Depression is a serious medical illness; it is not something that you made up in your head. Depression interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. Although depression is common, it is serious and there is help.

Symptoms of depression may include feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and helplessness that interfere with ones ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Most likely, the cause of depression could be a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Individual Psychotherapy is considered mainstream treatment for Depression. Two main types of psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) have been found effective for treating depression. CBT helps people with depression restructure negative thought patterns through cognitive restructuring techniques. Doing so assists people to interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way. IPT helps individuals understand and work through troubled relationships that may contribute to depression by making it worse.

To find out more if you may be experiencing depression, contact Dr. Siegel for an evaluation.