Depression and Mood Disorders

As reported by the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdepression/) one in 10 people in the US are depressed, with 4.1% meeting the criterion for for Major Depression. Because depression is a mental illness that can be highly incapacitating, the Family Counseling and Coaching of Miami strongly recommends prompt attention to this disturbance in mood. It may not only affect every day functioning (increased work absenteeism, lack of energy, decreased pleasure, and reduced productivity, etc.), but also a person’s physical health (higher propensity for illness and worse prognosis for such chronic illnesses as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, cancer and heart disease).  

The most common symptoms observed in depression are: 

·         Feelings of chronic hopelessness and helplessness 

·         Loss of pleasure or interest in usual activities 

·         Abrupt weight loss or weight gain

·         Sleep disturbances: Insomnia (inability to fall or remain asleep) or hypersomnia excessive sleeping 

·         Fatigue and lack of energy

·         Feeling of worthlessness and guilt

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide

At Family Counseling and Coaching of Miami, we provide specialized psychological treatment and counseling for depression and other mood disorders. We also work closely with psychiatrists and other specialists that can facilitate medical evaluation and follow up, and we have in our staff a life coach that helps to empower clients to set clear at attainable goals that match their interests and values.  

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