connected to a digital device. Ecotherapy gets us away from our screens and out into the beauty of the natural world. Many clinicians, including myself, believe that the earth has a natural ability to balance us. When we get back in touch with the systems of nature, we can experience improved mental health.

    If you are feeling out of sorts and like the idea of trying ecotherapy, you can simply spend more time outside. If you would like someone to help you reconnect with nature, please get in touch with me. I am a big proponent of nature therapy and use it in my practice.

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-healing-works/202103/the-healing-power-nature
    • https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/econature-therapy
    • https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/about/the-practice-of-forest-therapy

    Filed Under: anxiety, Depression, General

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