What is depression?

​It is normal to feel down or unhappy at times, even for a few days. In contrast, depression is a more persistent issue which can last weeks or months and can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Adding to the problem is the belief by some people that those who suffer with depression will simply “snap” out of it.

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How does depression affect a person?

​Depression can have physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleeping issues or increased fatigue. Psychologically, depression can involve feeling sad, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, difficulties in thinking, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts about death. The difference between simply “feeling down” and depression, is that in depression the symptoms are generally prolonged and occur on a daily basis for a period of greater than two weeks.

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When is depression a problem?

Sometimes those who suffer from depression may turn to comfort food to help deal with depression. Alternatively, they may begin to engage in substance abuse. For some, they may deal with depression by avoiding food due to loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Over time, these types of behaviours can lead to poorer physical health. Depression can also cause the sufferer to have difficulties with interpersonal relationships, particularly with family or at work. If you find that depression is affecting your overall quality of life, it might be a good time to seek help! 

How can you benefit from working with a psychotherapist?

By working with a psychotherapist, you can gain new skills to help cope with the symptoms of depression. For example, the therapist can help you to learn how to process emotions in a constructive manner so that they become less debilitating. Learning how to cope with difficult emotions can help reduce the impact of depression on your daily life and improve overall well-being. 

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What can I expect during a therapy session? 

A variety of approaches and techniques can be used to deal with depression. One effective approach is the use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). During counselling sessions, the therapist can help you learn techniques to help deal with stress, improve emotion regulation and relationships with others. The majority of treatment plans are 6-8 sessions depending on the goals and needs of each client.