Counseling can provide effective relief for depression. Many people feel sad, discouraged, or "down" once in a while, but for some people, this mood does not go away. There can be a loss of interest or pleasure in life.

When these problems last two weeks or more, and are so bad that they get in the way of daily living, this is depression. A person with depression may experience emotions such as hopelessness, despair and anger. Energy levels may be low and the simple day-to-day tasks may seem overwhelming. There may be feelings of guilt, worthlessness, thoughts of suicide or helplessness, difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions.

In counseling you will learn why depression is not simply sadness. Most people who have not had depression do not completely understand its effects. Instead, they see it as simply being sad. Since it is not understood, many people with depression are criticized by others for not helping themselves. That is not useful. People who suffer from depression should have professional help. Depression that is not treated may get worse.