Depression Therapy / Depression Counselling
With an occurance rate of almost 1 in 8 adults1 depression is one of the most prevalent and misunderstood mood disorders.
So what exactly is depression and how might depression therapy help?
While we all experience the ups and downs of life, depression is characterized by chronic and persistent symptoms including everything from fatigue and stomach pain, all the way to muscle and joint pain. Despite the variety and occasionally debilitating nature of the symptoms, many people suffering from depression don’t even realize they have it or perhaps could benefit from depression therapy.
Common Symptoms of Depression
- Feelings of discouragement, sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Difficulty concentrating, focusing or remembering
- Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
- Crying spells and persistent feelings of sadness
- Angry outbursts, increased irritability
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Unusual fatigue and lethargy
- Eating too much or too little
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Depression Can Exhibit Different Symptoms in Males and Females
For example, men may tend to:
- Become angry and irritable
- Turn to sports, TV, sexual activities, alcohol or other reckless beviour to mask feelings
- Have physical symptoms, including sexual dysfunction
- Feel embarrassed and fearful of depression
- Want to maintain a strong, male image
- Have a problem-solver approach to depression
How does depression affect the brain?
Depression is a mental health condition affecting the body and the mind. It greatly impacts how we think, feel, and behave. It can lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, changes in appetite, aches and pains, digestive problems, and even cognitive impairments.
How long do most depressive episodes last?
Most depressive episodes can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on the severity of the episode and other factors such as the individual’s psychological and emotional state, age, family history of depression, and ability to access quality mental health care. On average, individuals may experience an episode lasting 6-8 months.
What is clinical depression and how serious is it?
Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a serious medical condition that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
This condition can affect people with feelings of sadness, emptiness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. People may also experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, restlessness or irritability, loss of libido or sexual dysfunction. These emotions can be so intense that individuals may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as hobbies or spending time with friends and family. They may also experience changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, physical aches and pains, low energy levels, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and even cognitive impairments.
The severity of clinical depression can vary from person to person; for some individuals, it may last only a few weeks or months, while others struggle with it for years. It is important to note that everyone responds differently to different treatments. Therefore, working closely with your physician and therapist is essential when trying to seek help or utilize depression therapy for this condition.
If You Think You May Be Depressed:
- Make an appointment with a counsellor for depression therapy
- Visit your family physician
- Share your burden with an individual or two that you are close with
- Learn about self-care
- Rest
- Eat fresh and healthy food
- Exercise for 15 minutes each day
- Be patient
Types of Depression
As every person is different, there are different types of depression with different diagnosis and treatments:
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210927/dq210927a-eng.htm.
How Therapy Helps Depression
No matter your age, depression can occur for a wide range of reasons and underlying causes. Depression is different for every person, and it can sometimes be so commonplace that symptoms go overlooked. At Words Of Hope Counselling we will be able to confidently guide you through the emotional and complicated symptoms of depression with our depression therapy program. Having a personal advocate helps in so many ways, for one you don’t need to feel alone in your struggle anymore.
We can and we will provide education about depression, help you gain tools to manage your symptoms more effectively and empathize and care for you in a professional way so you feel understood and validated.
Most importantly, you will leave each session relieved, with a breath of fresh air, knowing that you are dealing with the correct issue and that you have a plan in place to improve your life and the relationships that are most important to you. Lastly you can feel secure knowing that you are being treated by a licensed professional who is trained to look at all the obvious and not so obvious symptoms of depression, therefore nothing will be missed.
Remember there is always HOPE… yes depression is real and makes life extremely difficult but I want you to know, depression is treatable! When you meet with one of our trained professionals we will take the time to fully understand your symptoms, your feelings, your thoughts, your current situation
we will truly listen and once we understand your complex condition, we will develop a customized treatment plan together, a team effort, to suit your individual needs. While some people only need a few sessions, others might require regular sessions and some form of medication but again you are in the driver’s seat and we work together to find the very best solution for you.
Lasly, at Words of Hope Counselling we safeguard your privacy and are sensitive to you and the struggles you’re facing. As a result, you can rest knowing we are discreet and take all the steps necessary to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.
There’s no time like the present. Give us a call today!!
You can also learn about our team here!
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
At Words of Hope, we leverage the transformative power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) a type of depression therapy aimed at helping individuals break free from the grip of depression. ACT is a therapeutic approach that goes beyond traditional methods by fostering mindfulness, encouraging the acceptance of emotions, and promoting commitment to values-based actions.
Our skilled therapists guide individuals through the process of embracing thoughts and feelings without judgment, creating a safe space for self-exploration and understanding. By aligning actions with deeply held values, individuals embark on a journey towards a more meaningful life.
ACT equips our clients with the tools to cultivate psychological flexibility and resilience, enabling them to effectively navigate the challenges of depression.
Discover a path to healing and transformation at Words of Hope, where we integrate ACT principles to empower individuals in their pursuit of a fulfilling and purpose-driven existence. Embrace hope, break free from depression, and step into a brighter future with our dedicated support and the transformative practices of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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