Christine Matthews

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4 Common Types of Depression

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Many people are familiar with depression, but only some are aware that there are actually numerous different forms of it. Below, we explore four of the most common types of depression.

1. Major Depressive Disorder

For someone to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, they must have experienced at least five symptoms of depression for at least two consecutive weeks, with at least one symptom being depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (this is referred to as a “major depressive episode”). Many people with this disorder experience major depressive episodes on a recurring basis.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder

Also referred to as “dysthymia,” persistent depressive disorder occurs when someone experiences a low-level depressed mood for an extended period of time. When compared to the symptoms of major depressive disorder, the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder typically aren’t as severe.

3. Seasonal Affective Disorder

As its name suggests, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is associated with a change in the seasons. Although it can occur during spring and summer, it most commonly affects people during fall and winter.

4. Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can cause a woman who recently gave birth to feel sad, indifferent, anxious, and exhausted. This is different from “baby blues,” which usually last for only a couple weeks after childbirth—postpartum depression can persist for months or even years.

Get Help With Your Depression

If you think you might have depression—one of the types described above or a different form—our therapists can help. We have extensive experience treating depression, and we can provide you with customized recommendations for how to move forward and start feeling happier. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session.

Filed Under: Depression

What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

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Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can cause a child to frequently exhibit anger, irritability, and defiance against their parents and other authority figures. Children with this disorder often argue and act spitefully or vindictively, making it difficult to maintain relationships and causing issues at home, at school, and in other areas of life.

ODD Causes & Risk Factors

Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes oppositional defiant disorder, but studies suggest that it may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A child may have a higher risk of developing ODD if their parents are mentally unstable, neglectful, or abusive, or if the discipline they receive at home or school is inconsistent.

ODD Treatment Options

After diagnosing a child with oppositional defiant disorder, a medical provider will recommend a customized course of treatment. This often involves individual- and family-based therapy. A therapist can help the child manage their anger, express their feelings in a healthier way, solve problems, and improve their social skills, and they can also teach parenting skills. Although medication isn’t generally used to treat ODD on its own, it may be recommended if the child has a related condition (for example, ADHD, anxiety, or depression).

Get Help With ODD

If your child has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, we may be able to help. We have extensive experience working with children who have ODD, and we offer both individual and family therapy sessions to help treat this disorder. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your first therapy session.

Filed Under: Children, odd

10 Relaxation Tips for Busy Professionals

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Does your career often leave you feeling stressed? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the American Institute of Stress, 40% of workers reported that their job was very or extremely stressful, and 25% viewed their job as the No. 1 stressor in their life. And because stress can make it difficult for you to focus, it can affect job performance, potentially leading to even more stress.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your stress, relax, and enjoy a better quality of life:

  1. Eat a nutritious diet.
  2. Drink plenty of water.
  3. Get enough sleep.
  4. Exercise (you may even be able to do a few calming yoga poses in your office).
  5. Meditate.
  6. Use positive affirmations.
  7. Practice deep breathing.
  8. Spend time on self-care (this could involve going out to dinner with friends, visiting the spa, or even just taking a short walk outside).
  9. Take periodic breaks during the workday.
  10. Find a healthy work-life balance.

Talk to a Therapist

If you’re still feeling stressed, you may want to consider attending therapy. An experienced therapist can help you identify stress triggers and provide you with tips and tools for how to relax when you start feeling overwhelmed.

Fortunately, busy professionals in this area can turn to our therapists for help with relaxation. We understand the toll that a strenuous career can take on your mental health, and once we’ve learned about your lifestyle and treatment goals, we’ll be able to supply you with advice that’s tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule your first therapy session.

Filed Under: relaxation tips, stress

Can a Narcissist Be Cured?

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Narcissistic personality disorder—a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to feel important and impress others—often causes narcissists to have an inflated sense of self-worth, lack empathy, and fantasize about possessing success, power, intelligence, and beauty. Narcissism differs from self-confidence in that it causes narcissists to view others with disdain rather than recognizing that they also have value.

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but certain treatments can help manage symptoms. These include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This form of psychotherapy focuses on identifying and addressing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) – DBT is a derivative of CBT that focuses on experiencing, accepting, and coping with emotions.
  • Metacognitive therapy (MCT) – This approach to psychotherapy focuses on controlling thinking processes (e.g., rumination) rather than on the content of thoughts.

While there’s currently no medication available to treat narcissistic personality disorder, certain medications can be used to treat related conditions, including anxiety and depression. When a narcissist seeks treatment, their provider will develop a customized care approach that’s specially designed to serve their individual needs. 

Learn More About Narcissism

If you think that a friend, family member, or coworker is a narcissist—or if you’re concerned that you might be a narcissist yourself—we can help. Our team is highly experienced in treating narcissism, and we’ll be happy to speak with you about this condition. Contact us today to schedule a therapy appointment at the date and time of your choosing.

Filed Under: narcissist

What Is the 333 Rule for Anxiety?

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If you regularly experience anxiety, you may have researched ways to relieve your symptoms and come across a coping mechanism known as the “333 rule.” But how does it work? The next time you’re feeling anxious, try:

  1. Naming three things you see
  2. Naming three sounds you hear
  3. Moving three body parts

How Does the 333 Rule Reduce Anxiety?

Although the 333 rule doesn’t work in every situation, many therapists recommend it to patients living with anxiety because it helps to ground them. By concentrating on sights, sounds, and movements, patients can stop fixating on their worries and instead focus on the present moment. One of the benefits of the 333 rule is that it doesn’t require someone to be in a certain place or have access to a certain object—instead, they can use it virtually anytime and from almost anywhere. Patients can even practice the 333 rule when they’re not feeling anxious to start establishing it as a habit.

For More Information

If you’d like to know more about how the 333 rule can help combat anxiety, contact us today. Our therapists have experience using the 333 rule and various other techniques to treat anxiety, and we can develop a care approach that’s customized to your specific needs. When you reach out, we’ll tell you more about our practice, answer your questions, and arrange a time for you to attend an initial therapy session. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the next step toward an anxiety-free life.

Filed Under: Anxiety

What Foods Trigger ADHD?

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that can cause excessive movements, lead to poor impulse control, and make it difficult to focus. Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes ADHD, but studies suggest that certain foods and beverages can worsen symptoms. If you have ADHD, you may want to stay away from:

  • Soda and energy drinks – These beverages typically contain sugar and caffeine, both of which have been shown to increase hyperactivity and distractibility. Notably, the high amounts of caffeine in energy drinks could be harmful when consumed in combination with certain ADHD medications.
  • Seafood – Regularly eating fish containing trace amounts of mercury could worsen ADHD symptoms.
  • Artificial dyes – Some studies indicate that there could be a connection between artificial dyes and hyperactivity, so you may want to opt for natural dyes when possible (this applies to the dyes in non-food items like toothpaste, as well).

Some people with ADHD are sensitive to certain ingredients—such as citrus fruits, corn, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat—so be sure to pay attention to whether any foods or beverages affect your behavior.

Get Help With Your ADHD

If you need assistance managing your ADHD symptoms, you’ve come to the right place. Our therapists are highly experienced in working with ADHD, and once we’ve learned about your condition, we’ll provide you with tools and techniques that are customized to fit into your individual lifestyle. Contact us today to get started—one of our friendly team members will answer your questions, tell you more about our practice, and schedule a therapy session at a date and time that fits into your schedule.

Filed Under: adhd, food

Understanding CBT: What It Is & How It Works

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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying inaccurate or negative thinking, viewing difficult situations more clearly, and responding to those situations more effectively. CBT can be administered on an individual basis or in a group setting, and in some cases, it may be combined with another form of treatment (for example, medication). When compared to many other types of therapy, CBT often requires fewer sessions.

What Can CBT Be Used to Treat?

CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Phobias
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sleep disorders
  • Substance use disorders

With that said, CBT isn’t just useful for individuals with mental illnesses—it can benefit anyone who’s dealing with a stressful situation. For example, CBT can also be used to help people cope with loss, resolve conflicts, and improve their communication skills.

Does CBT Sound Like the Right Choice for You?

If you think you could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, contact us today. Our friendly team can tell you more about our practice and how we incorporate CBT into our therapy sessions. And if we seem like a good fit for your needs, we can schedule a therapy appointment at a date and time that fits into your schedule. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you work toward your treatment goals.

Filed Under: cbt, talk therapy

How to Tell Someone Your Boundaries

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So, you’ve decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you! Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers, as they can help build trust and respect. Once you’ve decided what your boundaries are, the next step will be communicating them to those around you. Here are some tips for how to do so:

  • Be clear. Explain exactly what you expect so that there’s no room for misinterpretation. For example, if you don’t want to work evenings, say, “I’m available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.” rather than “I can’t work late,” since “late” can mean different things to different people.
  • Establish consequences. Explain what will happen if your boundary is crossed. For instance, if your child regularly yells, say, “If you raise your voice while we’re having a conversation, I will leave the room until you calm down.” And most importantly, follow through on those consequences.
  • Use the sandwich method. If you’re concerned about how the other person will react, try sandwiching your boundary between two positive statements. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by how frequently your sister calls, you could say, “I love our chats, but I’ve been so busy with this new job that I’m not able to talk each night. Can we schedule a time each week to catch up?”

Do You Struggle to Set Boundaries?

Setting and communicating boundaries can be difficult, but it’s a lot easier with the help of an experienced therapist. Fortunately, you can get the assistance you need from the caring team at our practice. We understand the intricacies of relationships between family members, friends, coworkers, and other acquaintances, and we’ll provide you with tailored advice on how to effectively set any necessary boundaries. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

Filed Under: communication, relationships

What Are the 5 Stages of PTSD?

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You’ve likely heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can cause someone to experience anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms after living through a traumatic event. But did you know that the mental health community commonly divides PTSD into five stages? They are:

  1. Impact – This stage occurs immediately after someone experiences a traumatic event. The person may feel shocked, overwhelmed, powerless, guilty, anxious, or afraid.
  2. Denial – Because the brain naturally blocks out traumatic experiences to protect itself, some people may go through a stage where they deny that the traumatic event occurred in the first place.
  3. Rescue – During the rescue stage, someone begins coming to terms with the traumatic event, possibly returning to the site where it occurred or ruminating about what happened. Many people experience confusion, despair, hopelessness, and anger during this phase.
  4. Acceptance – Once someone regains their sense of safety and begins to look at the traumatic event in a new light, they may recognize the impact that the experience had on their life and accept that they need help to move on from what happened. Anxiety and insomnia are common at this stage.
  5. Recovery – During this final stage, someone takes affirmative steps (such as seeking professional help) to heal from their traumatic experience and implement coping mechanisms.

Your Top Choice for PTSD Treatment

No matter what stage of PTSD you’re in right now, we can help. Our therapists regularly work with individuals who are living with PTSD, and we understand that each patient requires a unique approach to care. After learning about your background and how PTSD affects you, we’ll work with you to overcome your symptoms and achieve an improved quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your first therapy session.

Filed Under: ptsd

What Is Conduct Disorder?

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If your child regularly misbehaves, you may have wondered whether they’re simply acting out or suffering from conduct disorder. But what is conduct disorder, exactly, and how can you tell whether your child has it?

Conduct disorder is a mental health condition that can cause various behavioral and emotional problems involving a disregard for others. Individuals with conduct disorder often find it difficult to obey rules and conform to behavioral norms, and some even act violently.

What Are the Symptoms of Conduct Disorder?

Conduct disorder symptoms tend to worsen with age, with adolescents and teenagers often taking part in more dangerous and potentially criminal activities. Only a trained provider can accurately diagnose conduct disorder, but with that said, many people with this condition:

  • Act aggressively (e.g., assault, bite, hit, kick, or push)
  • Break curfew
  • Bully
  • Cheat
  • Commit arson
  • Drink or use drugs
  • Hurt animals
  • Lie
  • Manipulate
  • Pick fights
  • Run away from home
  • Skip school
  • Steal
  • Threaten
  • Trespass
  • Vandalize

While it’s normal for many children to display at least some of these behaviors as they’re growing up, they may have conduct disorder if the behaviors occur frequently, continue for an extended period of time, or are particularly intense. Notably, in many cases, individuals with conduct disorder find it difficult to express their emotions and empathize with others. They rarely feel remorse and tend to blame others for their own faults.

Get Help With Conduct Disorder

If you think your child might have conduct disorder, you need an experienced therapist who can guide you through diagnosis and any necessary treatment. Luckily, you can entrust your child’s care to our knowledgeable team. We have extensive experience working with children with conduct disorder and we can provide you with the help your family needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Children, conduct disorder