Sleepless nights, feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and a lack of motivation could be a few of the signs that you are struggling with depression. With the help of a therapist, you can manage the symptoms of depression, reduce frequency and intensity, and live a meaningful life. There are multiple evidence-based approaches that can be utilized in therapy to help manage symptoms and cope with future triggers of depression.
At Mental Health Northwest, you will receive individualized care that will best work for your circumstances. I provide a safe, confidential space that will give you the opportunity to process and overcome all that you’re carrying.
What causes Depression? The difference between Depression and General Sadness
Depression is a disorder affecting the mental and emotional functions at a level that causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of overall functioning. It causes intense and consistent melancholy and a feeling of emptiness. In medical terms, it is known as clinical depression or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MDD is more substantial than feeling ‘down’ or ‘low.’ This can impact one’s mood, thoughts, and daily functioning for months or even years.
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Biological: Imbalances in brain chemistry or neurotransmitters, genetic predispositions, and family history.
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Psychological: Chronic stress, trauma, unresolved grief, and low self-esteem.
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Environmental: Life transitions, social isolation, unemployment, or ongoing medical conditions. The general feel of the home or family you grew up in also makes a difference.
Look Out for These Signs and Symptoms of Depression
In depression, one loses the ability to maintain a certain level of functioning, which hinders the rhythm of normal life. MDD brings a wide array of symptoms along with intense sadness.
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Persistent sadness or emptiness
A deep feeling of gloom, often without a clear reason, that remains unshakeable for quite a while.
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Loss of interest in activities
The activities you once enjoyed, be it a hobby, routine, social events, feel meaningless.
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Changes in appetite or sleep
Significant lack of appetite (more common) or an increase in food cravings, especially sugary ones. Severe fluctuation in sleep is also a frustrating and classic sign of Major depressive disorder.
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Fatigue, Emptiness
Mental fatigue amid disorders like anxiety and depression feels overwhelming and makes you unable to do or even address tasks. Often, the patients are struggling with the symptoms internally, which drains their energy, making them feel fatigued or disinterested quite frequently.
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Difficulty concentrating, thoughts of self-harm
In more severe cases of MDD, a patient can suffer from suicidal thoughts with possible self-harm, causing a major threat to health.
Types of Depression I Treat
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
The treatment for MDD would include an integrative approach. In addition to effective therapy, there are several other important components of basic needs that should be met to maintain and improve overall health. For example, physical exercise is very effective at increasing mood by releasing more dopamine that your brain needs to feel happy. Overall nutrition is also extremely important to consider when an individual is struggling with depression. Sometimes, a psychiatrist is also an important addition for individuals who are having treatment-resistant depression in therapy.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Poor concentration or indecisiveness, PDD also brings deep sadness, just like any other depression type. The disorder can affect one's relationships, work productivity, and physical health.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Postpartum Depression
Most people catch Seasonal Affective Disorder during dreary winter months. The lack of sunlight and outdoor activity can cause intense gloomy feelings.
The arrival of a baby is a significant transition to the next chapter in your life. The woman’s body postpartum has the responsibility to not only work on healing, but also to constantly feed the baby and regulate overall health and well-being. With evidence-based therapy and a safe space to process your journey, I will help you move forward and be able to focus on the joy of the new addition to your family.
Depression with Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are comorbid. This complex situation can be addressed with prompt therapy.
Teen and Child Depression
Young people face hurdles emotionally, socially, and academically. Depression in children and teens involves persistent sadness, irritability, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and withdrawal from friends or activities. Through therapy, young minds will recover and thrive again.
How Depression Therapy Works at
Mental Health Northwest
Overview of evidence-based approaches:
An effective therapy strategy, along with consistent sessions, can reverse the mental and emotional strain these conditions cause. With active listening and an empathetic approach, I support patients to see life or any dilemma from a new, healthier point of view.
Therapy at Mental Health Northwest
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A largely effective depression therapy that helps you identify and question negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT helps you address relationship conflicts, grief, and life transitions that might have contributed to your depressive symptoms with the help of depression counseling.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This therapy technique explores your past enough to understand unconscious thought patterns that might be influencing your current emotional state. The therapist delicately enables the patient to adapt to healthy ways of thinking.
Emphasize personalized care plans
At Mental Health Northwest, I assess the symptoms, the requirements of the patient, and every aspect that affects one’s mental health. I offer both in-person and online therapy for sessions and keep a very empathetic and client-first approach.
Benefits of Therapy for Depression
Improve emotional balance and self-worth
Learn to regulate intense emotions, challenge self-critical thoughts, and foster a healthier sense of self-esteem.
Restore motivation and clarity
Break free from the inertia of depression, regain your drive, and find renewed focus and purpose.
Strengthen relationships and daily functioning
Enhance your ability to perform daily tasks and responsibilities while nurturing your bond with your close ones.
Reduce recurrence with long-term coping strategies
The wholesome therapy sessions, if you take at least more than 12-15 depending on the intensity, you will find long-term solutions and keys to manage your symptoms with ease. It will give you a perfect toolkit to navigate life.
Why Choose Mental Health Northwest for Depression Treatment?
The next time you search for the best mental health therapist near me. Here’s why patients come back.
Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care
At Mental Health Northwest, I understand that life experiences and cultural backgrounds profoundly impact mental health. I provide care that respects your unique journey and context.
Affordable plans
I am dedicated to making quality mental health care accessible. I offer clear information on the fee structures.
Personalized, holistic approach
One-size-fits-all solutions don’t work for mental health. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs, integrating various evidence-based therapies for a comprehensive healing journey.
Strong reputation and client trust
My commitment to client well-being and successful outcomes has earned a strong reputation within the Oregon community.
Depression Therapy for Children & Teens
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Age-appropriate therapy methods (e.g., play therapy, family sessions) - I approach treatment with teens with a delicate yet impactful approach while maintaining their safety and comfort.
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Support for school-related stress, social isolation, and emotional regulation - When it comes to depression treatment for teens and young adults, I help them step out of the fear of judgment and stress and help them redirect their social and familial relationships.
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Safe, non-judgmental space for young clients - Safety and unbiased approach are always non-negotiable. Mental Health NW is perfectly suitable for patients or clients of tender age.
In-Person & Online Therapy Options
The clinic is more than accessible and offers a very pleasant environment to be in. Locations I serve include Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, Beaverton, Portland, and other areas in Oregon.
To make therapy more accessible, I also offer effective online therapy and affordable depression counseling sessions for clients across Oregon.