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When Dr. Celeste Owens received a breast cancer diagnosis in September 2007, she decided to practice what she preached to her clients.

"How dare I wallow in self-pity," said Owens, a psychologist who lives in Upper Marlboro. Instead, she focused on remaining joyful, content and grateful — the same advice she shares with others.

Today she's healthy and cancer free as she speaks to county residents about discovering purpose, releasing the past and focusing on wellness.

"I heard the same concerns over and over again from my clients," said Owens, who recently closed her private practice. "By speaking to the community, I can reach more than one person at a time."

During the past three years, Owens had volunteered her services to TradePrep, Daughters of Destiny and other county nonprofits to encourage teen girls, low-income women and underserved audiences. The current economic environment, however, has increased the need for broader discussions on managing sadness, depression and anxiety.

"People can't sleep," she said. "They can't stop worrying, so they don't get enough rest. That means they're tired and unmotivated, which can lead to depression."

Lack of sleep also can cause weight gain and other health issues, she added.

Despite job losses, foreclosures and other stressors, people still can enjoy life, said Owens.

"We must learn to be grateful in the moment," she said. "Appreciate what you currently have. You woke up this morning; you have a car. Even if you don't have a car, you have access to a bus. Some people don't even have that."

Crises, such as economic downturns, often reveal how people use materialism to compensate for emotional emptiness, she said.

"We might have emotional problems associated with our past that we haven't addressed," she said. "You think you're depressed about finances, but the truth is that you feel unloved or you feel like a failure."

Men and women alike have appreciated the opportunity to share their worries in a safe environment.

"People in this area are so rushed and busy, and everyone wants to look like they're doing OK," she said. "But everybody's not doing OK. These discussions allow people to put their concerns on the table and speak honestly."

Although most county residents can hear similar messages about gratitude during regular times of worship, Owens said small-group settings make her advice more meaningful.

"It's easy to hide within a congregation," Owens said. Attending a workshop with about 60 other people also banishes isolation and creates a supportive network.

As local nonprofits reach out to struggling county residents, Owens encourages other business owners to step up and volunteer.

"Just give one of the nonprofits a call and offer to help," she said. "We didn't get where we are because we're so good. Other people helped us, and we should give back to someone else."

Dr. Celeste Owens

How she makes a difference: Owens offers free classes and workshops to help county residents develop gratitude and manage depression and worry. For information on her workshops, go to www.drcelesteowens.com.