What is Depression?

Depression is not just sadness. It is a pervasive change in thinking, behaviour, and biology that distorts how a person sees themselves, their future, and the world. Described by many as a void or numbness, it can seemingly come out of the blue or can follow a personal loss of, for example another person, job, identity, etc.

 

 

Symptoms of Depression:

You may experience all or some of the following symptoms with varying severities:

A persistent feeling of sad, empty or anxious mood

Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt or pessimism

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

Decreased energy, fatigue or a sense of being "slowed down"

Restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

Suicidal thoughts

You may experience disruptions in sleep - insomnia, early morning waking or oversleeping

Change in eating patterns - eating more, less, weight gain, weight loss

Persistent physical symptoms - headaches, digestive issues or chronic pain

     

    How CBT can help:

    When you are feeling depressed you may notice yourself withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed, avoiding people, or becoming stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts that leaves you feeling even more hopeless.

    You might stay in your room and only surface when other people in the house are asleep, overeat on junk food or denying yourself food, skip work, cut off communication with friends and family, sleep for longer periods or stay up all night, unable to sleep. Some people may use substances to help them feel something when life feels empty and hopeless. 

    These behaviours feel like the only option at the time, yet they only provide short term relief and are short-lived. The heavy feelings of depression return, and the cycle feels even more difficult to break.  

    Together we can gently work to break that cycle. Using CBT, we'll explore the thoughts that may be keeping you feeling low and find practical, manageable ways to help you reconnect with the things that matter to you. Often, taking small steps before you feel ready can begin to lift your mood, restore a sense of purpose, and help you feel more like yourself again.