Portland Oregon Depression – Unmet Need in Mental Health Care

According to CDC data, Oregon has one of the highest rates of depression, and the state also ranks poorly in access to mental health services. Approximately one out of four residents in Oregon struggle with mental health. Adam Johnson, a Portland psychiatrist, examined the data to find out why that is. In this article, he discusses the unmet need in mental health care in the PNW. Here are some ways in which Portland can address this unmet need.

Symptoms of depression

Depression can have devastating effects on a person’s daily life. Sufferers of depression often have difficulty going to work or school, and even performing basic tasks. Despite this, lingering symptoms can put a person’s relationships at risk. In addition to depression, anxiety can be a symptom of depression, too. Although anxiety is normal in stressful situations, it can also be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Often, individuals suffering from depression experience chronic fatigue and pain, both of which may interfere with their daily lives. While medications are often prescribed to relieve these symptoms, these can actually impair the sufferer’s social and occupational functioning in the long run. When this happens, seeking help from a Portland chronic pain clinic may be the best option for a long-term solution. A Portland chiropractor can help you recognize signs of depression and connect you to the proper mental health services.

In addition to persistent depression, seasonal affective disorder is another common symptom of the disease. This condition affects people who experience the cold and gloomy season. In Portland, the cold weather can also make a person feel blah. A person experiencing seasonal affective disorder often has a sad mood for several weeks. Bipolar disorder is another form of depression and causes frequent mood swings, which can occur several times a day.

Treatment options

Various treatments exist for Portland, Oregon depression. These methods can range from antidepressant medication to psychotherapy. Counseling services in the area are adept at diagnosing and treating depression. Clients learn to identify “stinking thinking,” develop the confidence to care for themselves and take charge of their moods. If these methods don’t work, medication may be an option. Depression treatment is most successful when started early.

Bipolar disorder, which is also classified as a form of depression, often accompanied by episodes of elation and irritability, is a common symptom. Various treatments exist for bipolar disorder. For bipolar disorder, an expert evaluation is necessary to determine whether treatment is necessary. Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health problem, and there are no one-size-fits-all cures for the condition.

While early diagnosis is the first step towards finding the right treatment, many people experience the symptoms of a depressive disorder before seeking professional help. Because it’s difficult to detect depression in the early stages, it’s imperative to seek professional help. Counselors and physicians can accurately diagnose the problem by asking detailed questions. Detailed medical exams can also rule out other health conditions. The sooner treatment is sought, the sooner the symptoms will subside.

Unmet need for mental health care in PNW

According to the United States Census Bureau, an estimated 34.5% of adults in Portland, Oregon, have an unmet need for mental health care. This figure is significantly higher than the U.S. average of 26.9%. Although these numbers are low, they still represent a large number of adults who do not receive care. In Portland alone, 66.0% of adults with a severe mental illness did not receive any treatment in the past year.

While there is a large need for mental health care in Portland, Oregon, many people are denied access to it because of financial or other barriers. This situation is especially pronounced in communities of color, under-insured individuals, and individuals who do not have health insurance. The pandemic, which has led to an increase in the number of people with mental health conditions, is expected to make the problem worse.

Findings show that unmet needs are higher among children of caregivers with poor mental health compared to those without such care. Similarly, unmet need was higher in children living in MSAs than in non-MSAs. The findings of the study showed that rural children were less likely to have an unmet need compared with urban children, and that children living in urban areas were more likely to have a mental health problem.