If you have visited this web site, it is no doubt because either you or someone you love is in pain. I understand that pain. I know what it is like to feel the despair, the torment, the hopelessness of major depression. Over the past three decades I have had four major depressive episodes and have been hospitalized four times. I have experienced depression and have survived. My message is that you can survive, too.

    The purpose of a depression support group is to impart practical tools and coping strategies in a caring and supportive environment that will allow members to live optimally and to reduce their symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that experiencing social support has a positive effect on a person's ability to heal from depression and to remain well after a depressive episode.

    A depression support group is designed to serve those individuals:
1) who are currently experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or manic depression.
2) who have already experienced an episode of anxiety or depression and wish to stay well.

    Group members report that participating in depression support groups has helped them to:
• express their feelings in a safe environment.
• learn that they are not alone.
• feel understood by others who are dealing with the same issues.
• give and receive support.
• learn valuable tools for alleviating the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• reduce negative self-talk.
• learn stress-reduction skills.
• feel empowered to create their own personalized recovery program.

     In addition to receiving social support, group members will learn a "better mood recovery program” that treats depression on all fronts—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Here is how some recent members describe their experiences of a depression support group.

"Douglas' group provides a safe and encouraging environment for those of us
who are dealing with depression."
Stephen Jones

"Douglas has an intuitive awareness of what people need. With love and humor, he guides us onto a healing path, and creates an opportunity
for us to walk that path together."
Wendy Rich

"A long overdue and much needed recovery program for those
suffering from anxiety and depression."
Katie Warren

ONGOING GROUPS AVAILABLE
Groups meet once a week, Thursday evening (7-9:30 pm);
Tuesday afternoon (4 pm to 6:30 pm) or Monday evening (7-9:30 pm).
PLACE: 4226 NE 23rd Ave., Portland
Fee: $40 a week (this can be modified if there is a financial need).

For information, call 503-284-2848 or email dbloch@teleport.com.

If you would like to submit an online application for this course, please click here.

If you would like to ask a question or receive more information, please
send me an email by clicking here.

     Douglas Bloch is an author, counselor, and teacher who writes and speaks on the subjects of psychology, healing and spirituality. He obtained his B.A. in Psychology from New York University and his M.A. in Counseling from the University of Oregon. He is the author of “Words That Heal,” “Listening to Your Inner Voice,” and “When Going Through Hell…Don’t Stop! A Survivor’s Guide for Overcoming Anxiety and Clinical Depression.” For the past year, Douglas has been teaching his "better mood recovery program” to workshop participants around the country.