Depression Therapy
in Ottawa
If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself for too long, you’re not alone.
Real support is just a conversation away.
Common Causes of Depression: Therapy for Depression in Ottawa
In order to receive the best treatment, the causes of depression must first be understood and then effective depression treatment can take place. The most common causes of depression are:
- Faulty mood regulation by the brain
- Genetic predisposition
- Stressful life events
- Sleep issues
- Diet
- Lack of Exercise
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other potential causes of depression. At Waystone Psychology, we work together to identify the causes and symptoms of depression that you are experiencing so that we can work together.
Waystone’s Straightforward but Powerful Process of Growth
Our experience enables us to offer clients a straightforward process to recovery. Having said that, you can rest assured that we do not use a cookie-cutter approach but rather treat each client with the individualized care and attention that you deserve.
Book an Appointment
With Us
Now that you’ve gotten to know us,
why not schedule an appointment
to get the journey started?
Start the Assessment
Process
We begin by running a series of
tests that are highly effective in
assessing strengths & challenges.
Identify Areas for Individual
and/or Workplace Learning
The assessments help us proceed,
working on areas that will lead to
better coping at work, school or life.
Improve Functioning at
Home, School, and Work
We’ll do a deep dive together,
isolating specific challenges and
finding effective solutions.
Waystone’s Personalized Depression Treatment
Depression can have a substantial impact on our daily functioning, even beyond its moment-to-moment impact. Depression can also affect our concentration, self-respect, and enthusiasm for previously pleasurable activities. The concerns can also spread to other areas of one’s relationships, professional life, and health.
At Waystone Psychology, our role as psychologists is to work together with the client to develop coping strategies and provide support. We help our clients develop new ways of adapting to life’s challenges in order to promote healthy functioning.
Finding Meaning & Clarity Through Depression Therapy
Depression responds well to a variety of treatment therapies and is generally very treatable. When therapy is utilised properly and in a relationship of trust, a variety of treatment techniques can be quite beneficial. When professional help is sought for depression, it gives you an opportunity to regain your sense meaning, purpose, and clarity. A highly affirming experience of life and a great relief can come from the lifting of depression and the opening to life with some sense of connection and optimism.
One aspect of this complex and diverse psychological and physical condition that most people first associate with depression is a prolonged time of sadness. Some depressed individuals may not experience any sadness at all. It’s vital to be aware of any changes in your sleep, food, energy levels, or interest in activities you used to love because everyone experiences symptoms differently.
Getting professional help for depression is the first step to getting your life back on track. Our therapists at Waystone are looking forward to having a chat with you. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t it a sign of weakness to go to a therapist or psychologist?
Not at all! Quite the contrary, in fact. Seeking help is a sign that one recognizes the problem and is willing to take action to make it better. That’s a sign of strength! Counselling helps people assess the stressors and issues that they are facing, then addresses these issues and helps one take steps to overcome what’s holding them back. While society has placed a stigma on therapy, that stigma has been lessening over time. Nowadays there is much more recognition of mental health and emotional struggles as legitimate issues. Much as one would see a medical doctor for treatment of a physical ailment, individual counselling is the best option for people coping with mental and emotional health issues.
Can one suffer from both anxiety and depression, or are they mutually exclusive?
Anxiety and depression have a lot of overlap. It is not at all uncommon for someone with depression issues to also deal with anxiety. Indeed, they are often two sides of the same coin, coexisting and manifesting themselves simultaneously or alternating. Whereas depression is more of a shutdown reaction to negative feelings and emotions, anxiety is a constant worry about what kind of bad things might happen. Both are part of the stress response system and can most certainly exist side by side, appearing as a debilitating emotional condition. The good news is that anxiety and depression do not need to be treated separately. At Waystone we often treat people who are experiencing issues of both depression and anxiety.
What are symptoms and signs of depression?
There are many depression symptoms affecting those suffering from depression of all degrees. The most common symptoms include:
- Depressed mood most of the day, almost every day
- Significantly diminished interest or pleasure in daily activities
- Changes in appetite which result in weight loss or gain.
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Irritability or restlessness
- Increased anxiety
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness
- Inappropriate feelings of guilt
- Difficulties concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or attempts at suicide
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms of depression, contact us today.
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s linked to changes in the season. Those with SAD experience symptoms at the same time every year. Most people with SAD experience the beginning of depression symptoms in the fall, continuing into winter. While it is much more uncommon, SAD can also cause depression in the spring or early summer in some people.
It is important not to dismiss annual feelings of depression as the “winter blues” that you have to push through. Contact Waystone Psychology today if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder – we can help.
What are the main types of depression?
Depression can come in many forms and degrees of severity, however there are three major types of depression. They are:
- Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by being constantly sad, hopeless, irritable, and unable to experience pleasure. There are often changes in sleeping and eating habits, and difficulties thinking or concentration. This type of depression generally goes away in a few months with proper treatment.
- Dysthymia presents itself similarly to Major Depressive Disorder, however the symptoms tend to last longer – in some cases up to years. Dysthymia is treatable, however therapy might take longer to achieve the best results.
- Bipolar Disorder is a form of depression which comes in cycles and is marked by highs and lows. At times there are symptoms of major depressive disorder, while other times there is mental excitement called mania.
If you are suffering from any form of depression, we can help. Contact us today.