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Portland Relationship Center
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503.234.4440
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4511 SE 39th Ave
Portland, Oregon 97202
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Below you will find a detailed definition of both depression and anxiety, which
are known as “Mood Disorders.” Each of us has days when our moods are less than
optimal but when the low or worried days outnumber the good ones, you may be
suffering unnecessarily.
At Portland Relationship Center we regularly treat individuals with symptoms of
depression and anxiety. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to teach the
behavioral skills needed to understand, manage and move beyond your troubled
mood. Because thoughts trigger feelings it is also useful to understand the
nature of the thoughts and “Life Stories” that you carry. One’s interpretation
of past experiences, and childhood memories and negative core beliefs can all
cause unwanted emotions. In our treatment of mood disorders, the staff at
Portland Relationship Center will support you in exploring any unresolved issues
and beliefs that impinge upon today’s happiness.
Cognitive therapy will teach you how your thoughts create your emotions and
influence any behaviors that cause you concern. At Portland Relationship Center we
will support you as you master observing, monitoring and directing your
thoughts and opening yourself up to a wealth of powerful, positive and creative
feelings.
Depression
In 2002 research from the National Institute of Mental Health found that nearly
3 million adolescent and as many as 15 million adult Americans have some
symptoms of depression. No one really knows if there are more cases of
depression or if people are seeking help more freely. Some researchers do
speculate that there are more adolescents and adults suffering from this mood
disorder because of changes in our daily lives. Contributing factors for
increased depression rates in teenagers include societal violence, changes in
family structure, heightened academic expectations, and the continuing pressure
to “find one’s place” or fit-in. In adults the causes are similar: lowered job
possibilities, economic hardships, relationship stresses and issues with aging,
sexism, racism and class lead to a depressed mood.
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by low self-esteem and hopelessness.
When talking about depression, we are describing symptoms that are unrelated to
events that would make most people depressed temporarily. These might include
the death of a loved one, the discovery of a serious illness, divorce, or the
breakup of a relationship. Situational depression generally lessens with time
and responds to support from others. Problematic depression is not cured by
friends spending time with us, with encouragement from others, or with the
passage of time. It is cured by dealing with the thoughts that cause it, by
possibly taking medication, and by changing some of your lifestyle habits.
All of the following are symptoms of depression. Although a physician,
psychiatrist or licensed counselor would be the best suited to tell you if you
fit into the diagnosis of depression, you can tell by this list if you have the
indicators:
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Loss of appetite
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Flat mood
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Diminished interest in activities that once interested you
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Sleeping too much or too little
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Fatigue or a lack of energy
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Difficulty concentrating
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Difficulty making decisions
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Social withdrawal and isolation
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Suicidal thoughts and urges, or a plan for suicide
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Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or excessive guilt
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Negative self-talk
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Low self-esteem
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Unresolved grief
If it is more helpful to think about what these symptoms may actually look like
in your daily life, consider following:
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Mild physical complaints such as headaches
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Frequent absences from school or work; withdrawing from activities
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A drop in grades or in job performance
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Outbursts of anger, irritability or frequent crying
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Sudden weight gain or weight loss
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Loss of interest in friends
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Dangerous or reckless behavior
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“Over-reacting” to rejection, perceived judgment from others, or feelings of
failure
If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, then how did you get there?
What causes these painful symptoms in the first place? There are many theories
on what causes depression. Some researchers believe that brain chemistry can be
affected negatively by many factors and result in having a mood disorder. In
this theory, depression is as naturally occurring as a kidney problem or
impaired vision. Others believe that depression is a thinking disorder and is
caused and maintained by automatic negative thoughts. When people have a
depression that is difficult for them to correct and to live with they may be
encouraged by their doctor or counselor to use anti-depressant medication. For
many people, these prescription drugs are an effective treatment and a huge
relief. In addition to anti-depressants, and often times before
anti-depressants are prescribed, successful therapy aimed at changing automatic
negative thoughts may yield similar results to taking medication.
If you have suffered from the symptoms of depression or if you have thoughts of
injuring or killing yourself, medication is an important response to your pain.
First things first in treating depression, you must get the help that you
need. That may involve an anti-depressant that can lift the cloud high enough
for you to see the clear path ahead. If you are already on
medication, therapy can enhance your mood and make additional inroads to
feeling great. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or
self-injury, if you are withdrawing from others, if you spend much of your time
in despair, if you feel that the pain has become too much, then it is time to
ask for help. Some ideas for where and how to get that help are:
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If you are seriously thinking about hurting yourself call 911 or go
directly to the closest hospital emergency room
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Your parents, teachers, school counselors, employee assistance office and
your physician
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Your clergy, coach, or any one who has been a good listener to you in the
past
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Calling the crisis line for your city or county
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