303-267-2282 ~ Serving the South Denver, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Rock, Littleton & Aurora CO

John Eckenwiler, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, Offices in Lone Tree & Parker Colorado

Help for Depression - John Eckenwiler

Depression is one of the most misunderstood conditions there is. One of the most common ideas people have is that you are weak if you are depressed. Granted, sometimes in life we need to "toughen up", and sometimes we need to do more to help ourselves. But there are a lot of proven resources out there now, and it's just unnecessary to fight depression without them.

Myth: I will be pressured to take medication.

Frankly, most depression does not need medication because it's situational. It can come from many angles, sometimes all at once: Job, family, marriage, friends, childhood hurts, you name it. What happens is that our belief system about things in our life either leads to resolution of stress or it can keep problems going. Psychotherapy helps you get to the root of this quickly.

Myth: If medication is recommended, that means I'm too weak to overcome it myself.

I believe in most cases that other avenues should be tried first, but true clinical depression has a physiological component that is real. It can even be passed down from one generation to another physiologically. It can't be eliminated by willing yourself to feel better, and may very well require medication to get rid of it. Think about it - what does medication do? It adds a chemical to your body to balance things out better. Research clearly shows that at least some depression must be addressed with medication. Most physicians still recommend psychotherapy along with it because there are usually other factors impacting your depression.

Myth: If I am asked to take medication bad side effects might happen.

You are the customer. If you don't like a medication for any reason, talk to your doctor and insist this be addressed. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do.

Myth: My situation is too much of a mess and no one can help me.

It's the therapist's job to look at your situation and help you determine what kind of strategy is right for you. This includes a comprehensive exploration of your symptoms, an assessment of all the influences in your life and clear recommendations about what will help. This process is very orderly and is designed to simplify your efforts to feel better. With the right strategy, progress is within reach.

Myth: I've tried a lot of things on my own and nothing works, so you can't help.

If you've tried things on your own, you might actually be the best candidate for psychotherapy! Decades of research has uncovered some extremely effective tools for addressing depression. You will be given the tools, shown how to use them, and even given help as you use them. The only requirement is that you want to get better and will put in the effort. A qualified marriage and family therapist is trained to take an integrative approach to depression, addressing anything that helps reinforce your symptoms.

My first recommendation is to take that first big step and make an appointment if you are suffering from depression. Getting the process started is the hardest thing for folks who are feeling de-motivated.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression

Depressed mood, including irritability, most of the time

Loss of interest in most activities most of the time

Significant weight loss not due to dieting

Sleep disturbance - too much or not enough

Sluggishness or significant jittery feelings

Fatigue

Lots of guilt or feelings of worthlessness

Trouble concentrating most of the time

Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

If you have any of these feelings and aren't sure, don't self-diagnose. It's popular in our culture nowadays to label everything a mood disorder. There is a big difference between a mood problem and a mood disorder! Seek a professional opinion.

Counseling Solutions For Individuals, Couples & Families
John Eckenwiler, LMFT- Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor LMFC
Approved Supervisor, AAMFT
9220 Teddy Lane, #1100 ~ Lone Tree, CO 80124
12900 Stroh Ranch Place #220 ~ Parker, CO 80134
303-267-2282

John Eckenwiler is a Member of the Colorado Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. His two offices are centrally located in South Metro Denver Colorado to meet the needs of clients in Aurora, Centennial, Lone Tree, Englewood, Denver, Parker, Franktown, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood, Elizabeth, Monument, Larkspur & Greenwood Village Colorado.