Depression
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental illness that affects a person’s mood. Mood can affect the way a person feels and thinks about himself or herself, relates to others, and interacts with the world around them. Without treatment, it can last for a long time, and is much more than “feeling blue”.
Signs of depression include feeling sad, worthless, hopeless, guilty, or anxious over relatively prolonged periods of time. People may lose interest in things they used to enjoy and feel angry or irritable. In addition, depression can make it hard to focus on tasks and remember information, making it hard to concentrate, learn new things, or make decisions. It can also affect eating and sleeping, and some people may even experience physical pain.
Furthermore, many factors such as age, gender and experiences can also impact how people experience depression. These characteristics are unique to each person; therefore the approaches to treatment must be tailored to each individual.
Symptoms of Depression
It is normal for us to feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times, but when these feelings become overwhelming they can cause physical symptoms and last for long periods of time. If these feelings are preventing you from living a normal and active life it may be time to seek professional help.
Symptoms of Clinical Depression may vary between individuals, but they can include:
- Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Pessimism and hopelessness
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in things once pleasurable
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
How Can Therapy Help?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy used to treat mood disorders. CBT teaches you how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours work together. This form of therapy also teaches important skills like solving problems, managing stress, realistic thinking, and relaxation. In fact, CBT is often the first treatment to try if you are experiencing mild or moderate problems. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Therapy is also helpful in managing stress and in relaxation.
For more information, or to see if therapy might be a good fit, please contact us.
