The first step to improving your life and overcoming depression is to recognize that you have a condition in the first place. Clinical depression is a very real condition that can have overwhelming symptoms both physical and mental. Sondra Sexton-Jones, MS, CT is the trusted licensed counselor for Juneau, AK, area residents.

She has shared the top five warning signs that you may be suffering from clinical depression, and that it’s time to seek help:

• Fatigue: One of the first symptoms people experience is a significant decrease in energy. You may start to feel that you no longer have the energy to do anything, or that you’ve lost interest in things that you once enjoyed.
• Insomnia or Needless Sleep: Yes, these are polar opposites, but everyone experiences emotional disorders differently. You may find that you regularly have difficulty sleeping, or find that it’s all you can do – you feel too tired and can’t motivate yourself to get up.
• Inexplicable Physical Symptoms: Some of the physical, unexplained symptoms that are common include pains throughout the body, cramping, headaches, or digestive issues. If you’ve been experiencing these problems persistently and your doctor can’t explain why, and treatment won’t help, it could be a result of depression.
• Binge Eating or Appetite Loss: These are opposites again, but one or the other could result from depression and the anxiety that often accompanies it.
• Suicidal Thoughts: If you’ve ever had suicidal thoughts, this is one of the most serious symptoms of depression and it should be addressed immediately. You should not attempt to overcome them on your own – individual therapy is highly recommended.

If you have experienced any of the above symptoms or feel that you need counseling for any other reason, call (907) 586-3313 to schedule an appointment with Sondra Sexton-Jones, MS, CT. She has offered a wide range of counseling services since 1989, which you can read more about online. With professional help from a licensed counselor, you can overcome your depression and take your life back into your own hands.