Depression Counselling

It is normal to feel sad in response to loss, or life’s struggles.  However, when intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness last for several days to weeks and keep you from functioning normally, you may be suffering from major depression.

Depression manifests in feelings of sadness, insomnia, poor concentration, fatigue, excessive guilt, appetite disturbances, and thoughts of suicide that last for days or weeks. 

There are many types of depression including major depression, chronic depression, seasonal depression, postpartum depression, bipolar depression, and substance-induced mood disorder.  Getting an accurate diagnosis is very important.  Ruling out other possible causes such as hypothyroidism, substance abuse, anemia and some neurological disorders that can mimic depression is the first step. 

With depression comes a high risk of suicide.  Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should be taken very seriously.  Warning signs include thoughts or talk of self-harm, harm to others, talk of death or suicide, and aggressive behaviours.  Anyone experiencing these feelings should call for assistance or go to the emergency room immediately.

The good news is depression is treatable. Psychotherapy or medication or a combination of the two, are used to treat depressive disorders.  Treatments are constantly improving through research.   

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to a health care professional.  He or she will evaluate you and work with a mental health professional to provide the appropriate treatments.