Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, Life Stressors, Anger

 It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.  Thoreau 

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S., and it affects more than 15 million American adults age 18 and older.

Depression disconnects people from their own life, and for many it means not enjoying life, feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, not sleeping, changes in appetite, persistent feelings of emptiness, decreased energy and fatigue, and the need to self isolate. For many,  difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, suicidal thoughts, and restlessness are an added burden. 

Depression, especially more severe depression, is a complex disease and research has yet to uncover a sole cause.  

To see what some of the causes of depression are, see here 

 Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on. J.H.

Most people who suffer depression also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older, or 18% of the population.    

Experiencing some anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders usually have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. For them, anxiety turns into  heightened feelings of being nervous, restless or tense, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, feeling fatigued or worn out, trouble concentrating, insomnia, excessive worry, and avoiding places or people that bring out anxious feelings. 

To learn more about, see here

 Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean. Maya Angelou 

Anger is a common and healthy emotion, most people get angry 2-4 times per month. Anger becomes unhealthy and even toxic when it is unrelenting or when it turns to rage and becomes all-consuming. Unrelenting anger and rage can result in severe depression, violence and suicidal thoughts. 

 Studies indicate  that roughly 22-25 million Americans, or 9% of adults, have impulsive outbursts in which they destroy relationships and property, and are out of control. Approximately 4 million of them also carry a firearm "just in case." 

Anger is not something you cure, but you can learn to manage the severity and effect it has on you and others. Reducing your reactivity to situations, learning assertiveness skills and a bit of  patience along the way, is the solution.  

To learn more, see here 

The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you're in control of your life. If you don't, life controls you. Tony Robbins 

Major life events are a part of living: a divorce or break-up, living with a toxic parent or family, loss of a loved one, a financial crisis, changes in career or a job loss, a DUI that results in legal issues, serious health issues or an accident, dealing with mid-life crisis, school /college related issues, or aging concerns. 

Having access to a seasoned, skilled, caring, non judgmental professional can be extremely helpful in understanding and managing a major crisis or concern. A professional can help guide you through problem solving an issue, finding new meaning in your life, negotiating through life changes, or just learning to live a fuller and richer life. 

Be decisive. Right or wrong, make a decision. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision (bumper sticker)

Non-assertiveness is generally a learned behavior. It is a set of attitudes and beliefs about how one has to please others, not rock the boat, and be quiet for the purpose of keeping the peace.  Not being assertive can lead to:

• Depression and Anxiety--Anger turned inward, a sense of being helpless, hopeless, or of having no control over your life, and stress.
• Resentment--Anger at others for manipulating or taking advantage of you, and anger at yourself for "being weak".
• Frustration--Questioning and downing yourself for allowing things to happen.  
• Rage or even aggression when bottling up emotions becomes overwhelming. 

Assertive behaviors lead to increased self-respect and self-confidence (and vice versa), and respect from others. Appropriately timed and expressed assertiveness allows others to see you as a worthwhile person, and someone who can be trusted to be honest. Assertiveness allows for developing closer, more fulfilling and richer relationships.

We suffer more often in imagination than in reality. Seneca

The most common child and adolescent problems we see center around defiance, ADHD, behaviors linked to an Autism Spectrum Disorder, too much screen time, poor anger management, excessive worry and anxiety, and depression.

Over 90% of child and adolescent behavior problems can be resolved through modifying parenting behaviors (using our Parent Effectiveness Coaching approach), through a behavioral contract, and the use of natural and logical consequences. More severe problems, such as aggression, verbally abusive behavior, drug/alcohol abuse, and symptoms of ADHD and Autism, may require individual and family therapy. 

At times, children and adolescents carry the family "toxin". That is, they display or manifest whole family problems since they have fewer resources for hiding and managing their pain or trauma.