Frequently Asked
Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

• • • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
      Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder which is marked by constant and excessive worry about a number of things. Those who suffer GAD find it difficult to control their anxiety, negatively impacting their lives.
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
      Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder which is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted and often disturbing thoughts that intrude into a person’s mind causing anxiety, whereas compulsions are repeated behaviors or mental acts.
    • Panic Disorder
      Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, constant concern about having a panic attack, and significant changes in lifestyle and behaviour related to the panic attacks.
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
      Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is anxiety disorder caused by a terrifying event. People can suffer from PTSD after either experiencing or witnessing said event. PTSD is marked by nightmares, severe anxiety, flashbacks and intrusive thoughts about the event.
    • Social Anxiety Disorder
      Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a condition where an individual experiences fear and anxiety in social situations. This anxiety causes significant distress and impairs the ability to participate in some or many aspects of daily life.

All of the anxiety disorders listed above, and more, can be treated by Waystone Psychology. If you are suffering from one of these anxiety disorders contact us today to see how we can help.

While occasional anxiety related to our jobs, life, or family is normal, persistent and continuous anxiety is not and requires treatment. Most Canadians with anxiety reported seeking treatment, while 23% of Canadians reported they did not. If you are among these 23%, know that treatment can dramatically improve outcomes. If you are unsure whether or not you have an anxiety disorder, reach out to us and we can provide an assessment to get you the answers you need. Waystone Psychology is here to help you on the road to recovery.

The most common learning disabilities in Canada are:

• • • Dyslexia
    • ADHD
    • Dyscalculia
    • Dysgraphia
    • Processing Deficits

If you suspect that you or your child has a learning disability, contact us today.

Absolutely not! People with learning disabilities are often intelligent and some are even gifted. Learning disabilities mean that those living with them have brains which work differently. In order to learn the best, those with learning disabilities need to be taught in ways which take into consideration their strengths and weaknesses.

Since learning disabilities are invisible, psychological tests must be performed to determine the extent, if any, of a learning disability in an individual. At Waystone Psychology, we perform Psychoeducational Assessments to determine learning challenges faced by people of all ages. Our tests are highly effective in assessing strengths & challenges faced by individual learners.

ADHD, or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common learning disorders affecting children as well as adults. People with ADHD will have higher than normal activity levels, difficult remaining still for long periods of time, and limited attention spans. While these symptoms are common in children in general, in children with ADHD these issues are much greater than is common for their age and can cause issues with social, educational, and family functioning.

Nobody is really sure what causes learning disabilities, though sometimes learning disabilities run in families. While recent advances in brain imaging technology suggests that the brains of people with Learning Disabilities function differently than those without them, the exact causes have yet to be identified. Some research has suggested that learning disabilities might have risk factors such as genetics, or factors affecting the fetus’ development in the womb, environmental, and nutritional factors. It is important that these are simply risk factors and are not causes of learning disabilities.