Depression is a common complaint these days. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 12.7 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 12 have taken antidepressants. What if clinical depression isn’t always the problem? What if it’s something else?

Licensed Professional Counselor Meg Deak often sees people who claim they are depressed. However, a little investigation shows that what they are really experiencing is unresolved grief. The sadness that comes with loss is depressing. Losing a loved one, a pet, a job, a dream and many other things can sadden us. What we often fail to do is take the time to grieve.

It’s common to hear people say they are too busy to let themselves feel but ignoring or suppressing our feelings is unhealthy. They will resurface at some point, possibly in the form of an illness. Anger is another emotion that can feel depressing. An old-school definition of depression is “anger turned inside.” When expressing anger is not allowed, it feels unsafe to do it. Without the proper outlet, uncomfortable feelings bring us down.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) offer a simple way to manage anger and depressing feelings. Deak will be teaching EFT on from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November 10, at Twin Ponds Integrative Health Center, in Breinigsville.

Location: 628 Twin Ponds Rd. For more information or to RSVP (required), call 610-504-4830.