Do You Need Help?
Have you felt that it has been very difficult to change your low mood? Have your thoughts been negative and self-defeating for too long where you just want a break because you are flat out exhausted? There is hope, depression is very treatable, and the first step to treatment with Depression Counselling is to reach out to a licensed practitioner who is able to listen to you in detail and support you to make meaningful and sustainable changes in your life.
My Approach to Therapy for Depression
I work predominantly with young adults, I have a unique ability to tap into challenges that post-secondary students and young professionals face daily. Since you have reached out to find help, I believe you are motivated and dedicated to making meaningful self-improvement happen. It is likely, that you have either tried to help yourself or have tried some other form of therapy for stress, and are now ready to make changes. You are willing to listen to strategies and are willing to try new ones that may feel difficult.
As your therapist, I will lay out a clear path towards healing your mind and regaining your mental health – one that is tailored to you, because the plan was made with you. Everyone has a different pace to adapt to changes, listen and follow-through, and my goal for all my clients is to help them maximize their potential, and include your strengths in the treatment plan to improving your mental health. I combine Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy to craft a holistic, evidence-based treatment plan that works for you.
If you are ready to take the road to self-improvement, you can book a session by sending me an email. If you are not sure about booking a session, you can take a free 15-20 minute consultation to discuss your therapy needs in greater depths and to assess how comfortable you are connecting with me. This phone conversation is also a good chance to ask any questions you may be curious about relating to the therapy process and my approach.
Background Information about Depression
When Can Sadness be Characterized as Clinical Depression?
While feeling sad after you experience loss is perfectly normal, the duration for which you continue to be sad draws the line between depression and sadness. Clinical depression is a mood disorder causing persistent feelings of sadness. It affects how you feel, think and go about your daily activities (sleeping, eating, and working). It also affects your professional and personal relationships. The symptoms of depression should be present every day for at least 2 weeks for a diagnosis to be made.
Why Do We Feel Sad?
Sadness comprises one of the four chief human emotions — the others include: happiness, fear and anger. Sadness is a useful and valid tool passed down after millions of years of evolution. Sadness alerts us to how we need to treat ourselves and also how we want others to treat us.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is caused due to a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. These factors cause an imbalance in your neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in your brain) – depleting the levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Causes of Depression in Young Adults
Recognizing The Symptoms of Depression
Persistent feelings of anxiousness, or “empty” mood
Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
Decreased energy levels, fatigue, or being “slowed down”
Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
Loss of pleasure or interest in hobbies or daily activities
Appetite or changes in weight
Changes in sleep pattern (difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping)
Restlessness or irritability
Generalized aches or pains, cramps, headaches, or digestive disturbances without a clear organic cause that don’t ease even with treatment
Thoughts of death or suicide
Suicide attempts
Issues such as academic expectations, peer pressure, and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for young adults. Here are some of the causes that result in depression in young adults:
Fights with family or friends
Performance pressure and heavy workload at school
Unrealistic societal expectations
Being bullied
Conflict within the family, divorce or separation
Difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships or friendships
Experiencing a relationship break-up, recent death, abuse or neglect.
What Signs to Look for as a Parent?
social withdrawal
bad performance at school/college
use of alcohol and drugs
risk-taking behaviour