Depression Counselling
Support and Hope When Life Feels Overwhelming
It is normal to feel sad, discouraged or low once in a while. But when these feelings last for weeks or months, or when your energy, motivation or confidence begin to fade, counselling can help you recover and feel more like yourself again.
Depression affects how you think, feel and behave. It can interfere with sleep, appetite, relationships, work and the ability to enjoy life. Depression has biological and environmental influences, but most often it is linked to long term stressors that build up in any of the five areas of wellbeing: physical, emotional, social, financial and meaning.
Understanding Depression
Depression is not a personal flaw or a sign of weakness. It is a signal that something important in your life, relationships or environment needs attention and care. Many people find that depression arises from feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, unsupported or trapped in difficult circumstances.
Depression Facts
These points help people recognize how common depression is:
About eight percent of adults will experience major depression at some point
Depression costs Canadians an estimated thirty two point three billion dollars in lost productivity
Women are roughly twice as likely to experience depression as men
Two hundred sixty four million people worldwide live with depression
Your environment and circumstances play a major role in depression
The chance of inheriting depression is about thirty seven percent
In comparison, height is ninety nine percent inherited and speaking English is zero percent inherited
Watch Johann Hari's Ted Talk on this topic, or read his book Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression and Unexpected Solutions. It documents the role of nine causes of depression, all of which relate to the five areas of wellbeing found in the image above.
Depression Symptoms
Depression can affect your body, mind and emotions in many different ways, such as:
Sleep or appetite changes, fatigue, worry or unstable energy levels
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Social withdrawal or feeling disconnected from others
Negative or self-defeating thought patterns
Low motivation, self-blame or feelings of worthlessness
Frequent irritability or unusual anger
Trouble with memory or concentration
Thoughts of suicide or wishing life felt different
If these symptoms feel familiar, it may be time to reach out for support.
How We Can Help
There are many effective treatments for depression. At Five Star Wellbeing, we use Cognitive Behavioural and Mindfulness Based approaches as first line treatments, sometimes combined with prescription medications provided by your doctor.
Together, we will find the best strategies for your lifestyle and needs.
Our work may include:
Talk therapy that helps you understand the roots of your depression
CBT strategies to change negative self talk and patterns of rumination
Mindfulness practices that calm the nervous system
Guided meditation to help you reconnect with your body
Shifting habits of mind that keep you feeling stuck
Building greater self compassion and emotional resilience
The goal is to help you reclaim your energy, purpose and sense of connection, one step at a time.
You do not have to face depression alone.
If you are ready for support, understanding and a path forward, we are here to help.
Book a consultation or request an appointment today.
Let’s begin the process of feeling better and rebuilding hope.
Your wellbeing matters. Take five minutes to learn if you are suffering, surviving or thriving in five essential areas of life and what you can do to improve your wellbeing. Try it now.
