A Quick Review

A man sits next to a window while looking outside. Learn how a Christian therapist in Tigard, OR can help you address isolation and depressive symptoms. Contact Discover Counseling for Christian counseling in Tigard, OR by searching “depression treatment Tigard, OR” today.

Depression is a mental health condition and is determined by a collection of symptoms that are present for an ongoing period of time. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. It can present in different ways depending on the individual. Some common depressive symptoms include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness.

People with depressive symptoms may also experience a lack of energy and motivation, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and loss of enjoyment in activities they once found pleasurable. There is often a negative self-talk narrative that can perpetuate the feelings and symptoms. Additionally, physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, overall heaviness in the body, and other pains may also be present.

There are several myths about depression that can make it challenging for people to seek help. One common myth is that people with depression are simply "weak" or "lazy," and that they should be able to "snap out of it." This is far from the truth, as depression is a complex mental health condition that often requires professional help to overcome. Another myth is that depression only affects certain types of people, such as those who have experienced trauma or have a family history of mental illness. In reality, depressive symptoms can impact anyone at any time, and there is no shame in seeking help.

Depression v.s. Depressive Symptoms: Know the Difference

A woman covers her face while sitting on a couch. This could represent the isolation of depression that Christian counseling in Tigard, OR can address. Learn more by searching therapy for depression Tigard, OR today.

First off, it’s important to recognize what it is you are actually experiencing. For example, a common occurrence I encounter in my practice is a client coming in and stating they have depression but upon conversing and exploring their symptoms with them, they actually do not clinically have depression. A common misunderstanding is that any symptom of depression equates to having depression. This is incorrect!

We can experience sadness, helplessness, low energy, etc. for a variety of reasons and for a period of time. This is very normal! In fact, that is what it means to be a human - to experience the array of emotions that are provoked by life unfolding. I can feel sad or depressed that my family pet just died without having depression. The difference lies in the persistence and consistency of the symptoms. Knowing this difference can help you understand what treatment approach will work best for you as you step into therapy. 

Setting Realistic Expectations

Symptoms don’t disappear overnight. I can’t stress this enough. It is a gradual, slow process that is made up of small changes that accumulate. For example, we know research supports that medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes all support positive growth. But it’s not uncommon that a person with depressive symptoms may be stuck in all-or-nothing thinking, meaning if they don’t feel like doing a 30-minute walk, they won’t do any movement at all. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, focus on what you can do. This is a softer approach to accomplishing things that are good for your healing while also being sustainable. This small cognitive shift has massive ripple effects and helps gain positive momentum in managing and taking control of your depression symptoms!

Begin Working With A Christian Therapist in Tigard, OR

A close up of a person feeling a plant as they walk through the light of the setting sun. Learn more about the support a Christian therapist in Tigard, OR can offer by searching for counseling for depression Tigard, OR.

Our team of caring therapists would be honored to support you in overcoming symptoms of depression and taking back control. We are happy to offer support from our Tigard, OR-based practice and across the state. You can start your therapy journey with Discover Counseling by following these simple steps:

  1. Contact us to speak with a mental health professional at Discover Counseling
  2. Schedule your first appointment with our team
  3. Start taking back control!

Other Services Offered with Discover Counseling

Our team offers different types of therapy services to support a variety of mental health concerns. Other mental health services offered include therapy for anxiety, trauma recovery, life transitions, and postpartum support. Discover Counseling is also happy to offer teen therapy, Christian counseling, and codependency treatment. We also offer support for your relationship with premarital, couples, and marriage counseling, and therapy for relationship problems. Visit our blog or podcast today to learn more helpful information.