MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)
Individuals with MDD experience either loss of interest in pleasurable activities and/or persistent sadness for at least two weeks. Almost 15% of U.S. adults report that they experienced a major depressive episode at some point in their lives. Typical symptoms of MDD include fatigue, concentration difficulties, feelings of hopelessness, thoughts of death or dying, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. However, individuals with MDD can endorse numerous additional symptoms including anxiety, physical pain, and extreme social sensitivity. It is common to develop depression secondary to a severe anxiety disorder. Common symptoms of depression seen in children are irritability/aggression, social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and poor school performance.
Before seeing Taylor, I was struggling with OCD behavior, compulsive exercise, and learning how to cope with my past in a healthy way. He was very patient, understanding, and non-judgmental, which allowed me to uncover problems that were essentially being pushed aside. I used to get uncomfortable and self-conscious about discussing certain things that happened when I was younger, but the environment that he creates is very welcoming and I felt at ease when memories came to mind. He also asked me…