Depression
Depression can happen at any time and affect just about anybody. All sorts of things can cause this condition, but there are effective ways to treat it and the vast majority of patients respond well. Clinical counselling can form an important part of a treatment plan for depression. In this article, we’ll look at the symptoms, possible causes, and how clinical counsellors in Port Moody approach depression.
What is Depression?
Depression can affect different people in different ways. It primarily affects your mental health but can have a massively negative effect on your physical wellbeing too.
Here are just some of the ways depression can manifest itself:
- General aches and pains
- A lowered sex drive
- Not staying in family and friends
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sleep disturbance and insomnia
- You might be drinking more alcohol – which can exacerbate depression
It’s essential to go and see your doctor right away when you think you may be depressed. Depression is typically easy to treat, and you’ll likely feel an improvement in a short time.
What are the different types of depression?
Doctors use a number of different terms that all describe depression, and there are various ways you can be diagnosed with the condition, including:
- Clinical depression is the most common term used to describe the illness.
- A depressive episode is one of the ways your doctor might describe a bout of depression. Usually, the term is accompanied by mild or moderate, but depression can also be severe, and depressive episodes may be recurring.
- Reactive depression is used to describe instances where specific events bring on depression, such as an injury or illness.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that strikes at certain times of the year, often associated with long winter days and a lack of sunshine.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The usual symptoms of depression can vary significantly from person to person and may include:
- Not being able to sleep
- Low self-esteem
- Losing interest in sex
- Thoughts of self-harm or even suicidal thoughts
- Feeling sad, irritable, or even angry
- Feeling lethargic and lacking energy
- A loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
- Being tired more often
- A loss of appetite
What causes depression?
Many different things or events can cause depression. Even things that happened a long time ago – perhaps during your childhood – can eventually bring on feelings of depression, and going through periods of stress can also result in the condition.
If you’re feeling down, just getting adequate sleep and eating a healthy diet can help, but if the feeling is harder to shake, you should talk to a counsellor.
Depression is a very real and recognized illness that affects millions of ordinary people around the world:
- Depression is surprisingly common, affecting one in every ten people on earth
- Anyone can get depression at any time
- Depression is very treatable
It is absolutely not a sign of being weak or something you need to be ashamed of Many different things can bring on depression, but not all sufferers have a defined cause for the condition, so it’s vital to talk with a healthcare professional if you think you have any of the symptoms. A lack of social interactions is known to have a detrimental effect on mental health, as is being overweight and not exercising regularly.
Here are some other high-risk factors that can contribute to depression:
- Alcohol: and drugs can bring on depression. Both prescribed and non-prescribed drugs can have a detrimental effect on your mental health.
- Illness or injury: can in themselves bring on depression, but both can also cause a person to be laid up for periods and contribute to the condition.
How does depression get treated?
If you think you have depression, your first stop should be your doctor. They’ll make an assessment of your symptoms and offer support. Then, they may refer you to a clinical psychologist. Often, just talking through the reasons for depression can have a positive effect, and counselling has a vital role to play.
Here at Inspine Therapy, our highly qualified counsellors offer a tailored, holistic approach to clinical counselling for depression.
They use a number of techniques and treatments designed to address individual needs, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Art therapy
- Relationship counselling
- Bereavement counselling
Need An Appointment?
Inspine Therapy is a multi-disciplinary clinic located in the heart of Coquitlam and Port Moody. We care about providing fundamental healing through all-in-one care that focuses on helping you recover, improve, and optimize your health until you’re in the best condition possible.
Our services include massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, active rehab, clinical counselling, and pilates. Visit our newly renovated clinic and book your appointment today!
