depression

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Prolonged Grief Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

When loss occurs, acute grief is the result.  The process of mourning the loss takes time but eventually leads to a state of integrated grief, where the loss still stings but one is adjusted to the loss in a healthy way.  When this adaptation does not happen, complicated grief can occur and higher levels of professional help may be needed.  Grief Counselors who are not licensed counselors can help with the acute grief phase, but if one finds themselves falling into complicated grief, then they should seek licensed counseling.  Some licensed counselors may also be Grief Certified, which is even better.

Prolonged Grief Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are different but closely related. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

Prolonged grief disorder persists and sometimes can be confused with major depressive disorder.  It takes a very astute clinician to watch the details and understand the how one can easily fall into the other.

The article, “Bereavement and Depression” by Abigale Clark looks closer at grief, loss and depression.  She states,

“Clinicians must carefully distinguish between grief, PGD, and MDD. A disorder that can occur when the natural grieving process is derailed, PGD is a painful and debilitating condition that can last for years in the absence of PGD-focused treatment. For PGD, the treatment of choice is either providing evidence-based PGD therapy or making a referral to a grief specialist. The aim is to provide support for healthy lifestyle and activities while also treating potential co-occuring conditions. If a bereavement specialist is not available, grief-informed clinical management can be enormously helpful.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a grief counselor.

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Helping Depressed Family and Friends

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Not everyone needs to be a licensed counselor or a certified grief counselor to help individuals suffering from grief, loss or depression.  Family members sometimes are the first line of defense in spotting different behavior.  Family can listen and help by validating the loss and grief and listening to the problems expressed.

Family and friends are the first to identify a depressed friend. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

There are an array of things that should and not should be said and this is why it is important to understand grief and depression.  Words that validate the loss and offer help instead of judgement are key in helping a family member through grief.  Also, openness regarding suicidal thoughts and asking a family member how bad they feel and if those thoughts have entered their mind.  Knowing what to look for and the right questions to ask can save a life.

The article, “How to talk to friends or family struggling with depression” by Dr Yalda Safai looks at how friends and family can better talk with depressed family and friends.  She states,

“For those whose loved ones are battling depression, remember that your reaction to their suffering matters. Being uncomfortable for a few minutes or hours is worth it if it saves a life. You can’t cure the person’s depression, but your moral support can do wonders.  When faced with this situation, there are a few things you can do to help.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Pregnancy and Depression

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy is not uncommon for women.  Many women suffer from this due to the many physical, emotional and mental changes that occur, especially the chemical changes within the body.  It is not something to be ashamed of or not spoken but addressed.

Many women face depression during pregnancy. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “Addressing Taboo Topics: Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy” by Elle Kehres looks at this issue that some women face during pregnancy.  She states,

“Depression that occurs during pregnancy, or within a year after delivery, is called Perinatal Depression. While many women have a variety of mood symptoms in the aftermath of delivery, Kimmel said 80 percent of women feel Postpartum Blues or “Baby Blues” for a short time. However, these symptoms usually subside one to three weeks after delivery and should not be mistaken for Postpartum Depression.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification.  Qualified professionals can apply and earn a four year certification.  The program is online and independent study.

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Depression and Self

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Depression can encompass the entire self.  Eventually, a person sees themselves described as a depressed person. They are seen as an “eyeore” type personality.  One cannot be defined by depression and allow their personality to be defined as it but they need to receive the help they need to better cope and regain their identity.  How one feels should not define who one is.

Depression can overtake one’s identity. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

The article, “Depression Is the Ultimate Identity Thief” by Dr Michael Friedman looks at identity and depression.  He states,

“We start to lose faith in ourselves and our identity becomes connected with depression. We think of ourselves as a “depressed person” rather than someone who suffers from depression. Add to that the fact that our social relationships and work performance suffers and we assume that we are “not good at relationships” or “not a strong performer.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online, independent study and open to qualified professionals.

 

Grief Counseling Training Article on Depression and Physical Health

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Depression is a mental state but like so many mental states, it can affect our physical state as well.  The body and mind are tied together and stress, anxiety, and depression can negatively affect one’s overall health.  Depression has many negative side effects over time and it is important to understand how depression affects physical health and why it is important to get help.

Depression is a serious condition that not only affects the mental side of us but also the physical. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

The article, “Sick from Depression? It’s Not All in Your Head” by the health experts at Healthline discusses how depression can negatively affect the body.  The article states,

“Depression isn’t just in your head. It can affect your entire life, body and all. If you think you’re depressed just remember: You’re not alone. There are tons of resources that will help your mind and body feel better soon”

To read the entire article, please click here

Depression can play a dangerous role in one’s physical health in almost every system of our body.  It is important to remember that depression is a serious mental condition.  It does not mean you are weak or that it is all in your head.  It is important to treat depression as any other illness.  Your mental but also your physical well being depend on it

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Depression and Over Sleeping

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Atypical depression can cause a over sleeping.  Atypical depression is an ongoing depression, where a person may not even realize they are depressed because an event or surprise can temporarily lull them out of it, but it still nonetheless persists.  Many who experience this type of depression will over sleep.

Oversleeping can be a sign of depression. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals

 

Oversleeping is a symptom of depression because it is a way one tries to cope with the sadness.  One will feel they have nothing to look forward to so they turn to sleep as a way to escape reality.

The article, “What You Should Know About the Relationship Between Oversleeping and Depression” from Cleveland Clinic’s Health Essentials looks at the correlation between oversleeping and depression.  The article states,

“While oversleeping can be a symptom of atypical depression, there are different factors that also contribute to it. “When someone is depressed, it can be because they sleep as a form of escape,” says Dr. Drerup. “They may be thinking, ‘I don’t have anything to look forward to so why do I even start the day?’’

To learn more, please review the entire article and click here

Please also review the American Academy of Grief’s, Grief Counseling Certification.  The program is offered to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.  The program is online and independent study.  Please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

 

Grief Counseling Certification Program Article on the Types of Depression

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Depression can have many origins.  It is deeper than mere loss but a prolonged and unhealthy response to loss, or no loss at all.  Depression can be triggered by an event or loss but it can also merely exist within someone due to chemical and biological factors, or psychological factors.

One may find themselves in deep depression and should seek help.  Medical professionals, clinical counselors with specialties in grief counseling can also help.  Others who are only certified in grief counseling can direct depressed individuals to proper professional care.

Depression can have many origins that are external and internal. Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it meets your professional goals

 

The article, “Four Types of Depression” looks at the various types of why people can be depressed.  Dr John Cottone takes a closer look in his article and explains these types of depression. He states,

“Virtually everyone has some experience with depression; however, the term “depression” has so many different meanings that confusion and invalidation often result when laypersons talk about their experiences. To address this problem, I have created a simple schema, based on my work with patients and my own personal experiences, to help people understand each other better when talking about depression. ”

Hence depression is a multi layered phenomenon that sometimes has a cause and other times has no direct correlation with an event but only self.  To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Types of Depression

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Depression is a chronic state of perpetual sadness.  Some forms of depression are acutely caused and temporary while other forms have no real reason and can last for months upon months or reoccur.

Depression is a far more serious state than normal grief reaction.  Normal grief reaction results from loss in some form.  It proceeds through a series of responses that can go in a particular order or not.  Various emotions can skip out of the so called order of denial, anger, bargaining, mourning and acceptance.  In fact, normal grief reactions can also have extreme oscillations and reversals to previous states.  None of this constitutes depression necessarily.  Grief itself is a natural reaction to loss and is not a pathology.  Sadness over loss even years after does not designate depression, but the inability to escape continual acute emotional pain and ability to adjust to new life does.

Depression can have a direct cause or no cause. It is important to find help. Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification

 

Depression though results in a variety of complications that prevent a normal grief reaction.  Sudden or extreme losses can cause depression, as well as, situations surrounding the loss itself.  Some losses are so extreme or the situations so gruesome that it can shake the very fabric of the individual’s life narrative.  These reactions can lead to later complications in the grief response and prevent adaption to the loss.

Depression hence can be caused due to external issues but it can also be internal.  Depression sometimes may have no true cause or loss correlated with it.

The article, “Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. There are several different types of depression.” by Jane Leonard looks at the different types of depression and their symptoms.  She states,

“Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. There are several different types of depression.  People with depression experience distinct periods — lasting at least 2 weeks — of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in things that they once enjoyed. People sometimes refer to these periods as depressive episodes.”

To read the entire article on depression, please click here

It is important to realize that simply certified grief counselors without any type of counseling license cannot treat depression.  They can help with others in overcoming the pains of grief but they cannot treat depression.  Individuals who are licensed and also obtain a certification in Grief Counseling have the ability to utilize their skills to treat both, natural grief and complications in grief.  This does not mean certified grief counselors do not play an important role.  Those who are only certified but not licensed as counselors, can still help others overcome loss and possibly identify signs of grief complication.  They can serve as front line soldiers in helping others find the help they need in overcoming depression.

Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and is open to qualified professionals seeking certification.