Most people have felt sad or depressed at times. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles, or an injured self-esteem. However, when feelings of intense sadness – including feeling helpless, hopeless, worthless, and totally losing pleasure in activities – last for many days or weeks and keep you from functioning normally, your depression may be something more than sadness. It may very well be clinical depression – a treatable medical condition.
If you are experiencing a combination of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from clinical depression:
- Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or helplessness almost every day
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Impaired concentration, indecisiveness, ability to remember details
- A sense of restlessness, irritability, or being slowed down
- Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
- Loss of pleasure in life
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
- Suicide attempts
Some of the behaviours you may find yourself exhibiting if you are depressed include:
- Hoping you don’t run into anyone you know while you’re out. Not only is maintaining a normal conversation difficult, but you are sure they’ll notice something is wrong with you.
- Watching TV constantly – lying on the couch or on/in your bed flicking the remote seems to be the most effort you can deal with.
- Avoiding talking to anyone to whom you have an obligation (your boss, friends who you’re ignoring, family, etc.).
- Losing interest in sex or even physical affection. Hugging someone doesn’t feel any different from leaning against a wall.
- Feeling like you can’t handle your job anymore, even though nothing has changed involving your workload or responsibilities.
Depression puts a dark, gloomy cloud over how we see the world, our future, and ourselves. There is help available for you if you are feeling this way – you don’t have to face it alone.
Depression is very treatable. You can recover and live a healthier, fulfilling life free from the weight on your shoulders.
LCC Provides Depression Counselling
Your LCC therapist will assist you in getting a long-term handle on your problems through the process of psychotherapy. They can help you understand and deal with your depression, often in cooperation with your family (with your permission only).
Your therapist will help you devise a recovery plan tailored to your unique circumstances. Counselling can you help you create the environment and mindset needed to recover from depression. You will be supported as you develop and strive toward treatment targets and real change.
Contact Us
Getting the right therapist may seem intimidating. If you are experiencing depression, we invite you to contact us for a confidential and complimentary 15 minute consultation. We will assess your needs, understand your concerns, and match you with the right therapist. Call 905-231-2273 or submit the form on the right of this page.