Living With Depression

Depression is a complex mood disorder and is not just unhappiness. It involves a persistent sad mood, loss of interest, and other symptoms that can affect people of all ages.

  • Types of depression include major depression, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and dysthymia.

  • While common in women, suicide rates are higher for men suffering from depression

  • Symptoms involve emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral changes like sadness, sleep issues, concentration problems, irritability, and thoughts of suicide.

  • Causes are multifactorial including genetics, personality, stress, brain chemistry changes, hormones, and illness.

  • Diagnoses involves asking about symptoms, history, and functioning, There are not definitive lab tests.

  • Treatments include medications, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, brain stimulation therapies, and self-help groups. Lifelong management is often needed.

  • Alcohol and drugs worsen depression. Recurrence risk after an episode is 50% after the first and 80% after the second.

  • Early relapse prevention is important. Depression can be managed effectively through combined treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

Anxiety

Anxiety is more than normal worry or nervousness, It involves excessive, persistent fear and worry that interferes with daily life.

  • Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD.

  • It is more prevalent in women than men and can affect any age group.

  • Symptoms involve emotional (fear, panic), physical (fast heart rate, dizziness), cognitive (constant worrying, trouble concentrating), and behavioral (avoidance, nervous habits) changes.

  • Causes include genetics, brain chemistry, personality traits, trauma, stress, and medical factors.

  • Diagnosis involves asking about symptoms, history, thoughts, behaviors, and their impact on functioning. There are no definitive lab tests.

  • Treatments include medications, psychotherapy like CBT, psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, exposure therapy, and support groups.

  • Drugs and alcohol often worsen anxiety. Risk of recurrence after an episode is high without proper management.

  • Prevention of relapse is crucial. Anxiety can be effectively managed through combined treatment and lifestyle changes.

In summary, anxiety disorders are serious medical conditions that require comprehensive assessment, individualized treatment, and ongoing management just like depression. Early intervention and support can help prevent the worsening of anxiety.

Understanding Addiction

Pathways to Lasting Recovery! Addiction can feel like a deep, dark hole - but you can climb out. With compassionate support and wisdom gained from lived experience, we will help you rewrite your story.

Understanding Your Struggle
  • We know every addiction story is unique. Let us listen and understand what underlying pain led you down this path. Judgment has no place here.

Navigating the Journey
  • We connect you to safe, monitored detox programs to start restoring your health.

  • Our counselors help you process trauma, address mental health needs, and develop coping strategies.

  • Peer support groups provide community and show recovery is possible. You are not alone.

Owning Your Treatment
  • We develop personalized treatment plans based on your needs, not stereotypes. Outpatient, inpatient, community-based - you decide what works.

  • Our cultural counselors incorporate relevant spiritual teachings and traditional healing. We honor your roots.

  • We help you identify your motivations, strengths and supports to bolster your recovery willpower.

  • Rebuilding Your Life

  • We provide housing, education, job training and other stability so you can focus on healing.

  • When you stumble, we help you get back up before full relapse. Growing through mistakes is part of the journey.

  • Your path to purpose, health and hope is waiting. With courage and support, you will find it.

Lasting recovery requires meeting people where they are with compassion, not judgement. Our diverse staff have lived experience combined with professional training. Let us be your guides.

Your authentic self awaits.