February 2008

In this newsletter:

1) Fast Help: Teenage Depression
2) Therapist Q&A
3) Reading Recommendations — NEW SECTION!!
4) Clinic Announcements

1) Teenage Depression

Teenage depression is a real concern which affects teenagers of all cultures and socioeconomic groups. Teenagers (and children), can and experience depression in the same ways adults do. However, it is often more difficult for them to be able to express their feelings than it is for adults. Teenagers might fear that they will be looked upon as different or feel that others will not understand them. Life can be complicated at this age as teenagers are beginning to understand who they are as they come into young adulthood. This is why it is important for adults to recognize the warning signs of teenage depression. Common warning signs are:

*decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
*appearing sad or tearful
*relationship difficulties or social isolation
*appearing angry or resentful
*feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
*physical complaints
*abuses of either alcohol or drugs
*problems with appetite, sleep, or concentration
*decreased academic performance or failing grades
*thoughts or threats of self-harm or suicide

If any of these symptoms are present with your teen, it is very important to talk to him or her. Be understanding, and listen without judging. This will allow him or her to open up without feeling he or she will be punished for sharing with you. Encourage your teen to talk with a professional who can help sort out feelings, make sense of what is going on, and work on solutions to problems that are causing the symptoms. If your teen has expressed a threat of harm to him or herself, do not take chances: Seek immediate medical or psychological help. We are available to consult with you should you have any concerns regarding your teenager.

2) Therapist Q&A: Overspending

I have found myself overspending in times of stress. Can you talk about potential causes of this?

The answer would depend on what is causing your stress. People deal with stress in different ways. Many people cope with stress in unhealthy ways such as overspending, overeating, using alcohol or drugs, or being aggressive. Others may proactively take care of themselves through proper diet and exercise, as well as taking part in healthy relationships and effective communication. What also should be determined, however, is the extent of spending. A professional assessment would determine whether or not an addiction is present. Overspending can be highly destructive, not only to your credit but to your relationships, and cause guilt and other emotional hardships. It’s vital to uncover the underlying problem that is contributing to the habit of overspending.
A quick self assessment regarding spending behaviors can be found at: spending assessment

You should also consider professional intervention to accurately assist you in this endeavor.

If you have a question you'd like us to address in upcoming newsletters, please send your question to cpa@wi.rr.com. Your confidentiality will be maintained.

3) Reading Recommendations

We are pleased to announce a new section to our monthly e-newsletter. We will be sharing some readings we recommend as therapists that clients have found helpful. Additionally we welcome the titles and authors of any appropriate books you have found to be particularly useful. We may then share them in this newsletter and on our website (your name will be withheld for confidentiality purposes). If you have a book you'd like to share, please send the title, author, and a brief description to cpa@wi.rr.com.

With that said, we would like to introduce the first of our reading recommendations.

Dr. Hamilton recommends:

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne, Ph.D.
With anxiety so pervasive, this book is the perfect adjunct to therapy. Virtually every client that has used this book has noted its simple and effective techniques. This comprehensive book addresses all kinds of anxieties and is a tremendous resource.

The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns, M.D.
This is the first book I recommend to clients who are battling depression. The main focus of the book is identifying and exposing thought distortions, largely believed to lead to depressive moods. Clients note that this book is also easy to use and understand.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Deviating from my first two more technical titles, I personally found this book to be life changing. A non-fiction read, this book is about a grown man who goes back to interview his beloved dying college professor. A question I often ask in therapy is, "Let's pretend you're 70-years-old, and we happen to cross paths again. Tell me about your life. Are you content and satisfied with how you lived it? What changes can we make in the here-and-now to ensure that you can answer that question satisfactorily when you are 70?" This powerful book can help lead the way through the eyes of a man reflecting on his life.

The Gift of Peace by Joseph Cardinal Bernadin
The late archbishop of Chicago penned this book during his battle with cancer. In a society where we are so life affirming and death denying, this book can help provide peace for someone who is facing end-of-life issues or is struggling with a loved one’s death. The author is a Catholic bishop and the book is clearly influenced by that, but most readers can learn many things from this man's journey toward death.

4) Clinic News

We are accepting new clients at this time. If you know anyone who you think would benefit from counseling or a consultation with us, please have him or her give us a call. We thank you in advance for any referrals you provide.