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Depression

The Difference Between Sadness and Depression | Delray Beach, FL

There is a decisive difference between sadness and depression, but the two are often misconstrued and mixed up. About one in every 15 adults will be adversely affected by depression each year with obstacles such as Covid-19 tipping the scale.

Feelings of sadness occur when we lose something we need and care about such as a job or a partner. It is often associated with the loss of some aspect of one’s identity (e.g., a job, a personal relationship, the end of a life state). Feeling sad is a natural response to unfavorable circumstances and loss. Clinical depression on the other hand negatively affects how you think, feel, and act. Fortunately, feelings of sadness will pass in time, and depression is treatable.

If you are still wondering how to classify the way you are or have been feeling, here are some symptoms of depression to be aware of.

  • Feeling down or low for no apparent reason, lasting a week or two or longer.
  • Losing interest in the activities you enjoy.
  • Experience a change in appetite leading to weight gain or loss.
  • Have difficulty sleeping or experience the desire to sleep all day.
  • Feeling worn out or fatigued.
  • Feelings of guilt or unworthiness.
  • Having difficulty thinking, keeping focused, or making decisions.
  • Thinking about death or contemplating suicide.

It’s important to remember that life ebbs and flows, and that whether you are sad or depressed, there are several ways to overcome these feelings. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT is an evidence-based psychological treatment for clinical depression. When antidepressant medication is needed, combining medication and CBT can increase the effectiveness of both treatments. CBT teaches coping skills while meds alone do not. Often hypnotherapy can enhance the effectiveness of both of the above treatments. 

If you would like to learn more about my practice or would like to schedule a free consultation appointment, visit us online or call our office today at (561) 377-1039.

Dr. Eimer proudly serves patients in West Pam Beach, Wellington, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and surrounding areas.

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Depression

How Hypnosis can Help with Depression| Boca Raton

Life during covid-19 pandemic. Portrait of stressed stylish woman in blue blouse with medical mask outdoors on the city street.

If you experience persistent feelings of dejection, that your energy is depleted, you don’t take joy in your day or social interactions, or your thinking patterns have become less positive than normal, these are all signs you may be suffering from depression.

Depression impacts your life beyond your mental state. Remaining in a persistent depressive state can begin to impact restorative sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, daily behavior, and self-esteem. Each of these can spiral into cyclical loops that ultimately deteriorate your ability to function in general, let alone at a high level to keep up with your peers. Over time, these symptoms which may not seem like a big deal can have serious repercussions on every area of your life.

It’s important to recognize these warning signs and seek solutions before they get out of control. I believe depression is best treated in a multimodal manner, meaning that one form of intervention may not address all the elements contributing to the way you feel. Diving into the behavioral, sensory, cognitive, social, and interpersonal reasons why you feel depressed will work to address the things drugs alone will never be able to. Through my hypnosis techniques, we can work through the different areas of your human experience that contribute to your depressive state.

For 30 years, I have helped thousands of patients who suffered from depression get relief and lead more fulfilling lives. If you would like to learn more about this practice or would like to schedule a free consultation appointment, visit us online or call our office today at (561) 377-1039.

I proudly serve patients in and around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and surrounding areas.

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Articles Depression Stress

COVID Fatigue | Boca Raton, FL

It has been a year since Covid-19 invaded 2020 and changed life as we knew it. By now, most people are suffering from COVID Fatigue. In fact, it has given rise to what I term Covid Fatigue Syndrome or CFS. The symptoms include boredom, anxiety, depression, anger, impatience, irritability, and impulsiveness. Many people feel like they can no longer wait to get out of COVID prison. People want out. People want to end the social isolation. This is understandable. However, we still need to be careful. Covid is no picnic. I went through it. You still need to take precautions. The consequences of carelessness can be devastating. Sometimes having someone to talk with who is an empathic listener with a solution-oriented mindset can help. If you are clinically depressed, brief solution-focused therapy can often help alleviate the depression. You could benefit from seeing a clinical psychologist to evaluate your depression. I am here to help. Call me at 561-377-1039 to schedule a free consultation. 

If you would like more information about Covid Fatigue Syndrome, call Dr. Bruce Eimer in Boca Raton, FL at 561-377-1039 or visit www.bruceeimer.com.

Dr. Eimer proudly serves Boca Raton and all surrounding areas.

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Depression Meditation Stress Uncategorized

Am I Depressed or Just Sad?

Many people looking for a licensed psychologist in the Delray Beach/Boca Raton area contact me because they are struggling with depression. Some are not sure what the problem is, they just know something is wrong. Others are familiar with the diagnosis of clinical depression and are interested in exploring the idea of hypnosis treatment for their depression.

If you think you might be depressed, you are not alone.  Estimates are that about one in every 15 adults will be affected by depression in any average year – and since this year is turning out to be anything but average – it wouldn’t be surprising to see those numbers grow.

It’s important to note, however, that being sad or feeling depressed about something – like the loss of a job as a result of Covid-19 – is not the same as having a diagnosis of clinical depression. If you lost your job or are worried about a loved one who might have been exposed to the virus, it would be only natural for you to be feeling down and/or scared. We all experience feelings of sadness; it’s a natural response when life serves up lemons, or when there is a lot of uncertainty as there has been as a result of COVID-19.

Symptoms of Depression

With clinical depression, you might be feeling down for no reason. And those feelings would last for at least two weeks, but usually longer.

Feeling sad is just one of many possible symptoms associated with depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, if you suffer from clinical depression you may:

  • Lose interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Experience changes in appetite, leading you to lose or gain weight
  • Have difficulty sleeping or may find yourself wanting to sleep all day
  • Feel worn out and fatigued
  • Feel worthless or guilty
  • Have difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide are also possible.

Don’t get discouraged! Depression is treatable. As a licensed psychologist serving Boynton Beach and Delray Beach, Dr. Bruce Eimer has extensive experience dealing with depression. If you would like information about hypnosis treatment for depression, contact us to arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation.