Do you feel "down" or "blue"?
Just don't have energy for things you used to enjoy?
Do you find yourself wondering where God is and if He will help you?

Maybe you've been feeling run down lately, but can't figure out why. You want to feel like your "old self," but just can't shake the feelings you're having and don't know what to do.

Perhaps you feel stuck and discouraged in your relationships, career, or reaching your personal goals. You're not sure if it's the situation or your family's dynamics that prevent you from moving forward and being happy.

Maybe you're uncertain about what you're feeling. You wonder if what you're experiencing is depressive feelings (normal responses to life's challenges), but you also wonder if you might have a Major Depressive Disorder.

We can help you sort it all out and join you in beginning to find your way back to a joyous, peaceful, and productive life.

What is Major Depressive Disorder?

Major Depression can be a serious disorder; it’s not something that you have made up in your head. It’s more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It’s feeling "down" and "low" and "hopeless" for weeks at a time.

People with Major Depressive Disorder do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual.

What are the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings

Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

Fatigue and decreased energy

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

Overeating or appetite loss

Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Diagnosis & Treatment

Depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. The earlier treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented.

One of the first steps to getting treatment is to visit your medical doctor. Certain medications, and some medical conditions such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. Your doctor can rule out these possibilities by conducting a physical examination, interview, and lab tests. If your doctor can eliminate a medical condition as a cause, he or she may refer you for a mental health evaluation.

All OCCC Therapists are mental health professionals who have the training required to conduct diagnostic evaluations. Your therapist will ask you about any family history of depression, and get a complete history of your own symptoms (e.g., when they started, how long they have lasted, their severity, if they have occurred before, and previous treatments). He or she will also ask if you are using alcohol or drugs, and whether you are thinking about death or suicide.

Depression can be treated with a number of methods. The most common treatment is psychotherapy, which is our specialty. Medication is also an option that can be helpful if symptoms are particularly troublesome. Although our therapists do not prescribe medication, we will refer you to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation if needed. As always, feel free to talk with your therapist about any questions or concerns you have at any point during your treatment.