Depression is a serious problem in this country. It needs to be assessed and diagnosed to determine the extent of the Depression.  Whether there are other aspects, such as manic or high-energy periods in one’s life or the depth of the depression including suicidal thoughts, so that an effective treatment can be developed. Medication is often used to relieve serious Depression involving suicidal thoughts.

Depression is often a way we try to avoid feelings we don’t want to feel, such as emotional pain, sadness, fear and hurt. To avoid these normal feelings, that everyone has at some times in their lives, we may suppress or deny these feelings rather than expressing them. We try to avoid them. This is one of the reasons there is so much use of drugs and alcohol because these substances hide our feelings of pain and hurt with the “highs” associated with drugs and alcohol, until the “high” wears off.

Depression is best resolved by talk therapy with a mental health professional. The underlying thoughts, such as “I’m not good enough,” can be explored so the patient can understand where those thoughts come from and whether to hold on to them or let them go.  It is also helpful to understand, if you are in a relationship with someone who tells you that “you are not good enough,”  that you can decide to confront the person or change the relationship.