Every day begins with an act of courage and hope: getting out of bed.

Edmonton Depression Counselling

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, as well as changes in appetite, loss of energy, and/or increased fatigue among other indications. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can affect how a person functions in everyday life. Symptoms of depression can range from very mild to severe. For a person to be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must last for at least two weeks.

It is important to differentiate between depression and being sad. For example, the feelings after losing a loved one, the ending of a relationship, or the loss of a job are difficult experiences for someone to endure, but the response of the feelings of sadness or grief afterwards is normal. Those who have experienced loss might describe themselves as depressed or having depression, but it is not the same as being diagnosed with depression. Depression, on the other hand, comes up for no reason at all. Its symptoms last for more than two weeks, doesn’t usually go away on its own, and significantly impacts your life and how you function.

Depression affects an estimated 1 in 15 adults in any given year and 1 in 6 will experience some form of depression at some point in their life. It can also occur at any time and happen to anyone, but on average, it frequently appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Studies show women are more likely than men to experience depression and that one-third of women will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime.

IS DEPRESSION TREATABLE?

Yes, it is! Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80 to 90% of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment and/or counselling. At Greenspan Psychology, we provide Edmonton depression counselling services to help patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

Your initial consultation and counselling should look like this: before diagnosis, treatment, and/or counselling, a health professional should conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including an interview and possibly a physical examination. In some cases, a blood test might be done to make sure the depression is not due to a medical condition, like a thyroid problem. The purpose of this evaluation is to identify specific symptoms, medical and family history, cultural factors, and environmental factors to arrive at a correct diagnosis and plan a course of action.

If you have any of the below symptoms, you may have depression.

  • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue
  • Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
READ MORE ABOUT DEPRESSION

Counselling & Finding the Right Counsellor

Finding a depression counsellor that is the right fit for you can be an intimidating process, as there are many factors to consider. One very important thing to consider that you can look into before even scheduling a session is your potential depression counsellor’s education, training, and approach to depression counselling. It can be hard to know exactly what will work for you before trying it out, but doing your research may prove helpful.

Booking a consultation with your potential depression counsellor is a good first step. It’s an opportunity to ask them any questions you have. Doing a phone consultation can help you build some rapport and comfort prior to attending your first counselling session. Initial intake sessions can feel intimidating for some people, and having already spoken to someone in advance can help break the ice. You will also be able to get an idea of whether this depression counsellor seems professional, and has a treatment plan that could work for you, such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy methods.

Upon first meeting, the questions you ask will depend on you and what you think is the most important factor for a counsellor to consider in addressing your depression and the counselling process. If you’re not sure where to start, it can be a good idea to ask about their education, experience with past patients, fees and rates, and how your depression counsellor suggests approaching your treatment plan.

After a few sessions, you should know if you’ve found the right depression counsellor for you. Of course, it’s different for everyone, so don’t be worried if you need a little longer to get comfortable. Sessions with your depression counsellor should leave you feeling supported and a little more positive about the future.

Our psychologists have worked with a wide variety of patients all over the Edmonton area struggling with different problems and coming from many different backgrounds. Contact us today to book a free consultation and begin your path to a more fulfilling life free of your depressive symptoms.

Ask us about Depression

Frequently Asked Questions

How is depression diagnosed and treated?

The first step in diagnosing depression is to visit a doctor or a licensed professional for an evaluation of your mental health. Your doctor or the licensed professional will then rule out other medical conditions that could be causing depressive symptoms. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan can be made. Depression can be treated using a variety of methods, such as antidepressants and therapy/counselling. If you ever feel any symptoms that could indicate depression or any mental health problem, contact us at Greenspan Psychology today for a free consultation.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD) refers to the depression women experience after giving birth. This can be due to hormonal and physical changes that can occur during this period, giving the mother an overwhelming feeling and negatively affecting their mental health. These feelings could go on for months after giving birth. If you’re ever in this position, reach out to a professional that can help you get through this stage.

What is the most effective treatment for depression?

This varies from person to person since everyone responds differently to certain treatments. Medications, therapy, and counselling sessions have proven to be effective for most people experiencing depression. Consulting with a professional will be beneficial in selecting the right treatment path for you, especially in the long term. At Greenspan Psychology, we provide therapy and counselling services for anyone experiencing mental health problems. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What do I say during my initial consultation?

Prior to the initial consultation, you should write down important information, such as any symptoms you’ve had, any medications you might be taking, previous medical and mental health history, counselling/therapy history, and any questions you might have for the licensed professional. This increases the benefits of your initial consultation, and helps to avoid forgetting anything important. Your doctor or counsellor will ask important questions as well, and lead you through the examination, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Once the appropriate treatment plan has been suggested, make sure to discuss all available treatment options, such as medications and counselling, before making any decisions.