Conditions

Depression

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. A depressed mood is a normal temporary reaction to life events such as loss of a loved one. It is also a symptom of some physical diseases and a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments.

If you are having any of the symptoms below, you may be experiencing depression:

Psychological symptoms

The psychological symptoms of depression include:

continuous low mood or sadness
feeling hopeless and helpless
having low self-esteem
feeling tearful
feeling guilt-ridden
feeling irritable and intolerant of others
having no motivation or interest in things
finding it difficult to make decisions
not getting any enjoyment out of life
feeling anxious or worried
having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of depression include:

moving or speaking more slowly than usual
changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
constipation
unexplained aches and pains
lack of energy
low sex drive (loss of libido)
disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning

Social symptoms

The social symptoms of depression include:

avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities
neglecting your hobbies and interests
having difficulties in your home, work or family life

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear. Anxiety is a worry about future events and fear is a reaction to current events. These feelings may cause physical symptoms, such as a fast heart rate and shakiness.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by problems paying attention, excessive activity, or difficulty controlling behavior which is not appropriate for a person’s age. The symptoms appear before a person is twelve years old, are present for more than six months, and often lasts into adulthood. In children, problems paying attention may result in poor school performance. Although it causes impairment, particularly in modern society, many children with ADHD have a good attention span for tasks they find interesting.

Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder caused by troubles with social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two or three years of their child’s life. These signs often develop gradually, though some children with autism reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then worsen. Early speech or behavioral interventions can help children with autism gain self-care, social, and communication skills.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental disorder that causes periods of depression and periods of elevated mood. The elevated mood is significant and is known as mania or hypomania, depending on its severity, or whether symptoms of psychosis are present. During mania, an individual behaves or feels abnormally energetic, happy, or irritable; individuals often make poorly thought out decisions with little regard to the consequences. The need for sleep is usually reduced during manic phases. During periods of depression, there may be crying, a negative outlook on life, and poor eye contact with others. The risk of suicide among those with the illness is high at greater than 6 percent over 20 years, while self-harm occurs in 30–40 percent. Other mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and substance use disorder are commonly associated.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, and most will recover from their symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience symptoms may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, such as a car accident, death, violence, abuse, war, poverty, natural disaster, or some other traumatic incident.

If you are having any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing PTSD:

Re-experiencing symptoms

Flashbacks—reliving the traumatic event, including physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or sweating
Recurring memories or dreams related to the event
Distressing thoughts
Physical signs of stress

Avoidance symptoms

Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience
Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event

Avoidance symptoms may cause people to change their routines, for example, some people may avoid driving or riding in a car after a serious car accident.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

Being easily startled
Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge
Having difficulty concentrating
Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Feeling irritable and having angry or aggressive outbursts
Engaging in risky, reckless, or destructive behavior

Cognition and mood symptoms

Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Exaggerated feelings of blame directed toward oneself or others
Ongoing negative emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame
Loss of interest in previous activities
Feelings of social isolation
Difficulties in feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction

Grief and Loss

Losing someone or something you care about (perhaps a relationship or pet) can be painful and debilitating. It can make you stop right in your tracks and unable to function throughout your daily life. After such a loss, a wide range of emotions can run rapid through your body. It can feel overwhelming which emotion to get handle on first or how. At times, you may feel as if these feelings will never end. There is no one way to grieve but there is a healthy way to cope, heal, regain strength, and forge on. Different types of loss effect people in different ways:

A death
Loss of goal, plan, or dream
Loss of a friendship or relationship
Losing a job
Loss of a pet
Loss of financial security
Loss of safety

If you feel as if the impact of a loss has become overwhelming and unmanageable, call H.A.B.I.T.S Psychotherapy and Family Counseling today. One of our counselor can provide you support and light your path to healing and recovery.