Depression

Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. But each disorder has its own causes and its own emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Many people who develop depression have a history of an anxiety disorder earlier in life. There is no evidence one disorder causes the other, but there is clear evidence that many people suffer from both disorders. *

START YOUR JOURNEY : SCHEDULE NOW

According to the CDC, in May 2020, 24% of American adults have symptoms of depressive disorder, whereas in June 2019, that number was at 6.6%

Over 11 million U.S. adults have experienced a depressive episode that resulted in severe impairment in the past year. Depression is a common and serious medical condition that affects the way you think, feel, and behave. It may cause you to feel helpless, hopeless, or even worthless. Feeling this way for a period of time after a significant life change or grieving is extremely normal. However, when it continues for extended periods of time, and the symptoms of depressed mood and loss of interest in things you normally enjoyed are present, it may be time to get help. Experiencing depression can keep you from living life to the fullest, so therapy can help you develop skills to help cope and address underlying issues that are contributing to your symptoms.

In therapy at Care Counseling, you may work on addressing negative thoughts, learning new coping skills for depressive symptoms, and increasing acceptance for yourself and your experiences.

Common Symptoms

Feeling sad or empty
Losing interest in activities that you used to find enjoyable
Having a decrease or increase in appetite
Having trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
Feeling like you have no energy
Having difficulty thinking or concentrating on everyday activities
Having thoughts that life isn’t worth living

Click Here to Learn More

There are many types of depression

Click Here to Learn More

Treatment at CARE

Identifying common patterns of negative thinking and turn it into positive patterns
Lean how to reinforce wanted behaviors while eliminating unwanted behaviors
Learn skills on how to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others

Warning Signs of Suicide

Dangerous or self-harming behavior, including reckless behavior and increased substance use

Changes in attitude or appearance

Making preparations, such as looking up ways to hurt themselves

Giving away personal items

Talking about suicide in person or on social media

Talking about wanting to die or “just not be around anymore”

Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain

Talking about feeling like they are a burden to others

Additional Resources

Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Call **CRISIS** (271-747)

Text MN to 741-741

Websites

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Erika’s Lighthouse (Teen Depression)

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Families for Depression Awareness

COMMON SYMPTOMS

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN ELDER CARE

Neglecting personal care
Memory problems
Unexplained aches and pains

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENCE

Children 5 and under: Trouble with eating or sleeping, tantrums, tearfulness, tantrums
Children 5 and up: Irritability and tantrums, low frustration tolerance, trouble with eating or sleeping, tearfulness
Teens: Irritability, social withdrawal from peers or activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite or eating patterns, low self-esteem, having thoughts of death or of hurting oneself

Common across ages for children and teens: fatigue, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy

Common Depression Diagnoses

Major Depressive Episode

This type of depression is characterized by experiencing depression symptoms more days than not during the same two weeks. Major Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe

Seasonal Pattern Disorder…AKA Season Affective Disorder

This type of recurrent depression is experienced in the fall or winter months.

Peripartum or Postpartum

Peripartum depression begins during pregnancy and can continue into postpartum

Postpartum starts after baby arrives…usually within four weeks of delivery

Situational Depression

It is common for people to experience some depression symptoms due to significant events in their lives such as the loss of a loved one, financial stress, or relationship stress.

What to Expect

Make an appointment

Find a Clinician

Coping with the “Sunday Scaries”

January 26, 2022

You realize that you are struggling with the Sunday Scaries as you just can’t shake the feelings of anticipatory anxiety and dread that keep popping up Sunday evening. Perhaps you’ve tried some strategies that haven’t worked too well such as having a drink or taking a smoke break before getting back into your old routines. Your body continues to feel anxious, and you just want to avoid facing the thought of starting an entire week filled with responsibilities, decision-making, and deadlines. Here are some strategies to help cope with the Sunday-scaries:

Adulting is Hard: The “Sunday Scaries”

January 26, 2022

Friday is here and the work or school week is wrapping up. TGIF. Many people, especially those who have a typical 9-5 schedule look forward to having two days off. It can bring an immediate sense of relief, and opportunity to “be off” and relax from feelings of pressure and responsibility.. Saturday is over before you know it, Sunday is here. As they day progresses, you notice feelings of anxiety that become more intense throughout the day accompanied by an overwhelming sense of dread. “I don’t want to go back to work or school already!” It can be described like an anticipatory anxiety, focused on the negative which can send the body into a fight-or-flight-response. The thought along of returning to work or school can feel terrifying.

Positive and Negative Consequences of Impulsivity

January 26, 2022

Several mental health disorders such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), bipolar-disorder, and impulse-control disorders include impulsivity and lack of inhibition that are commonly associated with risky behavior. Individuals with impulse control disorders, substance use disorders, and certain personality disorders are commonly linked to impulsivity. Acting before thinking about potential consequences of behavior is something that we can all do at times, especially for young people whose brains are still developing.

How to Talk to your Kids About School Violence

January 7, 2022

Social media rumors, including “challenges” that encourage acts of defiance or violence, and the fear of school shootings recently had children, parents, and law enforcement supports on high-alert in response to a tiktok-school-threat warning. This warning was dismissed as not credible; however, many still feeling emotionally unsettled. Depression, anxiety, and responses such as fear impact can result from school violence and impact mental health. In 2021 alone, it was estimated that there were 149 incidents of gunfire-on-school-grounds, 32 deaths, and 94 injuries nationwide.

Anxieties Around Meeting Needs

January 7, 2022

“My needs are not being met” is a common complaint in relationships. You may be experiencing loneliness due to lack of a fulfilling connections with a partner or family, friends, and/ or social connections. Perhaps you are not feeling respected or esteemed by others within your current role and feeling as though you are “not living up to your full potential”. While these needs are stressful, they are compounded when the foundational basics are not met.

What Will You Talk About in Therapy?

January 6, 2022

If you are considering therapy for the first time and wondering what-to-talk-about-in-therapy, or maybe you have been in therapy for a while but not sure what you should be talking about, then this is for you! Talk about what is on your mind in the moment. First, there is no “right” or “wrong” thing to talk about in therapy. Many people will use the space to process what is going on in the present. If you do not find this an effective use of time, continue reading…

The Harm in Innocent Teasing

January 6, 2022

Teasing. What comes to mind for you? Do you think of friendly banter, affectionate, maybe even flirty teasing? Teasing to embarrass somewhat, but in a playful way? Maybe in the form of a nickname, joke, or light-hearted insult? Or Does teasing feel more like taunting, in which someone else is making fun of you in a mean way? Does your identity feel threatened due to being targeted or bullied for being different? Does teasing take the form of jokes that are inappropriate or offensive [e.g., racist, sexist, homophobic]? How is your sense of self impacted?

The 4 S’s of Resiliency

December 15, 2021

No one is immune to experiencing stress, trauma, or other challenging situations that shakes our foundation of safety and security. Reflecting on the last year, many have experienced serious medical and mental health problems or have been impacted by conditions affecting loved ones. Stressors affecting finances and relationships have been prevalent. Suffering is inevitable as it is part of the human condition. Yet during times suffering, there can also be tremendous growth through healing and rebuilding.

Who needs a little extra tender loving care during the holiday season?

December 15, 2021

Can you think of something who is a bit “pricky”? Maybe their attitude is not very attractive. Perhaps they have been hurting, holding on to bitterness and in turn, pushing away family and friends. Try showing unconditional-positive-regard to demonstrate love and acceptance while also holding onto your own boundaries.

Journaling with CARE Counseling

December 8, 2021

Awareness of emotional and behavioral patterns is an important aspect for change. If you are not aware that there is a problem, why change? During the holiday season, you will most likely be observing behaviors of your family and friends and may begin to reflect more on how these experiences have shaped your sense of self.

Creating a Calming Corner

December 1, 2021

While calming corners can be used an alternative behavioral management strategy for children who are having difficulties with self-regulation, both children and adults can benefit from spending time in a calming corner when feeling one of more of the following:

Emotions are Contagious

December 1, 2021

You cannot “catch” mental illness like you can catch the flu, but emotions and the flu have one thing in common. They are both contagious! As I think about significant relationships that have been part of my life, I am drawn to those who bring out the best in me. It feels good to be around others who are happy and positive.

Celebrating the Holidays and Giving Thanks with Friends

November 24, 2021

While the holiday season is often known for its cultural significance of tradition with family and creating fun memories, it can also be a painful reminder of trauma, grief/ loss, and overall family dysfunction. Even if you consider yourself to be lucky to have grown up in an “intact” family or “loving” household, celebrating with family can be stressful.

First Time & Therapy

November 19, 2021

When it is your first time doing something, there are a lot of unknowns. The unknowns can create discomfort and anxiety. Once someone becomes familiar, it can start to feel more comfortable. New relationships can bring up many different emotions and meeting with a therapist is no exception. If you are considering therapy, keep reading…

Writing a Letter to Your Younger Self

November 10, 2021

Letter writing is a powerful modality. Some of my most treasured memories have been hand-written letters from loved ones. Even though the writer may no longer be physically present after death, their words of wisdom are alive in their writings.

Negativity Bias

November 3, 2021

For many of us, we tend to get stuck on negative thinking. For some reason, our brains defer to the negative. According to the National Science Foundation, 80% of our thoughts are negative and 95% of our thoughts are repetitive. WOW. That is a lot of negative, repetitive thoughts!

Veteran's Day & Military Mental Health

November 3, 2021

Thursday November 11th is Veteran’s Day. With respect, honor, and gratitude for the sacrifices that you have made, I would like to recognize and thank Veterans and Active-Duty members for serving our country.

Burnout and Stress Spillover

November 3, 2021

The number of people who recently quit their job within the last 3-months [August 2021] was estimated to be 20% higher than those who resigned in August 2019 and 40% higher than those who ended their jobs in August 2021. These numbers are unprecedented! If you were one of the 4.3 million people who recently quit, you are not alone.

Childhood Mental Health

October 27, 2021

Childhood mental health concerns have been on the rise over the last 10 years but significantly increased since 2020. Stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and racial inequality have only exacerbated underlying mental health concerns in our youngest patients.

How to Have Difficult Conversations: A Lesson from Non-Violent Communication

October 19, 2021

Can you think of a recent conversation in which you felt judged, bullied, blamed, or criticized by your partner? Do you find yourself becoming defensive within communication or reacting in anger during difficult conversations, only to feel more disconnected and dissatisfied in your relationship(s)?

When to Let Go: Releasing the Past from the Present

October 8, 2021

The past is an important part of who we are. Our early upbringing, childhood memories, school experiences, first sexual encounters, relationships, and key decisions that shape our present self. Do you ever feel as if there are aspects of your past that are holding you back to being fully present?

Mental Illness Awareness Week

October 8, 2021

Sunday October 3rd to Saturday, October 9th is Mental-Illness-Awareness-Week. Did you know that 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental illness each year? For the 1 in 20 adults that experience a serious mental illness each year, less than two-thirds get treatment. Access to quality care is often a barrier.

Gabby Petito

September 24, 2021

Murder mysteries. Missing persons. Unsolved Cases. There is something that pulls us into these stories–the twists, turns, and plot changes. Finding out the truth can be shocking.

Clinician Perspective: What Makes CARE Counseling Different

September 24, 2021

As someone who has previously worked in a corporate business setting, the non-profit world, and a community mental health clinic, I have been exposed to a variety of work cultures. I have seen how the work culture directly impacts mental health, for better and for worse.