Clinical depression is more than just feeling "blue" occasionally. It is a serious condition that affects a person's mind, body, and spirit, impacting every aspect of their life. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting almost 10% of the population each year.

Here are some symptoms of depression:

• Feeling depressed most of the day, especially in the morning

• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much almost every day

• Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day

• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

• Restlessness or feeling slowed down

• Significant weight loss or weight gain

If you feel you are suffering from depression, you may experience some, but not all, of these symptoms. It's also important to note that depression can manifest in different ways, such as irritability in adolescents.

The most important thing to remember is that depression is a treatable illness. At Maesk Counseling, we can diagnose and effectively treat depression. We can also arrange a medication evaluation for patients who may benefit from psychiatric medication. Your first step is to schedule a diagnostic assessment with Maesk Counseling. After the assessment, we will develop a personalized Plan of Care to address your unique situation. We understand that everyone is different, and your Plan of Care will be tailored to you.