By Giggles Anderson
By all accounts, there is a big difference between sadness and depression. Every potential patient is certain they can identify their own symptoms. Few people, regardless of their ability to properly diagnose themselves, actually seek professional mental health treatment. Additionally, there is a shortage of competent, affordable therapists with schedules that are accessible to the working poor. As a result, many self-medicating citizens carry their painful burdens in silence and shame.
Everyone experiences melancholy at one point or another in life. The melancholy might be a response to death or loss. It is imperative to take notice of the length of time it takes to get back to a normal life, whatever that might be. Too much time spent wallowing in misery might be a sign of a chemical imbalance in the brain. In the event of a chemical imbalance, pharmacological intervention may be necessary to restore one's quality of life.
Medication is not the answer for every person who is experiencing mood issues. Many people can benefit from talk therapy. Finding a safe place in a professional's office to share confidential information can do wonders for the soul. Laying down the burden of one's past or worries about the future is the solution that allows many to return to a happier place. Seeking help is the first step in discovering what type of intervention will be most useful.
Cognitive behavior therapy is for those whose lifestyles create unhappiness and despair. To clarify, some people have been wired for chaos, sadness and madness and need a professional to help shift their response patterns. One must choose happiness and make choices on a daily basis that support a movement away from negative influences. These influences might be an abusive partner, gang membership or any chaos causing situation. The difficulty lies in acknowledging there is a lifestyle problem and ferreting out whats or who trigger moods that are undesirable.
The state of mental health is a multifaceted problem with no real solution in sight. Even if every single facility in America was fully-funded, which they are not, there is no guarantee that those in need would step forward. There is still a great deal of shame and stigma attached to psychiatry and psychology. Most would rather self-medicate with alcohol, sex, food, or drugs before seeking professional advice. Sadly, the people who are ready for therapy can not afford to miss work nor to spare the money to pay for mental health services.
Feeling depressed? Get help at:
Community Health of South Florida
Doris Ison Health Center
10300 S.W. 216th Street
Miami,FL 33190
(305)253-5100
hours of operation:
8:30am - 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
closed - Saturday & Sunday
Coconut Grove Health Center
3831 Grand Avenue
Miami FL 33133
(786) 245-2700
hours of operation:
8:30am - 5:00pm (Mon)
8:30am- 7:00pm (Tue)
8:30am-5:00pm (Wed)
8:30am-7:00pm (Thu)
8:30am-5:00pm (Fri)
8:30am-12:30pm (Sat)closed - Sunday
Click here for additional locations.
