Calm Waters Counseling Services, LLC
Depression
Depression
How Do I know if I’m depressed?
Almost 20 million Americans experience depression yearly. Only 62% of people are receiving help. It can interfere in our daily functioning, damage our relationships and lead to suicidal thoughts. According to the World Health Organization 800,000 people dies annually from Suicide and it is the 2nd leading cause of death between 15 – 29 year olds. It is estimated that for every completed suicides there are 25 attempted suicides.
If you are a loved one have at least 3 of the following symptoms, you might have a form of depression:
Loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities.
Insomnia or sleeping too much.
Isolation
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Overeating
Self-loathing
Feeling that you have let people down.
Difficulty concentrating
Risky or Reckless behaviors
Feelings of Hopelessness or despair
Wishing you were dead or thoughts of suicide.
If you suspect that you are suffering from depression, you are not alone. Please reach out to us for help. I can help you to realize that no matter how hopeless things feel at the moment, feelings are not permanent. We can work together on a Safety plan that will help you better cope when you feel hopeless, and to know when you need more help.
If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Crisis Text Line: TEXT HOME TO 741741.
Having suicidal thoughts?
Having suicidal thoughts?
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
During assessments, I will at some point ask, "Do you have a wish to be dead or thoughts of hurting yourself?" It can be very disconcerting to see a patient hesitate to answer. I've seen this reaction numerous times, and what I hear is, "I'm afraid to tell you because I know you will send me to the hospital."
Yes it is true that as a licensed professional we are mandated to report if we suspect that someone is at risk to hurt themselves or someone else, but as a trained professional I know that thoughts alone are not an indicator of a potential suicide threat. There are risks and protective factors. I have not trouble taking the steps to have someone hospitalized if it is necessary, but I find that If I am working with a client who is honest and willing to work on and adhere to a safety plan, I can usually treat that person without having to hospitalize them.
What is a Safety Plan?
A safety plan is a plan that collaboration between myself and my client that results in a kind of personalized instruction sheet that the client can use when they are approaching a potential crisis. It empowers the patient to recognize signs that a crisis might be coming , coping strategies that you can use, people or resources that you can reach out to , ways to make your environment safe, and reminders of what you have worth living for.
Safety plans work because they build on the individual's strengths and empowers them to cope with the situation. If you find that you have feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of hurting yourself, please contact me and lets work together to find your hope again.