Depression Therapy in New York City therapist psychotherapist psychologist for depression new york city ny manhattan

Depression is a painful and lonely experience that robs you of life’s pleasures. Perhaps you awaken with a sense of dread, and most days, you feel hopeless, helpless and numb. Help is possible through depression therapy and depression counseling. According to the Archives of General Psychiatry, approximately 14.8 million adult Americans are suffering from major depressive disorder during any given year. Based on statistics from the Center for Mental Health Services, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, an estimated 1 in 33 children and adolescents suffer from clinical depression. The symptoms of depression can vary considerably between individuals. Some symptoms include:

• Intense feelings of sadness, worthlessness, loneliness, and hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Fatigue, body aches and lack of motivation
• Negative feelings, thoughts and emotions
• Inability to enjoy activities that were once pleasurable
• Thoughts of suicide with or without a plan
• Increase/decrease or erratic sleep patterns
• Increase in appetite/decreased appetite
• Feeling empty
• No interest in planning for the future
• Loss of interest in sex

Transitions that can also contribute to depression

• Separation or divorce
• Career change
• Major health issues
• Financial woes
• Miscarriage or Infertility
• Aging

One of the most telling symptoms of depression is a lack of motivation to fulfill basic responsibilities and activities of daily living. It is common for an individual to disconnect from the outside world and avoid personal, social, and work duties. A severely depressed person can feel so tired and unmotivated that he or she cannot even get out of bed, much less socialize with others, take care of children, complete household chores, or go to work.

There are many different treatment options available for those diagnosed with clinical depression. A doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe an antidepressant that helps balance serotonin, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Many people find relief by discussing their problems with licensed therapists, who can help them uncover the root of their depression and suggest ways to overcome symptoms and change behaviors. Individuals with severe depression can benefit by admitting themselves into psychiatric wards, where doctors and therapists can provide constant, direct care. With the appropriate diagnosis and treatment many individuals achieve symptom relief or reduction.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a biological brain disorder that results in extreme psychological and emotional mood swings. Mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can be so severe that, if left untreated, may have severe consequences for the sufferer. Bipolar disorder affects all aspects of a person’s life.

While everyone experiences highs and lows, bipolar disorder magnifies and intensifies ups and downs to an extreme. A person suffering from bipolar disorder does not just feel “blue” but utterly hopeless, ineffectual and nonvital. These feelings of intense depression often lead to suicidal thoughts or an obsession with suicide.  The manic or “high” end of bipolar disorder also grossly exaggerates reality. Excessive energy and exuberance, visions of grandiosity, and delusions of being all-powerful are common. Though the person might feel empowered, ideas race through the mind and focus is limited or impossible. The personality is often uncharacteristically verbose, self-aggrandizing, and sexually aggressive or promiscuous in inappropriate situations and circumstances.

While those close to the sufferer often experience the lows as common depressive episodes, the highs can be alarming. A person in the throes of a manic mood swing can have psychotic symptoms.  Those suffering from bipolar disorder cycle throughout life from one state to the next. Between the manic and depressive states there is often a period of normality. For some, the manic mood might be less pronounced than the depressive mood. Time periods for completed cycles also vary. A cycle might take a week or longer, or one might experience many cycles within a single day. This is referred to as rapid-cycling.

Medical experts report that bipolar disorder can occur in any age group. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizing medications, talk therapy and other regimens can make the difference between the highs and lows and the ability to be stable and happy. Treatment is ongoing, as the disorder is not cured but managed. Though scientists don’t yet know what causes bipolar disorder, they do recognize it as having a genetic component and is likely part of a larger interplay of various factors, as evidence suggests it is not genetic alone.