Common symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief

Depression, anxiety, grief, relationship problems …  difficult but unavoidable, a part of life.  Often, we get past pain and disappointment – we grow – without outside help.  But sometimes, the difficulties persist, causing unhappiness to ourselves and others.  This can happen when current circumstances stir up unresolved or conflicting feelings of which we are not consciously aware.  Psychotherapy can help individuals understand hidden aspects of themselves.

I might be able to help if you:

• experience difficulty making or sustaining relationships or are repeatedly drawn into unhappy partnerships
• find it hard to come to terms with a life change such as leaving home, relationship loss (for whatever reason), a change in physical health, marital or economic status, or place of residence
• lost a loved one, recently or long ago, and are feeling stuck in your grieving process
• feel anxious and sometimes unable to cope
• experience an underlying sense of sadness or dissatisfaction
• lack confidence or feel you are not adequately fulfilling your potential
• experience conflict as a result of being bicultural, or living in a culture other than your family’s
• are experiencing doubt and conflict about something you don't wish to discuss with people you know

The following symptoms checklists are intended for personal screening purposes only and make no claim as to accurate diagnosis any mental or emotional disorder.  If any of these conditions seem overwhelming or persist for longer than a few months, you might find psychotherapy or grief counseling helpful.

Depression. Depression is extremely common, affecting up to twenty percent of the population at some point during their life span. It is relatively easily treatable with up to eighty percent of those treated reporting significant improvement.

Symptoms include:

1. Feeling sad, empty, tearful, and/or hopeless.
2. Lack of interest and pleasure in most activities
3. Significant increase or decrease in apetite
4. Sleeping too much or not enough
5. Feeling agitated or slowed down
6. Spending too much time in bed and/or isolating
7. Lack of energy
8. Feeling worthless or guilty
9. Difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions
10. Thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide
11. Preoccupation with death

Anxiety. Anxiety is an unpleasant affect with both physiological and psychological symptoms.

Physiological symptoms include:

1. rapid shallow breathing, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
2. increased heart rate
3. muscle tension, sweating, trembling
4. abdominal distress

Psychological and emotional symptoms include:

1. feelings of dread, impending doom, powerlessness
2. hypervigilance and alarm
3. excessive worry about things in general
4. a sense of doubt, vagueness or subjectivity about the nature of the threat
5. excessive fear of or discomfort in social situations
6. avoiding social or performance situations for fear of embarrassment

Grief. It is never easy to deal with the emotions associated with losing a loved one.  Having a strong support system is very helpful during these difficult times.  Grief and loss can result in feelings of sorrow, confusion, guilt, anger, depression, and other strong emotions. Sometimes an unresolved grief from long ago may cause problems during a stressful time.

Some other possible feelings after the death (or loss, for whatever reason) of someone close to you may include:

1. numbness and shock
2. trouble eating or sleeping
3. tightness in the throat and chest
4. lack of energy
5. difficulty breathing