Therapy for Depression in Halifax, Nova ScotiaLooking for therapy for depression or treatment in Halifax? Help is available in Nova Scotia.
Everyone feels sad or down from time to time. It may last a few hours or even several days. However, the experience of depression at a clinical level is more than simply feeling sad. When someone is in the midst of a Major Depressive Episode, the number, intensity, and duration of symptoms are much greater than they are during the periods of sadness everyone occasionally experiences. |
|
A feeling of hopelessness for the future is the most commonly reported symptom of depression. Someone experiencing this level of depression may believe that the future holds nothing to look forward to, that no one cares about their welfare, and that there is nothing he or she can do to change this.
However, depression is treatable and this is one of the most common reasons why people seek help from a psychologist.
Please visit my clinic Green Leaf Psychological for more detailed information on depression therapy in Halifax.
However, depression is treatable and this is one of the most common reasons why people seek help from a psychologist.
Please visit my clinic Green Leaf Psychological for more detailed information on depression therapy in Halifax.
What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Psychiatric Disorders (DSM), the symptoms for Major Depression include at least five of the following for at least two weeks:
1) Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
2) Decreased interest in almost all activities nearly every day.
3) Significant weight loss (when not dieting), or weight gain, or a significant change in appetite.
4) Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) nearly every day.
5) Abnormal restlessness or a significant decrease in physical activity nearly every day.
6) Fatigue or a loss of energy nearly every day.
7) Feelings of worthlessness or excessive inappropriate guilt nearly every day.
8) Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or indecisiveness nearly every day.
9) Repeated thoughts of death or suicide.
How common is depression?
Major Depression is one of the most common psychological difficulties. It is estimated that over a lifetime, between 10 and 15 % of people will experience at least one episode of Major Depression.
Are men or women more susceptible to depression?
Most research has shown that two out of three people who are diagnosed with depression are female. However, it is possible that this ratio is not entirely accurate as women may be more likely to disclose how they are feeling and also, may be more likely to ask for help.
Who is most at risk for developing depression?
While depression can affect almost anyone, there are certain risk factors which increase the risk of developing the illness, such as:
● Biological predisposition (inherited)
● Age (adolescents, young adults, and the elderly are most at risk)
● Social isolation and a lack of friends
● Poor interpersonal relationships
● Emotional loss or grief
● Traumatic experiences
● Chronic stress
● Lack of self-esteem
Treatment and therapy for depression
Experiencing depression is one of the most common reasons for people to seek therapy or counselling. Additionally, there has been more research on depression than just about any other psychological problem.
As such, we know a lot about the factors that can trigger depression, the thoughts that can make depression worse, and behaviours that reinforce depressive disorder.
Depression is treatable - there is no need to suffer.
Many people respond very well to therapy for depression - especially when using a combination of prescribed anti-depressants and psychotherapy.
As such, we know a lot about the factors that can trigger depression, the thoughts that can make depression worse, and behaviours that reinforce depressive disorder.
Depression is treatable - there is no need to suffer.
Many people respond very well to therapy for depression - especially when using a combination of prescribed anti-depressants and psychotherapy.
How can I start counselling for depression?
If you would like to receive help for depression (and live in the areas of Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, or anywhere in Nova Scotia) please read more about therapy and counselling, my treatment approach, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to set up an initial consultation.
Thanks!
Thanks!
