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Dr. BEWLEY SPECIALIZES IN
DEPRESSION MANAGEMENT
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Do You Find Yourself Feeling Sad and Alone?
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Is There A Situation That Has You Feeling Helpless or Worthless?
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Do You Find Yourself Not Enjoying Activities or Hobbies That You Typically Engage In?
Most people experience sadness at times, as our moods fluctuate depending on the context occurring in our lives. Sadness is only one aspect of depression and some people experiencing depression may not experience sadness at all.
Symptoms vary depending on each unique individual, and I would want to understand how various identities/experiences could be impacting your symptoms. For instance, gender can impact how depression is expressed and/or experienced. Certain types of depression can occur at different stages of a woman’s life, and women experience higher rates of depression beginning in early adolescence. However, social, cultural, hormonal, genetic, and other biological factors can contribute to this difference. Men also experience depression but often struggle to acknowledge their symptoms more than women do. Additionally, men may express their symptoms differently.
DEPRESSION Is ROOTED
in NEGATIVE THINKINg
Each person's mood fluctuates, and it is common to notice changes in your mood. Often times, happiness is described as a destination (i.e., "If I just get through this project I will be happy" or "I'll be happy once I'm in a relationship"). However, this leads to people reaching an unattainable goal. For some, our mood can fluctuate and worsen to where we experience significant depression. When depression becomes debilitating, this may be happening due to the frequency and intensity in which you are experiencing negative thoughts and feelings.
Negative thinking is automatic, meaning you will always experience them. However, when depressive thoughts go unchallenged, this can lead to further negative thinking that starts to impact your emotions and behaviors.
This SOUNDS GOOD But I
HAVE SOME QUESTIONS First
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What Are Symptoms of Depression?
Some symptoms of depression include:
• Sad, hopeless, or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies
• Significant weight/appetite changes
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Decreased energy or experiencing fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness, or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
• Low self-esteem
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Is Depression Treatable?
Depression is a treatable illness (National Institute of Mental Health). In order to first rule out any other medical issues that may be impacting your mood, Dr. Bewley will recommend that you first consult with a primary care physician. The utilization of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating mild depression or someone who has not experienced depression for too long has been shown to be as equally effective with or without medication.
However, individuals experiencing moderate to severe depression have been shown to have better outcomes if they are receiving both CBT and a medication than CBT alone, especially individuals who have experienced chronic depression. Dr. Bewley will likely consult with your medication provider to ensure that depressive symptoms are being managed and to assist you with finding other ways to help yourself.
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Will Depression Completely Go Away?
As stated above, it is common for your mood to fluctuate. It is likely that you will always experience moments or episodes of sadness. However, Dr. Bewley will strive to help you increase your coping and help you become more successful in managing depressive symptoms. Depression will not permanently go away, but you can live your life with depressive episodes lasting shorter and with less intensity. Dr. Bewley will strive to help you manage your depressive symptoms to a functional level and provide you concrete skills to utilize in managing your depressive symptoms. Dr. Bewley will help you approach depression differently, which can lead you to feel more empowered to take on life's challenges.
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Would I Still Benefit From Therapy Even If My Depression Is Not Significant?
No matter what level of depressive symptoms you experience, therapy can be helpful for you to address your experience. Even if you manage your depressive symptoms well, therapy can allow you a safe space to verbalize depressive thoughts or experiences that you may have never shared with anyone. You will not feel as alone in your experience, and therapy can also assist you in gaining coping skills that you can utilize in the future.
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