Depression
Depressed Cognitions (thoughts)
- “I’m a loser.”
- “It’s all my fault.”
- “Things will always be this bad.”
- “Nothing good ever happens.”
- “People would be better off without me.”
Depressed Feelings
- Sad
- Irritable
- Overwhelmed
- Disappointed
- Indecisive
- Difficulty concentrating
Depressed Behaviors
- Withdrawal from family or close friends
- Not going out
- Stopped participating in enjoyable activities
- Increased alcohol usage
- Difficulty getting things done
- Not taking care of self daily (bathing, changing clothes, brushing teeth, etc)
Depressed Body Functions
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Loss of/change in appetite
- Feeling exhausted all the time
- Weight gain or loss
- Headaches or stomach and body pains
Treatment Options
Neurofeedback
The left frontal area of the brain is involved in positive emotion and the right frontal area is involved in negative emotion. EEG studies have shown that depressed clients have excess slow-wave (alpha) activity in the left frontal area which leads to diminished positive emotion. Too much left frontal alpha is associated with symptoms of sadness, decreased motivation and energy along with difficulty concentrating. Neurofeedback can be used to train the brain to decrease the amount of alpha waves in the left frontal lobe and diminish these symptoms.
Counseling
Bloomington Neurofeedback employs many different evidence-based treatments which can be effective for a client suffering with recurring depression. Through a caring and safe relationship, the client will learn to understand themselves better. Therapy will facilitate learning new strategies for dealing with difficulties in life and to help decrease the symptoms of depression.