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Depression
It is in our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.
~Aristotle

What is Depression?
Depression is not simply having moments of sadness, nor is it a sign of weakness. It is neither inevitable nor is it a character flaw. It is these misconceptions that cause many individuals to suffer in silence. Rather, depression is a real mental health condition with many emotional, physical, behavioural and cognitive symptoms, for which there is a significant amount of help available.
There are several different types of depression, some more familiar than others. It is important to know the differences between these varying forms of depression.
Major Depressive Disorder
What is Major Depression?
Major depression, the most common form of depression, is
characterizedby feelings of sadness, hopelessness and/or a lack of
focus on a daily or almost daily basis for a period of no less than
two weeks. These symptomsnegatively impact relationships, careers,
emotional well-being, physical well-being and other significant areas
of life causing further feelings of distress.
What does psychotherapeutic treatment for major depression involve?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used
treatmentfor major depression in psychotherapy. Other forms of treatment
mayinclude Mindfulness Awareness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
(DBT) along with the support of the therapeutic relationship.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
This form of depression occurs in association with loss of daylight, as
is typical in Canadian Winters. Also known as seasonal depression,
SAD affects between 3-5% of Canadians, with symptoms appearing first
in the Fall and waning with the arrival of Spring.
What does psychotherapeutic treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder
involve?
Similar to treatment of major depression, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
(CBT) is the most commonly used treatment for SAD in psychotherapy.
Outside of psychotherapy, increasing one’s exposure to daylight can also
assist in easing the symptoms, or investing in light exposure therapy may
prove beneficial.
Post Partum Depression
What is Post Partum Depression?
After giving birth, women typically experience a normal dip in hormone
levels, resulting in “the baby blues”. It is common for women to
experience feeling stressed, sad, anxious, lonely, tired or weepy following
their baby’s birth. But some women, up to 1 in 7, experience a much
more serious mood disorder — postpartum depression. This can be an
extremely confusing and stressful experience for new mothers.
Some of the symptoms to be aware of are feelings of guilt or worthless,
fear of being left alone with the baby, lack of interest in the baby, family
or friends, feelings of hopelessness or misery, and thoughts of hurting
yourself or the baby.
What does psychotherapeutic treatment for Post Partum Depression
involve?
Treatment for Post Partum Depression involves Interpersonal Therapy and
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, along with the support of the therapeutic
relationship. As with any mental health concern, we are able to liaise with
physicians and group support networks to ensure a holistic approach is
achieved in the treatment plan.
Bipolar Disorder
What is BiPolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, ranging
from mania or hypomania to depression. As a result, individuals often
have difficulty managing everyday life tasks at school or work as well
as maintaining relationships. During mania, the person may feel
euphoric, impulsive, excited and full of never ending energy. Hypomania
is similar in experience to mania , but with less severity. During an
emotional low or depression the person may feel deep sadness,
hopelessness, loss of energy, lack of interest in activities they have
otherwise enjoyed, sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts.
There are two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
Bipolar I is defined by the appearance of at least one manic episode.
The individual may experience hypomanic or depressive episodes before
and after the manic episode.
Bipolar II is defined by one major depressive episode that lasts at least
two weeks, they will also have at least one hypomanic episode that lasts
about four days.
What does psychotherapeutic treatment for Bipolar Disorder involve?
The most effective psychotherapeutic treatment for bipolar disorder
involves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychoeducation.
Outside of psychotherapy, individuals may seek support from a
physician to determine if medication will assist in recovery.
What are the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?
Below is a link for an at-home symptomology check list that can help you identify whether you are suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. It is important to note, however, that this checklist is not a replacement for a mental health professional. Rather, it is to be used as a tool to provide potential information to help individuals take the appropriate first step in seeking therapeutic support.
What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Below is a link for an at-home symptomology check list that can help you identify whether you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is important to note, however, that this checklist is not a replacement for a mental health professional. Rather, it is to be used as a tool to provide potential information to help individuals take the appropriate first step in seeking therapeutic support.
What are the symptoms of Post Partum Depression?
Below is a link for an at-home symptomology check list that can help you identify whether you are suffering from Post Partum Depression. It is important to note, however, that this checklist is not a replacement for a mental health professional. Rather, it is to be used as a tool to provide potential information to help individuals take the appropriate first step in seeking therapeutic support.
What are the symptoms of Post Partum Depression?
Below is a link for an at-home symptomology check list that can help you identify whether you are suffering from Post Partum Depression. It is important to note, however, that this checklist is not a replacement for a mental health professional. Rather, it is to be used as a tool to provide potential information to help individuals take the appropriate first step in seeking therapeutic support.