Depression is one of the emotions that we all encounter in life at one time or another. It is characterized by a sense of sadness or "feeling blue", "down in the dumps", "low" or perhaps a loss of interest in things which usually we enjoy. There may also be a sense of helplessness or hopelessness. It is a temporary feeling,(less than 2 weeks) often circumstantially related. This type of depression is a normal reaction to some life event, illness or circumstance. However, when a person experiences these and other symptoms for more than two weeks, there may be a more serious concern. The following are two of the broad types of depression that people may experience:

Clinical depression (also called "Major" Depression)

Clinical depression is a condition where the person experiences a number of the following:

1. Sleep disturbance: either sleeping too much or not being able to sleep (for example, waking early in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep).
2. Loss of interest in things that used to motivate or be enjoyable.
3. Guilty (negative, self-critical) thinking which persists even though it feels unpleasant; worthlessness.
4. Energy low, tired, exhausted even if over-sleeping; may experience a sense of lethargy or "slowing down".
5. Concentration problems; forgetfulness, short term memory problems.
6. Appetite disturbance: "wanting to eat everything in sight", or loss of appetite with concomitant weight gain or loss.
7. Physiological disturbance: headaches, stomachaches, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, etc.
8. Suicidal thinking: fantasies or fleeting thoughts of suicide or of wanting to die; may progress to having a definte plan of action, means, and seeking opportunity.
9. Sense of hopelessness, doom, and/or helplessness.
10. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day for more than two weeks.

When 5 or more of these symptoms are present, and produce a significant impairment to the individual's social, work or school functioning, a doctor should be consulted. Our staff is trained to diagnose and treat depression, and can work in conjunction with your family doctor or a psychiatrist, if medicine is deemed necessary. CLICK HERE for information on how to contact us.

Bipolar Depression (formerly "Manic Depression")

Bipolar depression is a form of depression where there are two extremes or poles between which the person's feelings swing back and forth. The shift between the two moods may be mild, moderate, or dramatic; frequent, intense, and rapid, or infrequent, less intense, and gradual. Bipolar depression is more difficult to diagnose and often is confused with other conditions such as panic disorder, ADD/ADHD or clinical (unipolar) depression. A person is considered "bipolar" even if there has only been one manic episode in their life. Thus depending on when they seek help, they may appear "merely" clincially depressed. Or if they are experiencing a manic phase, they may appear to be panicky or hyperactive. Therefore, it is crucial that diagnosis be made by a psychologist or psychiatrist , since they are professionally trained to diagnose mental and emotional disorders. (CLICK HERE for FAQ re' the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist). Our staff consists of three psychologists and we are able to refer out to psychiatrists when necessary for medication evaluation.

Bipolar depression is characterized by the following:

One or more manic episodes or mixed episodes in which there is a distinct period of time in which there is a persistantly elevated, euphoric,or anxious,irritable or angry mood accompanied by at least 3 of the following:

1. grandiose or exaggerated sense of self-importance or abilities; may even be delusional.
2. decreased need for sleep, yet feels energetic.
3. pressured speech (rapid, loud, difficult to interrupt)
4. flight of ideas (racing thoughts)
5. distractability (may be unable to discern what is relevant or irrelevant to the situation at hand).
6. increase in goal directed activity and /or psychomotor agitation (planning and participation in multiple activities of a social, religious, sexual, occupational nature, especially without regard to risks or need to finish previous tasks or fulfill prior commitments).
7. poor judgment as evidenced by increased participation in risky behaviors which are deemed pleasurable.
8. Severe enough disturbance to daily functioning as to cause impairment or even hospitalization.
9. Alternating periods of major depression, or disthymia.

Anyone who is experiencing these type of symptoms may need to be evaluated by a professional. Our staff of psychologists are trained in assessing and diagnosing mental and emotional disorders, including bipolar disorder. CLICK HERE for information on how to set up an evaluation appointment.