Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it makes the difference -- Virginia Satir
It's
perfectly normal to feel sad or be unhappy
with situations in your life. But with depression,
these feelings
linger for weeks, months or even years. Depressive feelings are far
more intense than "just the blues" and can interfere with
relationships, work, daily activities and even your ability to
function, such as eating properly, bathing regularly or working
efficiently.
Although depression
is one of the most common health conditions in the world, it isn't
something you can simply "snap out of." Depression involves both the
mind and body, affecting how you think and behave. It can cause a
variety of emotional and physical problems, such as not being able to
go about your usual activities. Or you may feel life just isn't worth
living.
Symptoms of depression
Loss of interest in normal daily activities
Feeling sad or down
Feeling hopeless
Crying spells for no apparent reason
Sleeping problems
Trouble focusing or concentrating
Difficulty making decisions
Unintentional weight gain or loss
Irritability
Restlessness
Feeling worthless
Being easily annoyed
Feeling fatigued or weak
Loss of interest in sex
Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
If you think a loved one has symptoms
of depression, have an open and honest discussion about your concerns.
You probably cannot force someone to seek professional care, but you
can offer encouragement and support. If you think you may be depressed yourself, please take the first step and call for help. If you have thoughts of suicide, please contact Seton Shoal Creek Hospital.
Treating Depression
Through
our therapy sessions, you will learn how to identify and make changes
in unhealthy behaviors or thoughts, and explore relationships and
experiences. As a result, you'll discover better ways to cope and solve
problems, and set realistic goals.
Psychotherapy
can help you regain a sense of happiness and control and help alleviate
symptoms like hopelessness, helplessness and anger. It also may help you adjust to a
crisis or other life issue.
My
overriding goal in working with
you is to help you identify pessimistic, negative beliefs and behaviors
and replace them with healthy, positive ones. This type of treatment is
based on the idea that your own thoughts -- not other people or
situations -- determine how you behave. Even if an unwanted situation
doesn't change, you can change the way you think and respond in a more
positive way. You may read more about this method, called "cognitive behavioral therapy," on Wikipedia.
Perhaps you cannot control what is going to
happen around you, but you can certainly control your own reaction. Your
reaction is the clue to having a wonderful life -- don Miguel
Ruiz
It's
normal to feel anxious or worried at times. In
fact, some anxiety can be a good thing, helping you respond to real
dangers. Likewise, a "case of the jitters" can motivate you to
excel at work, school or at home. But some people have excessive or
unrealistic anxiety
and worry, well beyond what is appropriate for the situation.
Living with anxiety can be difficult, but
psychotherapy can help you take back your life. Below you'll find some of the common symptoms associated with anxiety.
Anxiety disorder symptoms
Restlessness
Feeling "keyed up" or on edge
Inability to relax
Feeling a lump in your throat
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Irritability
Impatience
Being easily distracted
Muscle tension
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Shortness of breath
Excessive sweating
Stomach ache
Panic attacks
Diarrhea
Headache
Letting Nature Take Its Course
Although living with anxiety can be difficult, there are healthy ways to cope. Working
in sessions with you, I'll help you develop a sense of mastery and
ways to manage your thoughts and feelings. Taking that first step
to deal with your anxiety will give you a tremendous sense of relief.
You'll also gain new coping and thinking skills that will help you know
how to let go
and not dwell on past concerns. You'll also learn to change what you
can and allow the rest to take its course.
Change
takes time but delivers powerful results. The result can be a more
relaxed, rested and less-anxious you. To learn more about anxiety, see
the Freedom From Fear Web site.
To reach my office, please call (512) 372-9595.
Or simply complete and send this
brief form. All inquiries will be held in confidence. Inquiries received from this site during
the business week will be answered within 24 hours. Weekend inquiries
will be answered by the following Tuesday.
Please note: No counseling
will be provided via e-mail. Meeting with you in-person
is the most-productive way to help you achieve your goals.
Sue Legacy, ACSW, LCSW Counseling and Therapy Offices 4408 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 104 Austin, Texas 78759 (512) 372-9595 Registered domain names: LegacyCounselingAustin.com and SueLegacy.com
