Depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder, is a common but serious mental health condition. It causes morose and severe psychological and physical symptoms that affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, relationships, and ability to handle daily activities like sleeping, working, and eating. In order to get diagnosed with depression, your symptoms must be present for two weeks or more.

Do you need mental health treatment in Portland? Call us today at 866.262.0531 for more information.

While the root causes of depression and anxiety may not always be clear, it’s undeniable that these mood disorders significantly impact individuals across the developed world. At Crestview, our clinicians specialize in providing support and treatment for those battling the debilitating effects of depression and anxiety. Our comprehensive approach encompasses evidence-based therapies and interventions tailored to address each client’s unique needs. Whether you’re struggling with major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, or anxiety disorders, our team of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counselors is here to guide you toward lasting relief and a satisfying life. Learn more about our depression, anxiety, and bipolar treatment programs, and take the first step towards overcoming depression and reclaiming your mental health and happiness.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression Disorder

When depression or anxiety goes untreated, it can have a profound impact on various aspects of our lives, including work, family, and social interactions. The way we perceive ourselves and engage with others may be significantly altered by these conditions.

Recognizing the signs of depression is crucial for seeking timely help and support. Here are some common indicators:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, or body aches
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these symptoms, it may be indicative of clinical depression or anxiety disorders. Seeking professional help is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Taking Medication for Depression

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of signs that medication adjustments may be necessary:

  • Manic episodes, characterized by heightened energy levels, impulsivity, and racing thoughts
  • Difficulty balancing mood swings or extreme highs and lows
  • Development of phobias or compulsive behaviors
  • Persistent insomnia despite lifestyle adjustments such as diet and exercise

At Crestview Recovery, we understand the complexities of mental health disorders and the importance of personalized treatment approaches. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your medication regimen, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We’re here to provide the support, guidance, and answers you need to navigate your journey toward mental wellness.

What is a Depression Treatment Program?

Our depression treatment program in Portland, OR, offers personalized treatment with a variety of evidence-based and holistic therapies to help you overcome depression. Therapy and medications are the most popular forms of depression treatment. This is what our team at Crestview uses in our treatment program, in addition to encouraging and facilitating some lifestyle changes. Other treatments for depression include electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.

Therapy in a Depression Treatment Program

group of people smiling in recovery meeting

Therapies offered at Crestview Recovery include:

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy for depression, clients can expect a compassionate and understanding environment where they can openly discuss their symptoms and struggles with a therapist or counselor. Through evidence-based modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy, therapists or counselors work collaboratively with clients to address underlying causes and manage symptoms effectively. Sessions may involve exploring negative thought patterns, developing self-awareness, improving self-esteem, and learning coping mechanisms to navigate challenges. Therapists and counselors emphasize creating a supportive and non-judgmental space to foster healing, empowerment, and lasting change in clients’ lives.

Group Therapy

Group therapy for depression offers a supportive and empathetic environment where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. Led by a trained therapist, sessions focus on exploring shared experiences, providing mutual support, and learning coping strategies. Through evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), participants gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors while receiving feedback and encouragement from peers. Group therapy emphasizes building interpersonal skills, fostering a sense of belonging, and reducing feelings of isolation commonly associated with depression. It provides a valuable opportunity for clients to share their journey, gain perspective, and develop coping mechanisms to manage symptoms effectively.

COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a set of therapeutic procedures that address the role of particular thoughts and behavior patterns that interfere with mental health. CBT helps people reshape their actions and feelings by modifying thought patterns and self-perception. Taking the time to examine our thoughts as they relate to our self-esteem and behavior can help people cope with depression in healthy ways.

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy uses conversation, group work, skills training, individual therapy, and self-monitoring to help people develop healthy emotional responses. This therapy model uses a combination of skills training and relationship building between the patient and clinician to help manage strong emotions and difficulty controlling behavior.

HOLISTIC THERAPY

Holistic therapy for depression takes a comprehensive approach to mental health, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of depression. At Crestview Recovery, our holistic therapy programs integrate evidence-based treatments with complementary activities to promote overall well-being. These activities may include individual therapy sessions to delve into the root causes of depression, group therapy to foster a supportive environment, and self-awareness practices to enhance emotional resilience. Additionally, we offer mindfulness-based activities such as meditation and yoga to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms. Our emphasis on holistic therapy ensures that clients receive comprehensive care, addressing the mind, body, and spirit in their journey towards overcoming depression and achieving lasting change and relief.

TRAUMA THERAPY

Trauma therapy for depression focuses on addressing past traumatic experiences that may contribute to the development or exacerbation of depressive symptoms. At Crestview Recovery, our trauma-informed approach emphasizes understanding and processing the effects of trauma on mental health. Through evidence-based techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), our therapists help clients explore and resolve underlying trauma while learning coping mechanisms to manage depressive symptoms. By addressing trauma alongside depression treatment, we strive to provide holistic care that promotes healing and lasting relief for our clients.

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

Trauma-informed therapy is a perspective that acknowledges the pervasive influence and impact of trauma on a person’s psyche. Trauma is caused by exposure to actual or threatened death or serious injury, sexual violence or molestation, or witnessing another person’s trauma. Situations that may require trauma-informed care may include:

      • Direct exposure
      • Witnessing violence (in person)
      • Learning about a traumatic event affecting a close family member or friend
      • Experiencing repeated, extreme, or pervasive trauma

The relationship between trauma and depression is a complicated one. A trauma-informed therapist or counselor can help you recognize when an event triggers an inappropriate emotional response due to past traumatic experiences.

Depression Treatment

Addressing Treatment Resistant Depression in Portland

Treatment-resistant depression refers to a condition where individuals do not respond to standard treatments such as medication or therapy. This form of depression can be severe and persistent, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life and functioning. At a facility specializing in mental health treatment, such as Crestview Recovery, a multidisciplinary approach would be employed to address treatment-resistant depression. This may involve a thorough assessment to identify underlying factors contributing to the resistance, such as co-occurring disorders or medication ineffectiveness. Treatment strategies may include alternative medications, innovative therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), intensive psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and holistic interventions to provide comprehensive care and support for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression.

Dual Diagnosis and Depression

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of depression alongside another mental health condition or substance use disorder. At Crestview Recovery, we specialize in treating individuals with dual diagnoses, offering comprehensive care to address both aspects of their mental health. Our experienced clinicians recognize that depression often coexists with conditions such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or addiction, requiring tailored treatment plans to effectively manage symptoms and promote recovery. Through evidence-based therapies, medication management, and a supportive environment, we help clients navigate the complexities of dual diagnosis, empowering them to overcome depression and achieve lasting change in their lives.

Causes of Co-Occurring Disorders with Depression

Co-occurring depression with other mood disorders, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders can be influenced by various interconnected factors, including genetics, biology, environmental stressors, and self-medication. Individuals with a family history of mood disorders or addiction may be genetically predisposed, while imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can contribute to the development of both depression and other mental illnesses.

Environmental stressors and adverse childhood experiences may exacerbate susceptibility to co-occurring disorders, leading individuals to self-medicate with substances as a way to alleviate depressive symptoms. At Crestview Recovery, our comprehensive approach addresses these complex contributors, offering tailored treatment plans and evidence-based therapies to promote healing and recovery from co-occurring conditions.

Types of Mood Disorders

man with depression in therapy

Mood disorders encompass a range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and various anxiety disorders. In Portland, our clinicians specialize in diagnosing and treating these mood disorders, offering individualized care to help clients manage symptoms and achieve mental health and stability.

Major Depressive Disorder

Mood disorders encompass a range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and various anxiety disorders. In Portland, our clinicians specialize in diagnosing and treating these mood disorders, offering individualized care to help clients manage symptoms and achieve mental health and stability.

Bipolar Disorder

While it is common for people to use the terms depression and bipolar interchangeably, these mental health conditions are different and require different types of treatment. People with bipolar disorder do experience depression, but they also experience periods of elevated emotional and physical intensity known as mania. To learn more about bipolar treatment at our Portland mental health center, contact a therapist at Crestview today.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a mood disorder characterized by fluctuating mood swings between hypomania and mild depression, though less severe than those seen in bipolar disorder. Individuals with cyclothymia may experience periods of elevated mood (hypomania) accompanied by increased energy, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep, followed by periods of mild depression marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy.

Hypomania

Hypomania is a mood state characterized by elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and increased energy and activity levels that are not as severe as full-blown mania. Individuals experiencing hypomanic episodes may engage in risky behaviors, have racing thoughts, and exhibit inflated self-esteem. While hypomania can be pleasurable and increase productivity, it can also disrupt daily functioning and relationships if left untreated.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a mood disorder characterized by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation, along with persistent irritability or anger. Children and adolescents with DMDD often struggle with regulating their emotions and may experience significant impairment in multiple areas of functioning, including home, school, and social environments.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), formerly known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem. Unlike major depressive disorder, the symptoms of PDD are less severe but last for a longer duration, typically lasting for at least two years in adults and one year in children or adolescents. Individuals with PDD may find it challenging to experience joy or satisfaction in life and may have difficulty functioning in daily activities.

SEEK TREATMENT AT CRESTVIEW RECOVERY

People experiencing depression and anxiety often face symptoms that manifest unexpectedly. While drugs and alcohol may temporarily alleviate discomfort, they can hinder individuals from addressing underlying issues crucial for personal growth. Despite some individuals not developing dependencies, many find themselves reliant on substances to cope. At Crestview Recovery, we specialize in mental health treatment for those struggling with depression. Our extensive treatment options include group therapy, individual therapy, holistic therapy, yoga therapy, and family therapy. Contact us to explore our innovative depression treatment programs and embark on a journey toward healing and recovery.

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