Cary Terra, LMFT

Terra Therapy provides therapy for individuals living with depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. Techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy, a research-based intervention which enables clients to identify faulty thought patterns and change them, which can provide concrete relief from unhealthy patterns and painful emotions.

Wondering if you might be clinically depressed? Here are some common indicators:

• Do you feel sad or irritable most of the day—nearly every day?
• Have you noticed a loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex, or being with friends) most of the day—nearly every day?
• Have you had a sudden change in weight (weight loss without dieting, gaining more than 5% of body weight in 1 month), or a change in appetite?
• Are you experiencing an inability to sleep or are you sleeping too much, nearly every day?
• Have others noticed you seem agitated or restless nearly every day?
• Do you feel constantly fatigued or a loss of energy nearly every day?
• Do you experience frequent feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt nearly every day?
• Do you have difficulty concentrating or making decisions nearly every day?
• Are you experiencing frequent thoughts of death or suicide?

If you answered “yes” to 5 or more of these questions, you may be suffering from depression which requires treatment. If symptoms are causing you significant distress, or are impairing your ability to function, seek treatment now. I am available throughout the week and offer many time slots for adults with varying schedules. If I cannot accommodate you, I can provide you with referrals for other excellent San Diego therapists.

Remember, depression is not the same for everyone.

You don't need to experience all of the signs and symptoms listed above to be diagnosed with depression. Symptoms will also vary from person to person. For instance, compared with depressed men, depressed women are more likely to experience guilt, weight gain, anxiety, eating disorders, or increased sleep. Depressed older adults tend to experience persistent sadness or “empty” moods. Medications such as Provigil, Lexapro and Prozac are commonly prescribed for depression. I work closely with excellent psychiatrists in San Diego if medication is indicated.

It is important to remember that depression is a medical condition like any other. And, just as there are treatments for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, there are treatment options available for depression.

Many adults diagnosed with depression actually suffer from a form of bipolar disorder which presents as mostly depressed moods with some episodes of high activity and anxiety or “hypomanic” episodes. Adults with bipolar face serious challenges in managing not only their moods, but their sense of self. Terra Therapy offers comprehensive support and collaboration with other health professionals to enable clients to maximize stability without compromising energy and vitality.

 

If you have concerns about your mood, don’t hesitate to call – I offer a free, 10-minute phone consultation and can help you determine if therapy may help you gain clarity and improve your day-to-day sense of groundedness and peace.