Depression

0
EMDR Since 2000

VIRTUAL EMDR ONLINE/VIRTUAL EMDR CONSULTATION ONLINE
DUE TO COVID 19, I HAVE TRANSITIONED MY PRACTICE TO ONLINE SESSIONS ONLY.
ALL EMDR CONSULTATION FOR EMDR THERAPISTS AND EMDR COUNSELLING SESSIONS<
ARE PROVIDED THROUGH ZOOM, AND/OR FACETIME.
BOTH PLATFORMS INCLUDE SECURITY STANDARDS FOR YOUR PROTECTION.

Counselling Vancouver

What is Depression

People may experience either major or mild (dysthymic) depression. Depression is different than brief periods of sadness due to loss or a painful experience. Clinical depression involves overwhelming feelings of sadness, or emptiness and meaninglessness, for at least 2 weeks, along with at least 4 of the other symptoms mentioned below, and significantly interferes with daily functioning.

Symptoms of Depression

If you have at least 5 of the following symptoms, and they last more than 2 weeks you may be depressed:

  • intense sadness for extended periods of time;
  • loss of motivation and/or interest in daily life; emptiness, despair, and/or hopelessness
  • inability to sleep or sleeping all the time;
  • dramatic change in appetite  or weight;
  • exhaustion and fatigue;
  • agitation and irritability, uncontrollable negative thinking,
  • low self worth,
  • difficulty concentrating,
  • suicidal thoughts (if you feel suicidal, please call the crisis line:  604-872-3311)

Treatment for Depression

Approaches to treating depression include counselling, and when necessary medication. Understanding the source of depression is critical to the ability to effectively treat it. Education, and interventions aimed at helping you cope with symptoms, manage stress, and develop preventive strategies are all beneficial aspects of counselling. It is also important to address the issues which led to depression in the first place.

Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is based on the assumption that our thoughts affect our feelings and behaviour, and that by addressing distortions in thinking, we can alter feelings and behaviours. There is also an assumption that our thinking leads to behaviour which reinforces negative feelings and thoughts, so CBT interventions address both thoughts and behaviours.