There are several types of depressive disorders

1. Major depressive disorder, or major depression: Major depression is disabling and includes a combination of symptoms that prevent a person from functioning normally and interfere with the ability to work, eat, sleep, and enjoy activities that were once-pleasurable. Some people only experience one episode and others experience multiple episodes.
   
2. Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia: The symptoms of dysthymia persist for two years or longer. They may not be severe enough to be disabling, but can prevent normal functioning or prevent a person from feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression.
3. Minor depression: The symptoms of minor depression last for 2 weeks or longer and do not meet full criteria for major depression. Without treatment, minor depression can develop into major depression.

Depression Statistics

• It is estimated that 1 out of every 33 children suffer from some symptoms of depression
• Likewise, 1 out of 8, or 12.5% of teenagers suffer
• Among adults 18 and over there are approximately 14.8 million Americans suffering in any given year.
• Although men and woman both suffer from depression, it is more common in woman. In fact, females were more likely to be diagnosed than men by 20.2% vs. 8.2%
• As far as ethnicity, non-Hispanic whites are the most common group to suffer from symptoms.
• In adults ages 15-44, depression is the leading cause of disability.
• They type of depression that occurs most often is major depressive disorder.
• Some estimates show that depression will be the second leading illness by the year 2020
• People between the ages 10-24, should be watched especially close if they are suffering from depression because suicide is the third leading cause of death.
• It is estimated that only about 10% of people suffering from depression ever seek treatment.
• Alcohol and depression have a close correlation. Estimates show that as much as 40% of people who abuse alcohol suffer from depressive symptoms. Likewise 5%-10% of people who suffer from depression abuse alcohol.
• Different Forms of depression include; Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic disorder, Minor Depression, Postpartum Depression, Psychotic Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD), Bipolar Disorder
• Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, often accompany depression
• Depression also may occur with other serious medical illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians

Sources:

1. CDC – Anxiety and Depression – http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsBRFSSDepressionAnxiety
2. Livestrong.com – Depression Facts and Figures – http://www.livestrong.com/article/169031-depression-facts-figures
3. WebMD – What is Depression? http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/what-is-depression
4.  DepressionGuide.com – http://www.depression-guide.com
5. National Institute of Mental Health- http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-different-forms-of-depression.shtml

Grief:  Coping With Loss

Grief is the normal and natural emotional reaction to loss of any kind. The loss can be physical (such as death), social (such as divorce), or occupational (such as the loss of one’s job).

The Emotional Reactions of Grief Can Include:

• Sadness Anger
• Despair Frustration
• Anxiety Guilt / Regret
• Shock Emotional Numbness

The Physical Reactions of Grief Can Include:

• Sleeping Problems
• Changes in Appetite
• Illness or Physical Problems

Grief Statistics:

• 85% of individuals indicated that their decision-making ranked from very poor to fair in the weeks or months following the grief incident that affected them. (Grief Recovery Institute Educational Foundation, Inc. 2003)
• Grief can also be understood as the conflicting feelings caused by the end of a change in a familiar pattern of behavior.
• When we lose someone important to us, it represents an end to what has been familiar for us and we must be able to adapt to that new- usually unwanted reality.
• “Grief is an emotional experience and no matter how hard society tries to act as if sad feelings don’t exist -They Do!” (The Grief Recovery Method)

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians.

Sources:

• http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/grief.aspx
• https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/blog/2013/06/best-grief-definition-you-will-find
• http://www.hellogrief.org/physical-and-emotional-responses-to-grief/
• https://jimkoeneman.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/statistics-about-grief/

Eating Disorders

There several different types of eating disorders but the most common are:  Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia and Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

Common eating disorder signs include:

• Drastic or sudden changes in eating habits
• Drastic fluctuations of an individual's weight
• Excessive Diet
• Rigid food rules
• Becoming completely overtaken or preoccupied with food
• Having consistently negative feelings about your body
• Extreme exercise up to the point of exhaustion
• Lack of emotion or feeling depressed
• Binge Eating
• Purging

Bulimia

Bulimia tends to develop during adolescence and early adulthood. It is an eating disorder in which large quantities are consumed within a short period. This overeating is often followed by self-induced vomiting, purging or fasting. People with Bulimia may hold the belief that popularity and self-esteem are determined by weight and body shape. Bulimia Nervosa is a serious potentially life-threatening eating disorder. If you think you may have it please seek help immediately.

Statistics on Bulimia:

• 90-95% are female
• Onset = ages 16-19
• Lifetime Prevalence
• Females 1.1%
• College Women 6-8%
• Chronic, if left untreated

Anorexia

Anorexia tends to affect more women than men and tends to develop during adolescence or early adulthood. People with anorexia tend to view themselves as being overweight even if they are dangerously underweight. They tend to monitor their weight constantly, severely restrict their calories and avoid eating certain types of foods. Anorexia may cause a relentless pursuit of thinness in individuals and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight. Anorexia can be classified into two subtypes: the restricting type and the binge eating type. Anorexia can be very damaging to the body.  

Statistics on Anorexia:

• 90-95% are female

• Onset - age 13-15

• Chronic

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians.

Sources:

• https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bulimia
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders#section7

Inner Healing

So many of the things that keep us in bondage are hidden so deeply under the surface. We struggle profoundly with anxiety, fear, anger, frustration and other negative feelings, yet we find ourselves at a total loss as to why these negative emotions are there in the first place. Before we can be set free from these negative feelings we must first have the equipped eyes to see what is at the root of our problems. Here at Renew Counseling we want to help guide the hurting to the root of their pain so that they can begin their journey to inner healing.

8 signs inner healing could be meaningful

Emotional Triggers

Any time a song, movie or experience causes an emotional trigger this is a sign of an open wound. Emotional triggers include crying, withdrawal or even lashing out in anger toward others.

Overreaction

This happens when feelings are projected, regarding a deeper issue, upon something in the moment. Take a step back and make sure the response fits the situation

Holding Grudges

Difficulty forgiving someone or holding a grudge for something that happened in the past suggests the need for emotional repair. Start with forgiveness and directly confront painful feelings.

Instant Replay

A constant replay of different memories indicate a problem in the heart. These never truly go away unless given to God to permanently heal.

Insecurity

Inner wounds take a toll on confidence and cause low self-esteem. Break the bondage by breaking the silence and confronting the core problem.

Relationship Issues

People who have a hard time navigating relationships, both family members and friends, and always need to maintain a safe distance from people could be struggling with this. A certain level of vulnerability is actually healthy for relationships, when constantly avoided it’s a form of self-protection.

Bad Patterns

When a person can’t seem to break bad habits that destroy their quality of life, there’s almost always a deeper reason at work.

Depression Bouts

Mood swings and emotional ups and downs amplify the root problem. True healing can only begin through courage and a willingness to acknowledge there's an injury.

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing. Meet Our Clinicians

Sources:

• https://elijahhouse.org/pages/what-is-inner-healing
• http://www.beliefnet.com/wellness/galleries/8-signs-you-may-need-inner-healing.aspx

Life Transitions

We all go through many transitions in life- some more difficult than others i.e. moving to a new place, losing a job, ending a relationship or becoming an “empty-nester”. We know these transitions are not always ideal or easy to go through, which is why we are here to provide the counseling and support necessary to help make these difficult transitions a little bit easier for you. Our counseling will help you move through these transitions with confidence and help you build the skills necessary to face them head on.

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians.

Sources:

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201703/10-ways-make-it-through-your-life-s-transitions

Marriage Counseling

Marriage counseling can help couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts to improve their relationships. Through marriage or couples counseling you can make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding and strengthening your relationship.

Why it’s done:

Marriage counseling usually brings couples together for joint therapy sessions. Working with a counselor, you’ll learn skills to help solidify your relationship. Some couples pursue marriage counseling to strengthen their partnership or to gain a better understanding of each other. In other cases couples seek out marriage counseling to improve a troubled relationship, you can use marriage counseling to help with many varied specific issues, including:

• Communication Problems
• Sexual Difficulties
• Conflicts about child rearing
• Conflicts about blended families
• Substance Abuse
• Anger
• Infidelity

Statistics:

• The average couples waits six years before seeking help for relationship problems. (Also keep in mind that half of all marriages that end do so in the first seven years). (Amy E. Cain, LCPC. MNU)
• This means that the average couple lives with unhappiness for far too long. (Amy E. Cain, MA, LCPC. MNU)

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/marriage-counseling/about/pac-20385249

Personal Issues

Are you struggling with specific issues within your personal life or having trouble dealing with life in general? Individual counseling is a great personal opportunity to receive guidance, support and experience personal growth during challenging times in our lives. Individual therapy can prove to be an effective treatment for personal mental and emotional growth and can help individuals a new perspective into the difficult issues within their personal lives that they may be facing.

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians

Sources:

• https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/104899/personal-issue-private-issue-personal-affair-or-personal-business
• https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/finding-a-therapist-who-can-help-you-heal.htm

Trauma

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. A traumatic event is any incident experienced by a person that is perceived to be dangerous and threatens serious injury or death. It is common for people to feel greatly distressed immediately following a traumatic event. Understanding the emotions and normal responses that follow a disaster or traumatic event can help you cope with your feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Trauma induced therapy can help you process the distressing emotions and memories associated with it.

Examples of traumas that commonly affect individuals include accidents, any type of assault (physical or sexual), robbery, mugging or family violence and witnessing something horrific. The effects of traumatic events place a heavy burden on individuals-their families, and communities.

People who experience a traumatic event do not develop a mental illness however the people who are at most risk of developing one after a traumatic event are those who were prone to depression or anxiety before the event and those who feel horror and powerlessness during the event.

Facts/Statistics:

• In the United States, approximately five million children experience some form of traumatic event each year. (Childhood Trauma Academy)
• The experience of trauma is everywhere in America, 75% of Americans have experienced a traumatic event. (Add. Hope 2018).
• Studies have shown that up to 75% of individuals seeking treatment for a substance abuse disorder have been exposed to or experienced a traumatic event in their lives (SAMHSA/CSAT, 2000).

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians

Sources:

• Mental Health First Aid USA 2016 National Council for Behavioral Health
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/trauma
• https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/ptsd
• http://www.childtraumaacademy.com/surviving_childhood/lesson01/printing.html

Women’s Issues

Women's issues can pertain to any concern that might impact a women’s mental health. In our society there tends to be a tremendous amount of pressure placed on women. As females we are required to take on many different roles and sometimes the many different expectations can just get overwhelming. The issues and obstacles females face and bring to the counseling session are as unique as the individuals who come to counseling in pursuit of personal growth, wellness or answers to life’s problems. As women we often deal with many of the same issues, we each just tend to experience them in different ways. Sometimes just one or even a few meetings with one of our professionals trained in helping with women’s issues can help resolve some of the most challenging aspects of what it means to be a female in our society today. Women’s counseling/therapy is about helping you navigate issues unique to your experience as a woman.

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians

Sources:

• https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/women-issues
• https://www.allaboutcounseling.com/dir/womens-counseling/

Relational Issues

Relationships are hard work, whether it be within our marriages, between family members, with a boss or coworker or even within our friendships, and sustaining a positive, long-term relationship takes effort, dedication and lots of hard work. Often enough the demands and stresses of daily life can take a toll on even the most balanced and stable of relationships. So if you, your family or partner could use some help and guidance on issues you may be currently facing you are welcome to come see us at Renew KC for some relational, family or couples therapy.

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/marriage-counseling/about/pac-20385249
• https://www.armstrongfamilycounseling.com/overland-park-kansas-city-couples-therapy/

Support Groups

Many people find peer support to be a very helpful tool to aid in their recovery. Our support groups consist of a small assembly of people who share common experiences and concerns who can help one another by providing emotional and moral support. Our meetings can also be referred to as “group therapy” and consist of members who provide help and companionship to one another.

Eating Disorder Support Groups

At Renew KC we offer a process group for women in recovery or seeking recovery from an eating disorder. Clients with all types of eating disorders or ED histories are welcome. If eating is something that you struggle with or have a hard time controlling or if food seems to be dominating your life we encourage you to seek help. An eating disorder support group consists of men and/or women who assemble together to provide each other with various types of help regarding eating disorders. The comfort and support can consist of relating personal experiences, providing and evaluating information on eating disorders, delivering empathic understanding and forming social networks. Our eating disorder support group can be a very helpful resource to anyone who is seeking to maintain their recovery. This group is for women only, ages 18+. Please call or email if you think you may be interested!

ACT Aftercare Group/ Anxiety Support and Therapy Group

This group is designed to give individuals who already meet with a therapist on a regular basis extra support in meeting their goals. This group also provides a nice transition from Renew’s IOP program. Cheri McHenry is the licensed therapist of this group and she has several years of experience working with individuals who struggle with an array of anxiety disorders.This group will take place in the warm environment at Renew Counseling Center. Please contact Cheri McHenry, MA, LPC, NCC if this group would be of interest to you.

Call us today and begin the journey towards healing or Meet Our Clinicians

Sources:

• https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-support-group-definition-types-quiz.html
• https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery/support-groups

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a different and fun way to reach children, adolescents, transitional-age youth and adults without the stigma of talk therapy. EAP is an alternative therapeutic approach that addresses mental health concerns and everyday life challenges by teaming up with caring therapists and horses. Equine therapy often reflects clients' verbal and nonverbal strengths and incongruities while enhancing personal growth and development. This experiential, holistic approach works well with solution-focused therapy (SFT) and other evidence-based treatment modalities, e.g., ACT, EMDR, and CBT.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy