Calm the emotional roller coaster
Ah, Oregon . . . you’re a gray place to live. Pacific Northwesterners, be kind to yourself, if you’re feeling low. And, keep in mind that depression is NOT a sign of weakness; it’s a chemical imbalance of the brain. The kindest thing you can do if you’re feeling low is to find the right kind of help.
Professional help for anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are often linked, and treatment for them is similar. Consult with a health professional to understand whether what you’re experiencing mild, moderate or severe symptoms. For mild cases of anxiety or depression, therapy from a professional counselor or psychiatrist can be very helpful. If anxiety of depression is moderate to severe, medications may help in addition to therapy.
Self-help
In addition to tapping into medical professional help, there are many things you can do to help yourself:
Practice stress management
- Make sleep a priority
- Lean on your support systems
- Realize the benefits of healthy living
Emergency help
If your behavior is becoming reckless or dangerous, or if you are having thoughts about harming yourself, make an urgent appointment with your primary care provider, call your
county mental health crisis line or go directly to the nearest emergency room.
Providence is Oregon’s largest, most comprehensive provider of behavioral health services offering many options for people of all ages who need treatment.