If you suffer from depression you’ll know that depression is a thief – it robs you of almost everything, including your confidence and your peace of mind.
Our psychologists like working with clients who suffer from depression because we understand how hard it can be, and it’s very gratifying to help clients in their recovery process. It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding to see clients get the upper hand on what can be a debilitating condition.
Signs of Depression
Here are some signs that you may be suffering from depression:
And here is more information on specific depression disorders:
Major Depressive Disorder
A state of depression that lasts for at least two weeks has at least five symptoms including “depressed mood” or “loss of interest or pleasure”. MDD causes significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. Untreated, MDD can sadly lead to worsening illness and in some cases even death.
MDD with Peripartum Onset
Major Depressive Disorder with onset either during the pregnancy or within four weeks following delivery. Research shows that approximately 7-12% of moms experience this type of depression. Some research indicates that fathers may also have an increased risk of depression during this time.
Major Depression with Seasonal Pattern
Sometimes referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this type of depression displays a pattern of major depression at a particular time of the year, often in the winter.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
A depressed state which has fewer symptoms than Major Depression Disorder but includes a depressed mood for most of the day on more days than not. The depression persists for a period of two years.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
A type of depression with at least five symptoms presenting in the final week before the onset of menses. There is an improvement within a few days after the onset of menses and the symptoms become minimal or absent in the week post-menses.
Bipolar Disorder
Technically in a category separate from depressive disorders, bi-polar and related disorders will normally include periods of major depression.
Bipolar I Disorder is commonly thought as “manic-depression” while Bipolar II may be thought of as bipolar moods with less intense or truly manic “highs”, while often experiencing more periods of depressing lows. Both conditions can be quite debilitating, often requiring medication to ensure mood stability.
How Therapy Can Help With Depression
To help our clients recover from depression, we seek first to establish a close therapeutic relationship – one where you will feel safe and respected. Together we will determine the causes of your depression and develop a plan to conquer it.
To aid in this process we use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Positive Psychology. We focus on practical strategies that can help you move not only toward wellness but also toward a better place than ever.
Our therapists have a gentle but strategically challenging style that is action-oriented and geared toward activating the behaviours and thinking that will help lessen the depression.
Pathway Therapists That Specialize in Treating Depression
Gerard MacLellan, MEd, MA
Registered Psychologist
Want to learn more about our therapy specialties and treatments offered? Visit the Counselling Services page here.