Casa Corner: New counseling program focuses on depression

Last month, I took you on a virtual tour of the many programs you can participate in at the Casa Community Center at Casa de Esperanza. I heard from a number of you that I dispelled some of the myths you had about Casa, and several of you signed up for a tour the next day.

But we have a very important program that I can’t “show” visitors when I lead tours, and I want you to know more about it.

Casa’s counseling programs are unique in Green Valley. These services include individual, group and family counseling. And now we have a brand-new depression screening program.

What I’d like to focus on today is Pathways Out of Depression—our new depression screening program where you can learn something about yourself, and get help quickly and easily. Depression is treatable.

I could introduce you to Sage Bergstrom, our clinical director, and to the other Casa counselors. But on a tour we can hardly sit in on confidential client conversations. What I can do is give you some idea about what those conversations are all about. You might very well recognize yourself or your friends, and learn how to make use of these services.

Common Roots of Depression

Did you know that according to a 2007 University of Arizona study 19 percent of our community reports loneliness and 20 percent sadness/depression? Depression is common in a retirement community because many factors can encroach on enjoying life. I’ll wager that many Green Valley readers relate to these experiences that can lead to stress and then perhaps to depression:

Loss of a spouse or friends

Failing health or becoming a caregiver

Overuse of alcohol or prescription drugs

Financial difficulties

Loss of transportation

The dislocation of relocation

Depression Screening

Depression does not have to be a part of aging. Feeling “down” temporarily and in times of sadness and grief are normal. But the persistence of sadness or feeling numb for more than two weeks, in a way that interferes with your everyday life, is not normal. You can do something about this.

If you are experiencing some or all of the feelings of depression and haven’t known where to turn, turn to Casa.

Our screening process will take a good look at the areas where you are having problems and then focus on your strengths. It’s not scary. Over two to three meetings you can talk things over with a professional who will give you written recommendations for action. Best of all there is no direct charge to you for this service.

Our goal is to help you feel better and enjoy your life more. Call 625-2273 and ask for information about Casa’s free Depression Screening.

Casa de Esperanza: Connecting People to a Better Life

Tours of Casa are held the first and third Thursday of every month. Please call for a reservation.

What does depression look like?

A person with depression might have some or all of these experiences:

An empty or sad mood

No interest in previously enjoyable activities

Weight gain or loss, decrease in appetite

Inability to sleep, or sleeping too much

Irritability or restlessness

Fatigue or no energy

Feeling worthless, hopeless or guilty

Inability to concentrate or think

Thinking about death

Recurrent thoughts about suicide