Depression is a mood disorder that, according to the world health organization (WHO), affects close to 300 million people of all ages worldwide. Did you know that women are more likely to experience depression than men? Moreover, depression is more common among people with a family history of this disorder.
Also referred to as clinical depression and or major depressive disorder, depression can affect a person's behaviour, thought process and how they get through their day-to-day lives. It also has been linked to myriad physical and emotional problems.
Depression can significantly impact a person's thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and overall well-being. Can involve persistent sadness, experiencing hopelessness, and a distinct lack of interest in daily activities that were once enjoyable. The physical manifestation of depression can vary from fatigue to experiencing changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
Experiencing any of these symptoms can be challenging, making it hard to ask for help. It's helpful to remember that therapy can be a great option and help you navigate your feelings in a safe space where a trained therapist can work with you to learn positive coping mechanisms to deal with symptoms of depression.
Therapy, often referred to as psychotherapy or counselling, can be an effective treatment for depression. It involves discussing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with a mental health professional. It can help you to understand better and manage your depression. Several different types of therapy can be helpful for depression, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you to identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to your depression, and interpersonal therapy (IPT), which focuses on your relationships and how they may be impacting your mood.
Here's how therapy can help deal with depression.
A Safe Space
Therapy is a safe space. You can be honest and talk about your feelings in a way that feels safe for you. A trained therapist or a psychologist can help you share and discuss your problems at the pace that works best for you. A safe space where the therapist can listen, understand and support you through the process.
Therapy Provides A Place to Explore Your Feelings
Exploring your feelings is a big part of therapy. Talking about them can help you understand them better and make sense of why you feel the way you do. It can also help you figure out how to deal with your feelings in healthy ways so that they don't get out of control or take over your life.
You Can Learn New Strategies to Cope With Depression
Therapy can help you to develop coping skills, identify and change negative thought patterns, and improve your relationships with others. It can also help you to understand better and manage your depression and to find ways you can lead a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is commonly used to treat depression as it aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviours. Mindfulness-based stress reduction teaches you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings to manage them better. Problem-solving therapy can help you identify problems, generate solutions, and decide how best to move forward. Some of the most effective stress management techniques include relaxation methods like yoga or meditation; exercise; nutrition education; and other healthy lifestyle habits (such as getting enough sleep).
Conclusion
If you think you are struggling with symptoms of depression and, despite your best efforts, things are not improving, it is vital to seek help and support. Therapy can be a powerful tool in managing depression and leading a healthy, fulfilling life. Don't hesitate to contact a mental health professional or support group for help.
If you're looking for help in managing depression and anxiety, working with a psychologist might be helpful for you. At Ward & Associates Psychological Services, we offer counselling in Sherwood Park. We specialize in individual counselling for adults, teens, and children and couples counselling and trauma counselling for first responders. We also offer online therapy for clients residing in Alberta. Contact us to learn more about our services or to book an appointment.