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Depression Therapy in Georgetown, ON
What is Depression?
There is a big difference between feeling sad and feeling depressed. We all feel sadness from time to time, and it is a normal human reaction to disappointment, loss or really tough experiences. Sad feelings usually don't stick around for a long time and don't impact your day-to-day life in a significant way. Depression is so much more than sadness or low mood. It is a mental illness that impacts the way you see yourself, how you relate to yourself and others, as well as your mood. It also lasts for a long period of time. Individuals who experience depression often have a low sense of self-worth, and feel hopeless, helpless and guilt. It can be related to a significant event, or it may come and go seemingly out of nowhere.
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I Feel so Alone in This. Nobody Understands.
Depression can be called Clinical Depression, Major Depression or Major Depressive Disorder. You are not alone, and depression is very common. According to Statistics Canada, 4.7% of the Canadian population aged 15 years and over reported symptoms that met the criteria for major depression. Further, almost one in 8 adults identified symptoms that met the criteria for depression. Studies have also shown higher rates of depression for women than for men, at almost double the risk.
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How do I Know if I Have Depression?
Depression shows itself differently in different people. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of depression.
Do you:
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Feel a constant depressed mood?
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Feel worthless and hopeless?
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Experience feelings of guilt?
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Find yourself irritable and angry?
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Find it hard to concentrate or make decisions?
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Notice that you've lost interest in activities you used to find enjoyable?
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Spend more time alone?
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Isolate yourself from others?
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Have problems with sleep (too much or too little)?
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Experience unexplainable pain or aches in your body?
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Notice your appetite has changed significantly resulting in weight gain or loss?
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Engage in reckless behaviour?
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Feel fatigued and have no energy?
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Have thoughts of death, not being here anymore, or ending your life?
You also need to consider if these symptoms are causing serious distress in your life (i.e. in your social life, your work, or your relationships)?
If you notice you have some, most or all of these symptoms, it is important to get help as soon as possible.
What Should I do if I Feel Depressed?
You don't have to keep feeling this way. You deserve to feel better and should get help for yourself.
If you or someone you know has had any of these symptoms most days for more than two or three weeks, you should contact your doctor, or a registered mental health professional right away. If you or someone you know is having recurring thoughts of suicide, it's very important that you seek medical help immediately. There are many highly effective options available for treating depression. These treatments can include psychotherapy, medications, and complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, and stress management techniques. You can benefit from one or a combination of these various approaches.
I Feel that Asking for Help is a Sign of Weakness.
This is simply not true. Depression is very common and does not mean there is something wrong with you. It is a sign of strength to reach out for help. With the help of a therapist, you can examine your symptoms, discuss your issues, and implement strategies to make you feel better.
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Can Counselling Help with my Depression?
If you are experiencing even some of the symptoms listed above, you can benefit from therapy for depression. It is so helpful to catch depressive symptoms early on before you spiral even deeper into it and things start to feel out of control. At Couples Therapy Centre, we help individuals who are clinically depressed or just need help overcoming a difficult time in their life. If you’re feeling depressed or experiencing any of the above symptoms, please reach out for help from one of our therapists.