Depression
Depression is different than sadness
Almost everyone feels sadness from time to time. Depression and related mental health issues are more serious, longer lasting, and have become ever more common among Canadians over the last decade, with increased prevalence especially in young people (ages 15-24) and women.
Accessing care for mental health related disorders can also be challenging, with more than 1 in 3 of those with a mood, anxiety or substance use disorder reporting unmet or only partially met health or mental health care needs.
You are not alone. You also don't have to navigate this alone.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
• Increased self-criticism
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sexual desire
• Social withdrawal/decrease in activities
• Persistent feelings of sadness/numbness/emptiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Easily fatigued
• Feeling of heaviness in your body
Risk Factors For Depression
• Pervasive negative thinking
• Stress/grief from relationship changes (birth of a child, divorce)
• Stress/grief from major life changes (job loss, retirement)
• Stress/grief from physical illness/disability
• Financial stress
• Stress from global events (war, climate change)
• Traumatic event(s)
How Therapy Can Help
Coping with depression requires work both inside the counselling office and out. The journey is sure to be non-linear with some days feeling like progress and others not so much. We will take time to get to know your individual needs and collaborate to navigate the darkness so you can step back into the light.
​
Some areas we may address in our work together include:​
• Reframing negative self-talk
• Recognizing any negative beliefs/ perspective taking
• Creating & upholding self-protective boundaries
• Creating strategies for when you are struggling
• Considering your "Authentic Self" and addressing any tendencies that block its expression
​
These skills will, over time, help reduce symptoms as we work to understand the underlying cause of the depression and work to create more balance.
​
If this is something you would like to work on with us on, reach out for a free 15 minute consultation.